Burmese Breeders and other related Links
Written by Yvonne Hendelberg
History
In 1930, a female cat caused great commotion at a local cat show in San Fransisco. She was called Wong Mau and was imported from Burma by a Mr Joseph Thomson. Wong Mau had a short, glossy brown coat and yellow eyes.
Through a careful breeding program, it was established that Wong Mau was a Tonkanese, which means that she carried one gene for Siamese and one gene for
Burmese. The Burmese gene was something totally unique for the Burmese breed and through different matings it was proven to be dominant over the Siamese gene. This was of utmost importance since also proved that it was possible to pure breed the Burmese gene.
Registration
The American CFA was the first association to acknowledge the Burmese breed, however later again revoked the decision and for many years refused to register Burmese cats. The final acknowledgment of the CFA came in 1957. Five years earlier, the English GCCF had approved the Burmese breed and it was here that the first blue Burmese was born. The breeders were very excited since this meant that it was possible to breed the Burmese in other colors than the original brown.
Type and characteristics
Body, legs and feet
The body should be of medium size, substantial bone structure and good muscular development with a surprising weight for its size. Presenting somewhat compact appearance. Chest ample and rounded with back level from shoulder to tail. Hips of same width and shoulders. Legs should be in proportion to body with substantial bone structure. Feet should be rounded and well knit.
Head
The head should be rounded without flat planes. Forehead rounded as if cat was looking under bangs. Nose break should be visible in profile. Face full. Muzzle short and well developed. Chin firmly rounded. Tooth occlussion should be perfect.
Eyes
The eyes should be large but not protuberant, set well apart and with round aperture. Eyes should be yellow and brilliant. It is to be noticed though, that the color is toned down by the Burmese gene, as also in coat color. This means that the yellow is somewhat lighter than the yellow seen in for example Persians or British Shorthairs. The eye color will also fade with age and is at its best at approximately one year of age. After this most Burmese tend to get a color more towards green-yellow.
Ears
The ears are to be of medium size, tilting slightly forward and broad at base. Set well apart with slightly rounded tips.
Tail
The tail should be straight, of medium length and thickness. Free from vertebral defects!
Coat
The coat should be fine and glossy. It should be short and very close-lying, satin-like in texture. Notice that the Burmese gene surpresses the color of the coat. A brown Burmese is genetically black. The color is sensitive to changes of temperature, lighter when temperature is warm and darker when temperature is colder. This is why the kittens are born with a very light colored coat, having lied in the warm womb of their mother. The color will darken up until the age of two years.
Temperament
The Burmese is a playful, happy cat that will love everyone! Since the Burmese lacks the under wool hair, the favorite places and positions are warm laps and cuddling up with a cat friend. The Burmese will charm your visitors by quickly laying down on their laps. It is a curious cat and needs lots of attention and stimulance. In general , Burmese cats go well with children, dogs or other cats. They are not happy being alone.
Burmese Breeders and other related Links
CFA Breed Profile: Burmese
www.cfainc.org/breeds/profiles/burmese.html
Burmese Standard TICA
http://www.tica.org/html/english/cats/breeds.php
Burmese Breed Standard - CFA Breed Standard
www.cfainc.org/breeds/standards/burmese.html
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