The Beautiful, Raspy Voiced Burmese Cat

Burmese are the ultimate companion cats.

Often cited as the most affectionate of all cat breeds, they love being with people, playing with them, and keeping them entertained. They crave close physical contact with their people. Often referred to as "velcro cats", they abhor an empty lap, will follow their humans from room to room, and sleep in bed with them, preferably under the covers, cuddled as close as possible.

When they play, they often try to entertain.

They will actually check to see if you're is watching their crazy antics. They are very intelligent, and often stubborn. Don't be surprised if they train YOU to take care of their every need and want, exactly as they wish. As someone who brought a couple of kittens home said "we don't own them, they enslave us!"

The word that comes to mind when looking at the Burmese is round.

Picture a small-to-medium size cat with large, round gold eyes on a round head, sitting on a compact, rounded body. The facial expression of a Burmese is sweet, innocent and unique among pedigreed cats. It has been said that when the Burmese looks at you, it feels like it is "looking into your soul."

The body of the Burmese is akin to that of a little bulldog.

There is nothing dainty about a Burmese; it is strong and muscular, with a broad chest. The body feels hard like that of an athlete. What consistently surprises people is how heavy they are, given their relatively small size. There is a lot of muscle and power packed into that small frame.

This little bundle is clothed in a shiny, close-lying coat that feels like satin.

Burmese come in four colors: sable, champagne, blue and platinum. Sable is the most common of the four and is like a deep chocolate brown.

The breed can be broadly divided into two types: European Burmese and contemporary Burmese.

The European Burmese possesses longer, narrower muzzles with a less pronounced nose break, and a slightly narrower head; the contemporary Burmese has shorter, broad­er muzzles, a pronounced nose break, and broader, rounder head shapes.

Additionally, the contemporary Burmese bears the brown coat proudly, while the European Burmese sports brighter colors like red.

This is a smart cat that is equally comfortable in a shop, home, or office. It is energetic, playful, and keeps its human companions amused with its antics.

There are certain differences in temperament between males and females: females display more curiosity and are more emotionally attached to their owners; males are quieter, though they, too, are fond of human company. They both display tremendous interest in food.

The Burmese speaks with a hoarse voice as if it has a bad throat from too much chatting

It is quieter than its Siamese counterpart, but will purr when it becomes restless or annoyed.

In their country of origin, the Burmese breed is sometimes referred to as the copper cat.

Their history dates back thousands of years and the legend goes that the illustrious forefathers of the Burmese were worshiped in temples as Gods in Burma.

The Burmese is very friendly inquisitive cat with an outgoing, loving nature - this is why Burmese are one of the most popular breeds.

It has been said that the Burmese are more like dogs than cats in their behaviour. When encouraged from kitten hood, they will fetch. They will greet you at the door when you come home and comfort you when you are ill or unhappy - they give unconditional love.

The Burmese is an upfront cat, not left out of where it is all happening.

It's a participator - alert, curious, intelligent, interfering and gregarious: you cannot ignore it! When you sit down, the Burmese thinks you are offering him a warm and comfortable bed. When you kneel to weed the garden, the Burmese will use your back as a vantage -point from which to observe the environment. When you do your daily chores in the house, the Burmese will assume that your shoulder is the best place from where tasks can be assisted.

Breeders report temperament differences between males and females.

The females are highly curious, active, and very emotionally involved with their family. The altered males love their humans too, but are more placid. They like to lounge about, usually on top of whatever you're doing. They take life as it comes. The only issue about which they are passionately concerned is the selected cuisine and when it will be served.

Burmese have a unique rasp to their voices and sound a bit like cats going hoarse from too much talking.

Burmese are not as talkative as their Siamese neighbors. When they have something to say, however, they'll reiterate the message until you get out your universal feline/human translator and take care of whatever it is troubling them.

Breeders describe the Burmese as “bricks wrapped in silk” due to its solid, muscular round-shaped body that features a silky, close-lying shorthaired coat.