Burmese Cat: The Origin Of The Breed, External Features, Photo Of A Sacred Cat, Conditions Of Keeping And Care, Owner Reviews

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 22:26

Sacred Burma: hearth keeper cat

Burmese cats are attractive and gentle creatures, and their origin is associated with the intervention of the Higher Forces in earthly affairs. In addition, the calm and unpretentious nature makes these animals faithful companions for pet lovers.

Content

• 1 History of sacred Burma

  1.1 Photo gallery: the origins of the Burmese cat breed

• 2 The appearance of the Burmese cat

  2.1 Photo gallery: types of colors in Burmese cats

• 3 Features of the behavior of Burmese cats

  3.1 Video: Burmese cat

• 4 Burmese cat and disease

• 5 Acquisition of a Burmese kitten

  5.1 Video: sacred Burmese cats

• 6 Keeping Burmese cats

  • 6.1 Hygiene and care
  • 6.2 Feeding
• 7 Breeding Burmese cats
• 8 Reviews of the owners of sacred Burma

History of sacred Burma

The breed of Burmese cats originates in the ancient temples of the peninsular state of Myanmar, which was previously called Burma. The legend says about the Lao Dzun temple, which once existed in those parts, and was dedicated to the goddess Dzun-Khyan-Kse. This deity was in charge of the issues of reincarnation and the transmigration of the souls of the departed to better worlds.

The Burmese cat breed is considered sacred among the peoples of Asia

And for the souls of the monks who served in the temple, a different fate was in store. After death, they were to move into the bodies of cats with snow-white fur and amber eyes, who lived on the territory of the monastery. The purr was an impressive number - about 100 individuals. And they all helped the monks as best they could - they caught mice, drove away snakes.

Like other similar religious institutions, Lao Zun Pagoda was famous for its beautiful statue depicting the patron goddess. The monument was made of gold and the eyes were made of two bright blue sapphires. Such a work of art often attracted robbers to the temple.

One day in 1860, the abbot of the Munh Ga temple decided to devote himself to meditation near the statue. The monks bravely repulsed the attacks of the robbers, but the forces were unequal. Defending Dzun-Khyan-Kse, the primate died. And the cat Sinh, who had been sitting next to the owner all this time, let out a heartbreaking cry and lit up with a golden light. At the same time, the animal's eyes changed color from yellow to sapphire blue, and snow-white "socks" appeared on the tips of the paws. Following Sinh, in the blink of an eye, other temple cats also changed color.

Struck by what they saw, the robbers hastened to retreat and did not touch the temple with the statue. An unusual cat suffered a sad fate - after sitting on the owner's body for another six days, the purr gave up his ghost.

Photo gallery: the origins of the Burmese cat breed

Since ancient times, cats have been living in the temples of Burma

Originally Burmese cats, according to legend, were white

The blue look of Burmese cats is associated with the influence of divine powers

In order to exclude further looting of the temple, the monks turned to the British military for help. And in 1868, in gratitude for their protection, they presented two cats to General Russell Gordon and Major August Pove. But the animals failed to get to England - the cats died a few days before their arrival.

The subsequent history of Burmese cats developed according to the following scenario:

• The year 1910 was marked by the purchase of two Burmese kittens by billionaire Vanderbild, as a result of which the grown cat reached France and brought offspring from the cat - the kitten Pupa de Madelpour (the cat itself died on the way to Europe);
• in 1913 Mrs. Bodon took the cat Poupe de Madelpour for breeding;
• by 1920, breeder Marcel Crevue established the breed-forming characteristics of sacred Burma, including blue eyes and white spots on the tips of the paws;
• 1925 was a decisive year - the Sacred Burma breed was officially recognized by the French felinological community;
• in May 1926, Burmese cats first appeared at an exhibition of purebred purrs in Paris along with other tailed participants (there were about three hundred cats);
• from 1928 to 1931 Burmese cats of Mrs. Bodon began to win prizes at exhibitions in Paris.

The Second World War had a devastating effect on the breed, and by 1950 there were only two Burmese cats throughout Europe. The breeders decided to restore the gene pool of these beautiful animals by crossing the remaining representatives with Siamese and Persian cats.

Thanks to the work carried out, the breed was not only revived, but also improved its physiological and external qualities. Since 1966, Burmese cats have been recognized as a separate breed, first in the UK and then in the United States. Today Burma is recognized by all feline organizations in the world.

Currently, the breed of sacred Burma continues to gain popularity, but in Russia it is still quite rare.

