The Burmese, also known as the Sacred Cat of Burma, is a docile and elegant animal with a lot of history to tell. The Burmese cat is descended from animals that were worshipped as gods between the 15th and 16th century in Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. Very sensitive, the cat breed is known for its companionship, as it easily becomes attached to the human family. The catBurmese like to explore and are curious, but unlike other cats, they like the stability of the ground and don't like heights much. To learn more about this amazing breed, the Paws of the House has prepared a guide to the Burmese with all the information on health, origin, personality and care.

What is the history of the Sacred Cat of Burma?

Felines are the protagonists of several mystical stories and it is no different when we talk about the Burmese cat. In Southeast Asia, in a country called Burma (today present-day Myanmar), temples were guarded by white cats. Until one night invaders entered the temple while a priest was worshiping and killed him. According to the story, the cat that accompanied him remained with his ownerTo this day, when one of the temple's sacred cats dies, it is believed that the feline's soul accompanies the soul of one of the priests to paradise.

In 1919 the temple was raided again and the priests were helped by Auguste Pavie and Major Gordon Russell. As a token of their gratitude, the Asian priests presented these men, who lived in France, with a breeding pair of Burmese cats, which served as the basis of the breed's reproduction in the West. The Burmese cat breed remained reproducing in Europe for a long time.time, when at the end of the Second World War only one breeding pair of Burmese cats remained.

To keep the breed alive, extensive work was done. The first Burmese were exported to Great Britain in the 1960s. Burmese kittens were taken to other European countries, until in 1966 the breed was recognized in Great Britain - and the following year in the United States. The breed is known to this day as the Sacred Cat of Burma in European countries.

Burmese: sacred cat is known for the elegance of its physical features

The physical characteristics of the Burmese cat are undeniably elegant. Nothing could be more suitable for a sacred cat, right? This cat breed has a silky coat that varies from medium to long length. The hair is lighter on the body and darker at the ends (muzzle, ears and tail), just like the Siamese cat. A striking feature that differentiates the breed is the pawsThe height of the breed varies between 20 and 30 cm and weighs from 4kg to 8kg. The main color varieties are black, gold, gray and blue Burmese. The kitten has a rounder muzzle, called "Roman nose", and medium ears.

What is the behavior of the Burmese cat like?

This feline is very docile, sensitive and attached to the human family, liking a lot of lap and affection, but only from acquaintances. The Burmese cat is territorial, which can make him more shy with strangers. The attachment relationship with the guardian can make this kitten show jealousy, but never aggressively. Very companionable, gentle, affectionate and calm. They do not like it at allThe Burmese usually becomes more attached to one person in the family, choosing their primary guardian. This feline is intelligent, reliable and obedient.

Burma cat: what do you need to know about the health of this kitty?

Cats of the Burmese breed can suffer from some genetic diseases, such as spongiform degeneration, a condition that attacks the nervous system and causes weakness in the limbs. As well as thymic aplasia, which is an immunodeficiency that increases the risk of infections. In addition, this breed of cat can suffer from a gene alteration that affects the optic nerve, causing vision problems. HypotrichosisCongenital hair loss, which is a condition that causes cats to be born without body hair, is also seen frequently in the breed.

What is the most necessary care for the Burmese breed?

As a cat that is usually very attached to its owners, this cat needs a lot of attention and should not be left alone for a long time at home, as it may end up developing depression and other health problems. What can help to establish a greater connection with its owners, and is also considered a form of care, are the games and the teachings of tricks for cats. thePlaying should preferably be done on the floor, as unlike most cats, the Burmese does not like heights.

Being a robust kitty, the Burmese can end up developing feline obesity. It is therefore very important that he receives a quality diet and appropriate to the stage of life. In addition, promoting play will help the cat to always keep moving. Being very hairy, the coat of the Sacred of Burma must be brushed every day to avoid knots and hairballs, which canWith proper care, the Burmese cat can live an average of 16 years.

Burmese Sacred Cat: price not as high as other cat breeds

The price of a Burmese Sacred kitten is around R$4,000, but the value may vary according to the coat color (some rarer colors, for example, cost more). Before buying a cat, check the origin of the cattery or breeder so as not to finance animal abuse and acquire the pet safely.