Shorthair cat Medium size 3-6 kg

Burmilla

A gentle, even-tempered cat that blends Burmese sociability with a calmer streak - an easy first cat with modest needs.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Medium
Size
3-6 kg, 23-28 cm at the shoulder
Moderate
Activity
Playful in bursts, then settles
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Tolerates some time on its own
Moderate
Handling
Cooperative with a little patience
Low
Coat care
Short coat; minimal brushing
Good
Fit with kids
Fine with considerate kids
Good
Other pets
Usually fine with cats and calm dogs
Moderate
Health burden
Obesity, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

The Burmilla typically weighs 3-6 kg, stands 23-28 cm, and lives 12-16 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a sociable but not clingy cat that greets you without shadowing you all day,
you prefer a quiet home - this breed talks far less than a Burmese,
you want a low-maintenance coat with a striking silver shimmer,
there are considerate kids or other calm pets at home.

Do not consider this breed if…

you want a widely available breed - Burmillas are scarce in the US and waitlists are common,
you are away most days and want a fully independent cat; it still wants company in the evening,
you will not keep up with portion control - these easygoing cats gain weight quickly,
you expect a high-energy entertainer; this is a moderate, gentle cat.

A typical day with a Burmilla

  1. 7:00 · Morning
    Soft greeting at the kitchen, breakfast, short play
  2. 9:30 · Midmorning
    Window watching, then a long nap
  3. 13:00 · Noon
    Sleeps through the quiet hours
  4. 17:00 · Afternoon
    Playful burst - wand toy or chasing a ball
  5. 19:30 · Evening
    Settles next to you on the sofa
  6. 22:30 · Night
    Sleeps nearby, rarely wakes the house

Temperament and training

Sociability High
Playfulness Moderate
Vocality Low
Tolerance of handling High
Independence Moderate
Hunting drive Moderate
Common owner mistakes
Free-feeding an easygoing indoor cat until it is overweight · Skipping kidney and heart screening questions because the breed "seems healthy" · Leaving it without company or stimulation on long empty days

Family and environment

Kids Good
Gentle and patient with kids who handle it kindly.
Other cats Good
Sociable; usually accepts a feline companion.
Dogs Good
Fine with calm dogs after slow introductions.
Apartment Suitable
Moderate energy fits indoor life well.
Seniors Great fit
Quiet, affectionate, easy coat care.
First cat Great fit
Even-tempered and forgiving of beginner mistakes.
Busy household Conditional
Handles a workday; whole days alone call for a companion.
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 profile
Top health concerns
Obesity Indoor cats gain weight easily; watch portions
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) Most common feline heart disease; echo screening helps
Kidney disease (incl. PKD) Polycystic kidney disease reported in some lines - ask about testing
Dental Disease Plaque and gum disease; routine dental care helps

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Parent breed - more vocal and intense
Burmese
A people-oriented, dog-like cat that follows you around and is easy to care for - dislikes long days alone.
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Same breed family, similar temperament
Asian Cat
A Burmese-type cat that is talkative, people-focused and lively - it wants interaction and dislikes being ignored.
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Sociable, moderate-energy alternative
Tonkinese
A friendly, playful blend of Siamese and Burmese that loves people and other pets - not one to leave alone all day.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Burmilla cost in the US?
Expect roughly $800-$1,500 for a pet-quality kitten when you can find one - the breed is rare in the US, so waitlists and travel to a breeder are common. Over a 12-16 year life, food, litter and routine vet care typically add $10,000-$18,000 or more, and a chronic condition like kidney or heart disease can add thousands on top.
Are Burmillas rare?
Yes. The breed originated in the UK in the 1980s from a Burmese x Chinchilla Persian cross and remains uncommon, especially in North America. Plan on a search, a waitlist, or possibly importing - and vet any breeder carefully, because scarcity attracts scams.
Are Burmillas as vocal and demanding as Burmese?
No - that is one of the breed's selling points. The Burmilla keeps the Burmese friendliness and people-orientation but in a quieter, more laid-back package. It will follow you around and join whatever you are doing, yet it rarely yells for attention.
Do Burmillas have health problems?
They are generally healthy, but polycystic kidney disease has been reported in some lines through the Chinchilla Persian ancestry, so ask the breeder about kidney testing. Beyond that, watch for the usual indoor-cat issues: weight gain, dental disease, and heart screening where the breeder's lines warrant it.