Breed Profile · Sparkling Silver Companion

Burmilla Cat

Felis catus (Burmese x Chinchilla Persian lineage)
An elegant, sparkling gem of the feline world. Combining the mischievous, social nature of the Burmese with the serene, affectionate calm of the Chinchilla Persian, the Burmilla is a stunning companion adorned with shimmering silver coats and striking green eyes lined in black.
United Kingdom
Origin
10–15 Years
Lifespan (years)
6–10 lb – 8–12 lb
Typical Weight

Origin United Kingdom
Coat patterns Tipped or Shaded Silver
Coat length Shorthair & Semi-Longhair
Energy level Moderately Active
Hypoallergenic No (Low Shedding)
Recognition GCCF
Experience level Beginner Friendly
Geographic Origins

Development in the United Kingdom

The Burmilla breed originated accidentally in London, United Kingdom in 1981, when a Lilac Burmese female and a Chinchilla Persian male mated. The stunning appearance of the resulting offspring inspired the creation of this elegant breed.
United Kingdom
The Royal Mating (1981)
An accidental meeting between Baroness Miranda von Kirchberg's Lilac Burmese (Fabergé) and Chinchilla Persian (Sanquist) while awaiting separate mates sparked the breed's birth.
The Shimmering Four
The litter produced four exquisite, short-haired female kittens with spectacular black-shaded silver coats, laying the foundation for the entire Burmilla standard.
Overview

The sparkling silver sweetheart

The Burmilla is a medium-sized cat of striking beauty and sweet disposition. Celebrated for their gleaming, silver-tipped coats and large, expressive green eyes outlined with deep black "makeup," they look like miniature wildcats clothed in delicate evening wear.

"A shimmering silver gem with a sparkling soul, the Burmilla blends the playful, dog-like devotion of the Burmese with the serene elegance of the Persian."

They are muscular yet elegant, moving with grace. Despite their regal appearance, they are incredibly down-to-earth companions who cherish their human families and adapt beautifully to indoor living.

Temperament

Personality & character traits

The Burmilla has an exceptional temperament, perfectly balancing the characteristics of its parent breeds. From the Burmese, they inherit curiosity, high intelligence, and an outgoing, playful spirit. From the Chinchilla Persian, they receive a gentle, laid-back demeanor, a quiet, sweet voice, and a deep love for relaxed cuddle sessions.

Playfulness & Energy 4 / 5

Affection & Cuddle Affinity 4.8 / 5

Grooming Commitment (Shedding) 2.5 / 5

Sociability with Kids & Pets 4.8 / 5

Did You Know?

Burmilla fun facts

These remarkable felines are full of surprising characteristics that set them apart from almost any other cat breed in the world:

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Natural Makeup Artist: Their eyes, nose, and lips are heavily outlined in dark pencil lines, making them look as if they are wearing pristine, professionally applied black eyeliner.
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Accidental Treasure: The breed was entirely accidental! A housekeeper left a door open, leading to an unplanned encounter between a prize-winning Lilac Burmese and a Silver Persian.
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Sparkling Shimmer: Their coat has a magical quality. Each individual hair has a pure white-silver base but is tipped with color, causing their coat to sparkle and shimmer when they move.
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Polite Conversation: They inherit the chatty Burmese nature but with a much softer, quieter volume. They will chirrup and converse with you in sweet, melodic whispers.
Appearance

Physical characteristics

The Burmilla is a medium-sized, athletic cat with a gently rounded head, a broad chest, and slender legs ending in neat, oval paws. Their most defining feature is their coat's unique shaded or tipped silver coloration, coupled with their mesmerizing green eyes.

Characteristic Description Notes
Eyes Large, luminous, rounded eyes, set slightly slanted. Must be shades of brilliant green; outlined in a distinctive dark charcoal liner.
Coat & Color Silky, dense coat with a shimmering silver undercoat. Tipped or shaded with black, blue, chocolate, lilac, or apricot; sparkling appearance.
Body Structure Medium, muscular build with a heavy, solid feel. Surprisingly heavy for their size; broad chest and elegant, straight legs.
Head & Muzzle Gently rounded wedge head with a distinct nose break. Rounded muzzle with firm chin; ears are medium-to-large with rounded tips.
Care guide

What Burmilla ownership requires

The Burmilla is relatively low-maintenance compared to other silver or Persian breeds, but they still require dedicated care to keep their coat sparkling and their bodies healthy.

