Shorthair cat Medium size 3-6 kg
Burmese
A people-oriented, dog-like cat that follows you around and is easy to care for - dislikes long days alone.
Match with your household
See match detail → Quick overview
Medium
Size
3-6 kg, 23-28 cm at the shoulder
Moderate
Activity
Playful in bursts, then settles
Low
Alone-time tolerance
People-oriented; dislikes long days alone
Easy
Handling
Sociable and easy to handle
Low
Coat care
Short coat; minimal brushing
Excellent
Fit with kids
Patient with respectful children
Good
Other pets
Usually fine with cats and calm dogs
Moderate
Health burden
Obesity, diabetes, Feline Asthma
The Burmese typically weighs 3-6 kg, stands 23-28 cm, and lives 15-18 years.
Consider this breed if…
you want a cat that actively seeks your company, plays fetch and rides shoulders,
someone is home most days, or a second social cat is on the table,
there are kids at home - it is sturdy, patient and genuinely playful,
you want big personality with an easy, low-shedding coat.
Do not consider this breed if…
the home is empty 9-10 hours a day and a companion cat is not an option,
you want a quiet, independent cat - the Burmese comments on everything in a raspy voice,
you will not manage food strictly; the breed is prone to weight gain and has an elevated diabetes risk,
you dislike a cat that inserts itself into every single activity.
A typical day with a Burmese
- 7:00 · MorningSupervises breakfast from your shoulder or the counter
- 9:00 · MidmorningFollows you to the desk, settles on the keyboard side
- 13:00 · NoonWarm nap, preferably touching a person or the other cat
- 17:00 · AfternoonFetch, chase games, opinionated conversation
- 20:00 · EveningFirmly claims a lap for the night shift
- 23:00 · NightSleeps under the covers or curled against you
Family and environment
Kids Excellent
Sturdy, playful and tolerant; one of the best breeds for kids.
Other cats Good
A second social cat is the best insurance against lonely days.
Dogs Good
Confident enough to befriend cat-friendly dogs.
Apartment Ideal
Indoor life suits it; company matters more than square meters.
Seniors Great fit
Affectionate lap company for someone home most of the day.
First cat Great fit
Easy to handle and forgiving; just respect its social needs.
Busy household Conditional
Thrives on bustle, but not on an empty house - plan for company.
Health data provided by RealVetCost Overall health burden Moderate
Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.
View the full health profileTop health concerns
Obesity Food-motivated breed; strict portion control
Diabetes mellitus Burmese show elevated risk; weight control is the best prevention
Feline Asthma Chronic airway inflammation; may need inhaled medication
Hypokalemia Inherited low potassium in some lines; DNA test exists
Similar breeds - by reason
Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.
Burmese-Siamese cross, same social glue
Tonkinese
A friendly, playful blend of Siamese and Burmese that loves people and other pets - not one to leave alone all day.
View profile →
Black-coated Burmese derivative, same temperament
Bombay
A sleek, affectionate black cat that is easy to groom and people-focused - happiest with attention and prone to putting on weight.
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Burmese base with a slightly more laid-back nature
Burmilla
A gentle, even-tempered cat that blends Burmese sociability with a calmer streak - an easy first cat with modest needs.
View profile →Frequently asked questions
How much does a Burmese cat cost in the US?
Pet-quality kittens from reputable breeders typically run $1,000-$2,000; show lines cost more and waitlists are common since the breed is less numerous than it once was. Over a 15-18 year life, food, litter and routine vet care usually total $13,000-$22,000+, and managing a chronic condition like diabetes or asthma can add thousands on top.
Are Burmese cats really dog-like?
As close as cats get. Most Burmese follow their person from room to room, greet visitors at the door, learn fetch readily and want to be physically on you rather than near you. The flip side of that devotion is genuine dislike of being left alone - it is a package deal.
Can a Burmese be left alone during a workday?
A standard workday is workable if the cat has company - ideally a second social cat - and evening attention. A single Burmese in a home empty ten hours a day, every day, is a recipe for a vocal, clingy, sometimes destructive cat. If that is your schedule, get two or pick a more independent breed.
Are American and European Burmese different?
Yes. American lines are more compact with a rounder head; European (traditional) lines are more moderate and oriental in type, with more accepted colors. Some American lines carry a head-defect gene tied to the contemporary look, and European studies flag elevated diabetes risk - either way, ask the breeder what they test for.