Personality

As one of the most sociable and people-oriented of all domestic cat breeds, the Burmese enjoys forming very close bonds with its owners, primary caretakers and other pets in the household. These cats are known for having especially delightful personalities. They are described as being dog-like and sunny of temperament, because by nature they are friendly, kind, gentle and outgoing. Burmese also are usually quite playful, well into adulthood. Given their Siamese ancestors, Burmese can be more vocal than many other domestic feline breeds. However, they tend to be quieter-voiced than the Siamese and typically have a softer, less raucous and more pleasant-sounding meow (with no offense meant to Siamese fanciers, to whom the Siamese voice understandably sounds like the calling of angels). Burmese enjoy having conversations with their people, whether in the home or wherever else they may be. This is a highly intelligent, thoughtful breed. Burmese are known to be extremely affectionate, and they love to snuggle and cuddle with their favorite people.

Activity Level

Burmese are moderately active cats, especially when they are kittens. Young Burmese tend to be somewhat clumsy, falling over themselves as they learn about their own agility and strength. However, as they mature, they become extremely athletic and agile. They are by nature an inquisitive breed which, combined with their natural intelligence and curiosity, makes them inclined to explore new areas and situations when given the opportunity. Burmese are unusually heavy for their apparent size, which among some fanciers has given them the name “bricks wrapped in silk.”

Behavioral Traits

Burmese cats have amazing, huge, provocative eyes. While normally experts would not talk about eyes as a “behavioral trait,” the expression from the eyes of the Burmese are widely recognized as being one of the many things in their arsenal of traits that can hypnotize and ultimately ensnare their owners into a life-long love affair of affection and endearment. Burmese tend to take over and rule a household with gentleness, love and affection, guiding other household members with the expression from their amazing eyes. They take well to dogs, cats and other household pets. If introduced to it early enough, and with kindness, they also take well to traveling by car.

Burmese typically follow their owners around like shadows. They want to give and receive affection at every opportunity. They frequently learn to retrieve and play fetch, and enjoy helping their owner sort through papers or otherwise reorganize cupboards or cabinets. They are among the most affectionate of lap cats, despite their endearing ability to quickly leave the lap to leap onto another place in the household to explore something of interest. They can be strong-willed.

Male Burmese tend to be rather laid back, preferring to supervise household activities from a lap or warm pillow rather than taking charge. Females, on the other hand, tend to be more opinionated and like to rule the proverbial roost. Either way, people who spend any amount of quality time with this breed almost always are forever endeared to it.