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Brushing & Shedding
Weekly brushing with a steel comb or soft brush easily removes loose hairs. They shed moderately, with a heavier shed during seasonal changes.
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Tear Stain Care
They can occasionally inherit the watery eyes of their Persian ancestors. Gently wiping the corners of their eyes with a damp cloth prevents staining.
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Weight Management
Because they enjoy quiet lounge sessions, they can be prone to weight gain. Provide portion-controlled, high-protein meals and daily play.
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Dental & Ear Care
Clean their ears weekly with a damp cotton pad and brush their teeth regularly to prevent periodontal disease common in indoor cats.
Enrichment for Burmillas

Essentials that match their shimmering nature

Grooming brushes and tools
Premium Grooming Combs
Interactive feather and ball toys
Interactive Teaser & Laser Toys
Elegant cat scratching tree
Sleek Shaded Climbers & Perches
Health & lifespan

Known health considerations

As a hybrid breed combining Munchkin and Sphynx genetics? No, combining Burmese and Persian genetics, Burmillas require attentive owners. Healthy lines live happy, long lives, but they are vulnerable to ancestral traits.

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Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
An inherited condition from Persian lines where cysts form on the kidneys. Reputable breeders must perform DNA screening on breeding stock.
High Priority Screening
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Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
A hereditary thickening of the heart muscle. Annual veterinary cardiac checkups are recommended to monitor heart health.
Annual Check
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Gingivitis & Dental Health
They can be prone to tartar build-up. A routine of dental treats, brushing, and annual professional dental cleaning is ideal.
Regular Care
History

The Burmilla history

The Burmilla is a young breed created through modern selective breeding to satisfy the demand for an incredibly loving, shaded silver companion.

1981
The Happy Accident: Jemari Sanquist (Chinchilla Persian) and Fabergé (Lilac Burmese) mate accidentally in London, producing four stunning shaded-silver female kittens.
1984
Breed Association Formed: Breeders establish the Burmilla Association in the UK to standardize the breed's exquisite characteristics and dense coat traits.
1990
Official UK Recognition: The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in the United Kingdom officially recognizes the Burmilla for championship status.
1994
European Acceptance: The Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe) grants full recognition, spreading their adoration across continental Europe.
Gifts for Lovers

Celebrate the Sparkling Silver Gem

Express your devotion for this wonderfully unique, adorable companion with our curated premium collections.

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Cat Jewelry
Dainty sterling silver pendants and studs capturing the shimmering beauty and eyeliner-outlined eyes of the Burmilla.
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Home Decor
Stunning silver-accented art prints, custom ceramic mugs, and velvety cushions showcasing their majestic expression.
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Lover Apparel
Cozy silver-gray sweaters, tailored t-shirts, and embroidered caps for proud Burmilla advocates.
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Fine Stationery
Notebooks and foil-stamped cards highlighting their elegant silhouettes and affectionate eyes.
FAQ

Common questions about the Burmilla

Are Burmilla cats friendly?
Yes, exceptionally so! They inherit the warmth of the Burmese and the gentle grace of the Persian, making them highly affectionate, gentle, and social cats.
What is the difference between a Burmilla and a Burmese?
While they share Burmese ancestry, Burmillas have a striking shaded silver or tipped silver coat inherited from the Chinchilla Persian. They are also generally more laid-back and quiet than the vocal and hyper-active Burmese.
Do Burmillas shed a lot?
They have a short, dense coat with a soft undercoat, and they shed a moderate amount. Weekly brushing is usually sufficient to control loose hair, though shedding will increase slightly during seasonal coat blows.
Why do they look like they are wearing eyeliner?
This is a genetic trait inherited from the Chinchilla Persian. The dark pigment heavily outlines their green eyes, nose, and lips, creating a spectacular, high-contrast natural makeup look.
Are they suitable for apartment living?
Absolutely. Burmillas are very peaceful, quiet, and highly adaptable. They thrive indoors and are perfectly content in apartments, provided they have toys, window perches, and love.