The appearance of a Burmese cat

Despite the voluminous coat, Burmese cats are medium-sized animals and reach a height at the withers of no more than 30 cm. Adult animals weigh an average of 5-8 kg, depending on gender (females are smaller and lighter than males).

Burma is a breed of medium-sized and graceful cats

Against the background of other semi-long-haired breeds, sacred Burma stands out with white socks on its paws, and the almond-shaped eyes of these fluffies must be exclusively sky-blue.

Other characteristics enshrined in the breed standard by the felinological organization WCF describe Burmese cats as follows:

• an elongated, stocky body rests on strong, broad legs;
• developed musculature is combined with a powerful bone;
• the tail is of medium length and pubescent like a “sultan” (sparse hair at the base and elongated at the tip);
• the triangular head is rounded along the contour;
• the ears are set wide apart and differ in small indentations at the base;
• the nose is wide and has a fossa near the tip;
• medium-length silky coat thickens around the neck and hind legs, forming a "collar" and "pants";
• the undercoat is either poorly expressed or absent;
• the pile is wavy on the abdomen, while on the rest of the body it is straight.

The basis of the color of Burmese cats is the colorpoint color, which means the presence of darkened areas on the coldest parts of the animal's body. These include the ears, paws, tail and muzzle of the purr.

The colorpoint varieties allowed by the breed standard include about 20 variations. The most common colors are:

• blue point - gray-blue shades;
• seal point - brown coat;
• cream point - cream color;
• red point - red, red tones;
• chocolate point - the color of milk chocolate;
• lilac point - light gray colors;
• tabby - the presence of small stripes in dark areas;
• torti - tortoiseshell, tricolor version;
• cake tabby - a combination of spots and stripes on the face and legs.

Despite the fact that the presence of blotches in the form of spots or stripes on the fur coat of a Burmese cat is allowed, the tips of the animal's legs should be only white. At the same time, the presence of white blotches on other parts of the purr's body is considered a disadvantage and affects the assessment in competitions.

Other disadvantages of the breed include:

• "Muddy" pattern on the wool;
• fingers of a different shade protruding from the "toe";
• long stripes over the body.

In this case, disqualifying signs are considered - the complete absence of at least one sock or the presence of colored specks on the white tips of the paws.

Photo gallery: types of colors in Burmese cats

Bluepoint is the most famous color among Burmese cats

Tortoiseshell color is inherent in Burmese females

The lilac color gives Burmese cats a luxurious look

Silpoint assumes a classic brown color for Burmese

Tabby is an acceptable color for sacred Burma

Redpoint is a rare color for Burmese cats

Milk chocolate color is very common among Burmese cats.

Cream point - the most delicate color in Burmese cats

Features of the behavior of Burmese cats

The sacred purrs from Burmese temples were famous for their wise character, which was passed on through the centuries to furry descendants.

Sacred Burma is distinguished by wise calm and goodwill

Burmese cats have a kind and peaceful disposition, do not like noisy companies and avoid fuss. At the same time, these pussies love to frolic, especially at a young age. Playfulness is combined with high intelligence, thanks to which the animal remembers simple commands from the first time and is easily trainable.

In addition, the following features stand out in the behavior of the Burmese breed:

• the desire to eat and take a nap on the owner's lap;
• love of periodic solitude in secluded corners;
• talkativeness and constant desire to communicate with household members;
• cleanliness and a regular desire to tidy up the coat;
• curiosity and observation.

At the same time, Burmese cats are unobtrusive and may well go about their business on their own. If there are small children in the house, sacred purrs willingly play with them and resignedly allow themselves to be "squeezed". If the cat gets tired of excessive attention to his person, the pet will not release its claws and show aggression in any other way. The animal will simply go to another place and rest, looking at the bustle of the world from a safe distance.

The Burmese cat perceives other domestic animals friendly and can even establish contact with dogs or turtles. The furry will also meet strangers in the house with the cordiality of a hospitable host and will accompany guests from the doorway to the living room.

Due to the nature of a loner, Burma easily tolerates the long absence of the owner. Therefore, the breed is suitable for those who are often forced to leave on business trips.

Video: Burmese cat

Burmese cat and disease

Sacred Burma cats are considered one of the healthiest cats in the feline family. Fluffy beauties live at least 10-14 years, subject to caring attitude from the owner.

Burmese cats are famous for their excellent health among their relatives.

There are also known examples of centenarians among Burmese purrs, living up to the twenty-year mark and more. So, in Australia, there is a Burmese cat named Catalina, whose age is fixed at around 35 years old.

