Burmese Cats
The Burmese cat comes from Thailand, then known as Siam. In 1930 Dr. Joseph Cheesman Thompson imported Wong Mau, a brown female cat, into San Francisco. The Burmese cat gained recognition by the Cat Fancier's Association. Though due to over breeding with Saimese cats the CFA suspended recognition of the Burmese as a purebred cat on May 8th 1947 and was lifted in 1954.
History of Burmese Cats
Physical Characteristics
The American breeders prefer the "contemporary Burmese" or American Burmese which have shorter noses and rounder skulls then the "traditional Burmese" or Brittish Burmese. The Burmese cat has short fur of wide variety of colors. The ideal Burmese is a small to medium sized cat with a muscular frame, heavier than it looks, and a straight back. The Burmese is not as long and slender as the Siamese, nor as heavily boned as the British Shorthair. Their paws are neat and oval shaped with slender legs and neck, which give the Burmese a distinctive elegant look. The tail is medium in length, with a slight taper to a rounded tip. The most characteristic feature of the Burmese is their amazing coats. Their coats are short, fine, sleek and glossy, lying close to the body, and satin-like in feel and texture. Their coats are easy to care for, a simple pat is often enough to groom it.
Temperament
A Burmese cat is a wonderful companion and makes an excellent pet. They adapt well in large, noisy households becoming part of the family. They are an intelligent breed with a boisterous, lively and alert nature. They are also individual, playful, fun loving, and even tempered. Burmese thrive on company, both adult, children and other pets alike. Often dubbed the "dog of the cat world", Burmese are extremely people-oriented. Their personalities are almost dog-like in a tendency to shadow their owners and in a desire to give and receive affection. They are interested in everything their humans do, and will often help with all the tasks. Most enthusiasts say that the most outstanding feature of the Burmese cat is its affectionate nature. You can be guaranteed a loving welcome when you share your life with a Burmese.