Burmilla Cat
Updated July 19, 2026
The Burmilla is a medium, muscular yet elegant breed created from Burmese and Chinchilla Persian ancestry, recognized by a luminous silver-tipped coat, dark eye lining, and affectionate, playful temperament.
People-oriented, Playful and curious, Gentle, Moderately vocal, Adaptable
6-13 pounds
10-15 years
At a Glance
Maintenance Level
Affection Level
Energy Level
Good with Kids
Vocalization Level
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About Burmilla Cat
The Burmilla is a medium, muscular yet elegant breed created from Burmese and Chinchilla Persian ancestry, recognized by a luminous silver-tipped coat, dark eye lining, and affectionate, playful temperament.
Coat Length
Short Hair
Breed Group
Shorthair
Weight
6-13 pounds
Great For
What Makes Burmilla Cats Special
The Burmilla's pale silver coat is veiled with colored tipping, while dark outlines around the eyes, nose, and lips create a carefully made-up expression.
Its personality often falls between the energetic, dependent Burmese and the quieter Persian: affectionate and playful without constant intensity.
Burmilla Cat History & Origin
The Burmilla began in Britain in 1981 when a lilac Burmese female, Bambino Lilac Fabergé, accidentally mated with a silver Chinchilla Persian male, Jemari Sanquist. Their silver-shaded kittens inspired a planned breeding program combining Burmese type and temperament with Chinchilla coloring.
The original litter was born at the home of Baroness Miranda von Kirchberg.
The name combines Burmese and Chinchilla.
British organizations developed the Burmilla within the wider Asian breed group, while international registries use somewhat different classifications.
Burmilla Cat Characteristics
Individual Variation
Cats are individuals and not all cats, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Burmilla Cat Appearance
The breed is medium, muscular, and elegant, with a softly rounded head, expressive green eyes, and a level back.
Each pale hair carries color at the tip, producing delicate shaded or shell effects over a sparkling silver ground.
Physical Features
Ears
Medium to large, broad at the base, slightly forward-tilted, and rounded at the tips.
Eyes
Large, luminous, and slightly oblique, outlined in dark pigment; green is characteristic in adults.
Nose
Short to medium with a gentle break and dark outline around the leather.
Coat & Build
Tail
Medium to long, tapering from a moderate base to a rounded tip.
Burmilla Cat Temperament
The Burmilla's pale silver coat is veiled with colored tipping, while dark outlines around the eyes, nose, and lips create a carefully made-up expression.
Its personality often falls between the energetic, dependent Burmese and the quieter Persian: affectionate and playful without constant intensity.
Temperament Traits
Good With
Health
Burmillas are generally sturdy, but their Burmese and Persian ancestry makes pedigree-aware DNA, kidney, and cardiac screening important. Longhair can occur recessively in the breed family.
Common Health Issues
Preventive Care
Verify PKD1 status, ask which Burmese-line DNA tests and cardiac screening are used, maintain dental care and lean weight, and seek veterinary assessment for weakness, excessive thirst, weight loss, or exercise intolerance.
Caring for Your Burmilla Cat
Grooming Requirements
The short coat is fine, glossy, and easy to maintain. Longhaired Burmilla-family cats need more frequent combing and may be registered under different names depending on the organization.
Brushing
Brush shorthairs once weekly with a soft brush or grooming mitt; comb longhaired variants two or three times weekly.
Bathing
Bathe only when dirty or before a show. Use a mild cat-safe shampoo and avoid residue that dulls the silver coat.
Eye Care
Check the eyes weekly and wipe minor discharge with a separate soft, damp cloth for each eye. Persistent tearing or irritation needs veterinary attention.
Nail Care
Every 2-3 weeks.
Essential Grooming Tools
Exercise & Play
Burmillas have moderate activity needs, combining Burmese playfulness with the calmer influence of their Persian ancestry.
Daily Requirements
Provide about 30-40 minutes of interactive play daily, divided into several sessions, plus stable climbing and independent toys.
Mental Stimulation
Rotate toys and puzzles, provide window perches, and use short reward-based training sessions. Social games are especially valuable because many Burmillas seek frequent family involvement.
Recommended Activities
Nutrition & Feeding
Feed a complete-and-balanced life-stage diet. The body should feel firm and muscular under the soft coat, not rounded by excess fat.
Daily Amount
Use the food manufacturer's feeding guide as a starting point, measure the total daily ration, divide it into two or more meals, and adjust with a veterinarian to maintain ideal body condition.
Special Considerations
Avoid routine free-feeding, use part of the ration in food puzzles, and support hydration with wet food and several fresh-water stations. Therapeutic kidney diets should be used only for diagnosed disease.
Living Environment
Space Requirements
Adapts well to apartments or houses with daily companionship, stable cat furniture, scratching surfaces, hiding places, and interactive play.
Climate Preferences
The short coat offers moderate indoor comfort but limited protection from extremes. Provide warmth in cold weather and cooling in heat.
Ideal Lifestyle Match
Well suited to families and owners who want an affectionate, playful cat that is generally less intense than a Burmese but more active than a typical Persian.
Colors & Patterns
A silver or pale ground is tipped with color in shell or shaded distribution, creating the breed's luminous appearance.
Solid Colors
Patterns
Eye Colors
Green, from yellow-green in younger cats to deeper green in mature adults
Fun Facts About Burmilla Cat
The breed began with an accidental mating in Britain in 1981.
Its name combines Burmese and Chinchilla.
The foundation parents were Bambino Lilac Fabergé and Jemari Sanquist.
Dark eye, nose, and lip outlines are characteristic of the breed's expression.
The pale coat carries colored tipping rather than ordinary solid color.
Longhair can occur because of the Chinchilla Persian foundation.
PKD1 screening is relevant because of Persian ancestry.
Registry systems classify the Burmilla and related Asian cats somewhat differently.
Training Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
How was the Burmilla breed created?
It began with an accidental 1981 mating in Britain between a lilac Burmese female and a silver Chinchilla Persian male. Breeders then developed a consistent silver-shaded breed.
Are all Burmillas silver?
The characteristic coat has a silver or pale base with colored tipping or shading. The tipping can be black, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, or tortie depending on the registry.
Do Burmilla cats need PKD testing?
Yes, responsible breeding programs verify PKD1 status because the breed has Chinchilla Persian ancestry. Buyers should ask to see documented results.
Specialized Care Guides
Kitten Care
Introduce toothbrushing, grooming, carrier skills, measured feeding, and positive socialization early; obtain documented parental PKD1 and other line-relevant health results.
Senior Care
Arrange veterinary checks at least every 6-12 months as advised, monitor heart, kidneys, potassium-related weakness, teeth, weight, thyroid, and mobility, and maintain gentle daily play.
First-Time Owner Tips
A good option for an attentive first-time owner who can provide company, measured meals, dental care, and verified Persian- and Burmese-line health screening.
Looking for a Burmilla Cat?
Connect with responsible breeders, rescue organizations, and pet adoption services in your area.