The main health hazards of fluffy Burmese are represented by the following ailments:

• hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - a pathology of the heart muscle, in the absence of supportive therapy, turning into heart failure, paralysis of the hind legs and threatening sudden cardiac arrest;
• disturbances in the work of the vestibular apparatus - most often associated with pathologies of the inner ear and require regular monitoring by a veterinarian;
• corneal dermoid of the cornea - a hereditary disease characterized by the formation of a tumor on the cornea of the eye and removed surgically;
• urolithiasis (urolithiasis) - occurs as a result of an improper diet in males of the breed and, if no assistance is provided, is fatal within 2-4 days.

In order to save the life of the pet and maintain health at the proper level, you need to undergo a preventive examination by a veterinarian every six months.

Do not forget about routine vaccination, as well as regularly (at least once a year) to carry out deworming. Flea and tick control measures must also be present in the life of the Burmese cat.

Acquisition of a Burmese kitten

Despite the growing popularity of the Sacred Burma cat breed in the world, these pussies are still rare animals in Russia. Therefore, these can be purchased mainly from professional breeders.

It is better to buy Burmese kittens in registered catteries

If the choice falls on individuals, then according to the ad there is an opportunity to buy a Burmese worth 5-7 thousand rubles. However, the kitten, most likely, will not have vaccinations and documents confirming pedigree.

The true sacred Burma will cost the future owner a much larger amount, and the price will depend on the kitten's gender and class. As a rule, females are valued more expensive than males, and the pet category is considered the most budgetary (when an animal is purchased only as a pet) - from 20 thousand rubles. Fuzzies of the categories breed and show will cost 45 and 60 thousand rubles, respectively.

When choosing a future pet, you should pay attention to the following points:

• animal behavior - the kitten should be curious and playful;
• the condition of the skin and wool - the coat should be thick and even, ears and eyes clean;
• coat color - on the belly, the coat should be curly and lighter than on other parts of the body;
• the availability of the necessary vaccinations - you need to require the provision of the Burmese veterinary passport and information about the parents.

It is important to take into account the fact that Burmese cats are born completely white, and the color begins to darken only by three months. At the same time, rock-forming white "gloves" on the paws appear. Therefore, you should not take a kitten before this time. The final color is formed only by the age of three years of the animal's life.

Eye color in newborn kittens is bright blue, gradually lightening up to 12 weeks of age. When the babies turn three months old, the eyes begin to darken again and finally become like precious sapphires.

Video: sacred Burmese cats

Keeping Burmese cats

The gentle and intelligent character affected the way of life of the Burmese cats. Fuzzies are not at all adapted to living on the street, they are exclusively pets.

Burmese purrs are one of the most pets among cats

As expected, Burmese do not need walks in the fresh air, a warm sunny window sill is enough for them. In other matters of content, fluffy beauties are also very unpretentious.

Hygiene and care

Like all members of the feline family, Burmese cats need careful grooming and regular hygiene.

Combing wool is a must in the care of a Burmese furry

Since the breed is rewarded with a dense coat of medium length, it is important to comb the coat no more than once or twice a week. Then the pet will always look neat and well-groomed. At the same time, due to the almost absent undercoat, the probability of the formation of tangles in a downy is negligible. And it is best to perform manipulations with a special brush with rare, rounded teeth. By and large, Burmese cats do not need grooming. In addition, clipping the coat can lead to an irreparable change in the coat color.

Other procedures to which the Burmese must be taught from the "young claws" will be:

• daily rubbing the eyes and muzzle with a cotton pad dipped in warm boiled water;
• weekly cleaning of the ears with a cotton swab treated with drops against ear mites;
• cleansing the mouth and teeth once a week with a special toothpaste and brush;
• bathing 1-2 times a month, during molting - every week.

Like many other purrs, sacred Burma is suspicious of water treatments. Therefore, it is not worth taking a full bath for your pet, a shower or a stream of water from the tap is enough.

Burmese are thermophilic animals, so you need to protect your pet from hypothermia and drafts. It is also worth remembering that the cold atmosphere darkens the points of sacred Burma. At the same time, it is important to regularly ventilate the living space, since fresh air helps to accelerate metabolism and strengthen the animal's immunity.

Separately, mention should be made of the administration of the natural needs of the Burmese. It is better to choose a secluded place for the toilet, away from the interior passages and the entrance to the house. The tray should be spacious and low-sided. A suitable solution would be a "restroom" in the form of a house or a semi-closed version. And the filler should be selected in accordance with the recommendations of the breeders, giving preference to specimens with large granules.

Feeding

Burmese cats in matters of food, by and large, do not differ from other meowing pussies. Nuances are associated only with products that affect the point color of animal hair.

