European Burmese Cat Breed: Temperament, Pictures & Traits

Some cats are great to admire from afar. However, if you’re looking for a kitten that’s not afraid to get close and snuggle, the European Burmese might be the breed for you. They’re a super-affectionate breed who loves to be a part of everything you do.

And it’s not just you either. They’re a very sociable breed that loves attention from everyone. European Burmese are also incredibly playful and will always keep things interesting. So, if this sounds like the cat for you, keep reading our in-depth breed review to learn even more.

European Burmese Kittens – Before You Introduce One To Your Family

Before you run off and pick up a new European Burmese kitten, there are some serious considerations you’ll need to make.

First, you need to assess whether or not you can keep them company. This is not a cat breed that does well on its own. They thrive on companionship. We recommend getting two instead of one. But if you’re looking for a more self-sufficient cat, this is not the breed for you.

Second, they will require a dental maintenance schedule. Cleaning your cat’s teeth may seem like a silly notion. However, they are prone to gingivitis and require weekly cleanings. This will be a skill that you’ll have to take time to learn. And you’ll have to develop a system that works for both you and your cat.

Lastly, this breed is prone to several health issues—primarily heart and eye problems. While having these conditions are rare, they are still something you need to stay aware of.

3 Little-Known Facts About European Burmese Kittens

1. The Breed Can be Traced Back to a Dingle “Siamese” Cat

A brown “Siamese” cat named Wong Mau is officially recognized as both the matriarch of the Burmese and European Burmese line.

2. European Burmese Don’t Do Well Left Alone

This breed demonstrates separation anxiety when left alone. That’s why it’s best to ensure that they have a companion if you’re going to have to leave them for extended periods.

3. The Burmese and the European Burmese Are Two Completely Separate Breeds

Although both breeds can be directly traced back to a single cat, that doesn’t mean that the two breeds are the same. Both are independently recognized by cat clubs around the world. The European Burmese is more shapely and elegant in build while the Burmese are stockier and more rounded.

Temperament & Intelligence of the European Burmese Cat

The European Burmese cat is an extremely well-mannered feline. But they also love to be the life of the party. They’re great around people and take well to just about anyone who will treat them kindly. They’re also a very intelligent breed and have been known to learn some pretty amazing feats.

Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪

If you’re looking for a family cat, there’s no better breed than the European Burmese. They’re great with everyone they meet—especially children. This breed sees kids as excellent playmates. However, you’ll still have to keep an eye on the kids. The European Burmese is still a relatively small animal, so untrained children may accidentally bring harm.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

There are a ton of cat breeds that prefer to be the only cat in town. But the European Burmese isn’t one of those breeds. They love having company around! And if you pair them with another European Burmese, they’ll have a blast.

However, we still don’t recommend pairing them with a smaller pet such as a rodent or reptile. European Burmese are still cats after all. Their prey drive is insatiable, and it wouldn’t be a wise decision to keep them together.

As far as dogs go, it’s pretty much up to the dog. European Burmese cats are known for their compassion and friendliness to dogs. They’ll just be another part of the family.

Things to Know When Owning a European Burmese:

European Burmese are a very unique breed of cat. Let’s take a look at some of the things you’ll need to know when caring for one.

Food & Diet Requirements

Cats are obligate carnivores meaning that they need to eat meat to survive. And that’s why you need to be very choosy about what you’re feeding them. We recommend choosing Taste of the Wild Canyon River. It’s packed with all of the protein your cat will need boasting a minimum of 32% crude protein. Plus, the kibble’s full of heart-healthy antioxidants to keep your kitten at their very best.

Exercise 🐈

Your European Burmese is probably going to spend more time sleeping than anything else. But hey, they’re cats. That’s what they do. But that doesn’t mean your feline friend doesn’t need their exercise.

European Burmese thrive with interactive toys and puzzles. It keeps them moving and fit while engaging their mind.

Training 🎾

There’s a common misconception that cats cannot be trained. And the European Burmese is a shining example of that. While they aren’t going to learn tricks such as sit, stay, and rollover, there are other things that they can learn.

You may find that your European Burmese just love playing fetch or with other interactive cat toys. You can also help modify their behavior by training them to stay off countertops or teaching what can and cannot be scratched. There have also been reports of European Burmese learning how to use an actual flush toilet!

Grooming ✂️

Like with most cats, it’s best to leave regular grooming up to them. However, there are a few circumstances where they’ll need your help. Dental health is exceptionally important for the European Burmese. The ideal situation would be daily brushing; however, they’ll be okay with a weekly brushing.

Your European Burmese will also need a bit of help cleaning their ears. A dampened cloth dipped into a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar will do the trick. Just be sure to dry them out well after doing so.

Health and Conditions 🏥

European Burmese cats are generally healthy. The biggest two health risks they have are their sensitivity to anesthesia and gingivitis. But that doesn’t mean they’re out of the woods when it comes to potential medical problems.

These cats carry with them the potential for several major ailments and minor malaise. European Burmese tend to be particularly vulnerable to eye problems including lipemia of the aqueous humor, corneal dermoid, and congenital peripheral vestibular disease.

They’ve also got a predisposition towards heart problems including endocardial fibroelastosis and dilated cardiomyopathy. Fortunately, these conditions aren’t super common, but you should keep an eye out for any symptoms.

Male vs. Female

When it comes to differences between the sexes, it’s difficult to find any at first glance. But spend some time with a male and female, and you’ll be able to spot a big difference right away. The females of the breed are the epitome of queenliness. They can be absolute divas and will make that known to anyone who enters their lives. These queens will take charge of a room and command your attention.

The males, on the other hand, are relatively chill compared to their female counterparts. While the females need to take charge, European Burmese males are quite content in finding a warm place in your lap to curl up and nap. However, regardless of which sex you choose, each will provide you with love and compassion not found in many other cat breeds.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a cat lover looking for a friend that can provide you tons of entertainment and snuggle time, there’s no other cat like the European Burmese. While you may end up sacrificing all of your privacy, take comfort in knowing that your European Burmese adores you.

Just be vigilant when looking after their health. They might be generally robust; however, they have the potential to come down with many different conditions and diseases. Also, ensure that they’ve got some company when you leave. Fortunately, the European Burmese is so cuddly you might just want to pick up two!

Featured Image Credit: fotoliza, Shutterstock