The Pet Atlas

Breed Cats Classic Body Type

Burmese

Compact, rounded body with a sleek close coat

At a glance

Basic requirements and commitment level

Daily requirements

Activity
Medium
Vocality
Medium
Health sensitivity
Medium
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Temperature sensitivity
Low

Context & compatibility

Size
Medium
Lifespan
12–18 years
Coat type
Single
Coat length
Short

Is this right for you?

Common scenarios where this breed tends to fit well or less well

A good match

  • Want a compact, muscular, rounded type—solid rather than refined

Not ideal

  • Want a strongly long/lean fine-boned outline

Social & behavior

Temperament and interaction style

Personality & activity

Often companion-leaning and engaged—likes being part of the daily routine.

Handling & social style

Usually does best with frequent gentle contact; many prefer regular check-ins over occasional big cuddle sessions.

Care & health

Setup, routines, and health considerations

Care overview

Grooming is easy; the care difference is supporting an often people-present type with consistent daily engagement.

Environment & space

Space matters less than routine: a stable home map plus reliable play outlets works well.

Daily routine

Minimal coat work; schedule daily interactive play and social time so stimulation doesn’t become “self-invented.”

Health sensitivities

Best results come from breeders with tracked outcomes—what they screen for, what they see over time, and how they respond to patterns.

Background

Origins and how that history shapes what you see today

Origin region

United States

Background

Modern Burmese traces to cats imported from Burma (Myanmar) and was developed into a defined breed through Western breeding programs. The identity centers on a compact, muscular body with a sleek, close coat and a solid overall silhouette.