Burmese cats prefer natural food

So, to maintain the uniformity of the distribution of beige shades on a fur coat, it is necessary to give sacred milk products to sacred Burma more often - cottage cheese, fermented baked milk, sour cream. But iodine and copper-containing food is better to exclude from the pet's diet, since these substances can negatively affect the contrast between dark and light areas of the coat. Since the liver, algae, buckwheat and feed based on them cause thickening of the brown pigment in the hairs of the coat of Burmese cats.

Simultaneously with the presence of gourmet tendencies in the character of Burmese cats, the passion for overeating is not observed in the sacred temple furries. A pet always knows exactly how much to eat to satisfy hunger, so obesity does not threaten a wise cat.

Burmese cats are fed twice a day in 250-300 gram portions, and kittens are given food no more than five times a day, 150-200 g per meal.

If it is decided to give the animal ready-made feed, then preference should be given to super premium or holistic class products. When eating natural food, do not forget about the inclusion of vitamin and mineral complexes in the diet.

The Burmese cat's menu should include foods rich in protein and fiber:

• rabbit meat;
• turkey meat;
• fish;
• cereals;
• vegetables.

Do not give the purr fried, salted, smoked and flour. Sweets are also banned, as are sodas, spices or alcohol. It is not advisable to feed Burmese seals with milk, as this product causes gastrointestinal upset, bloating and diarrhea.

It is imperative to ensure that there is always a cup of fresh drinking water next to the food bowl.

Breeding Burmese cats

Sacred Burma cats are most often sold from catteries already spayed or neutered. Therefore, you need to try to find breeders dealing with breed animals. Or try to get a purr ready for procreation from your hands. Which is fraught with numerous risks.

Breeding Burmese cats is not an easy task

In addition, it can be difficult to find a suitable mating partner. Indeed, for Russia, Burmese cats are almost exotic pets.

If all the obstacles are removed, you can start breeding the Burmese breed. In this case, you should remember a few nuances:

• puberty in females occurs at the age of 7–9 months, in males - from 9–11 months;
• a cat's pregnancy lasts 68–72 days;
• you need to knit a kitty no more than twice a year, a cat no more than twice a month, so that the pets can fully recover;
• you cannot knit a Burmese with representatives of other breeds and with individuals without a pedigree;
• It is forbidden to mate Breed-class sacred Burma with pet-class purrs.

When the owner is not faced with the task of breeding, professional breeders recommend depriving pussies of reproductive function. This is explained not only by the facilitation of living together (the cat will stop marking the territory, and the kitty will scream heart-rendingly during estrus), but also by avoiding pet health problems. After all, if the purr is not mated for more than two years, an uncastrated furry may develop diseases of the genitourinary system.

Modern technologies allow an operation to remove or ligate the genitals of kitties at any age starting from two months of life. More and more often, preference is given to laparoscopic methods of surgery, and abdominal operations fade into the background. Therefore, recovery after visiting a veterinary clinic for a Burmese cat will not take more than two days, and for a cat - 7 days (taking into account the healing of the stitches).

Before going to the clinic, the purr needs to deworm and rid the animal of fleas. 12 hours before the operation, the Burmese cat stops giving food and monitors the constant access of the furry to the water resources.

After the operation, several rules must be followed:

• exit from anesthesia - only under the supervision of a doctor (to avoid complications);
• beginning of feeding - 6–8 hours after coming out of sleepiness;
• feed - in small portions every half hour;
• monitor the movements of the animal for two days in order to avoid falls and bruises (coordination may be impaired);
• avoid drafts and hypothermia of the pet until the wounds or stitches are completely healed.

With an attentive and careful attitude to the pet, castration or sterilization will not have a negative effect on the health of the pet, and the furry's future life will sparkle with new colors.

Reviews of the owners of sacred Burma

Among the owners of this rare breed, there is an opinion about the unusual abilities of the blue-eyed temple purrs. And if there are none, adorable cats win hearts with a gentle disposition and a wise attitude towards life.

Burmese cats are the dream of many tailed pet lovers

According to the author, Burmese cats look very gentle and sensitive creatures. Therefore, despite the purr's love for solitude, you need to give your pet as much attention and affection as possible. Then the fluffy will become a faithful friend and helper, personifying a true amulet for the hearth.

Burmese cats are one of the most adapted animals for living in city apartments. The breed is famous not only for its calmness and unpretentiousness, but also for the ability to make any family "nest" cozy. And the ease of care makes sacred Burma a dream for many pet lovers.