Do Burmese Cats Like To Be Held? They Love People


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The Burmese cat has a long and cloudy history since its arrival in America in 1930. A beautiful chocolate-colored Burmese named Wong Mau was imported from Burma and bred with a male Siamese cat called Tai Mau. From here, the breed was developed further and suspended due to extensive inbreeding.

Years later, American and British Burmese breeders would exchange genetics, and the Burmese became accepted as a stand-alone breed in America. The fascinating thing about the Burmese is its incredible personality, even while having a mixed genetic background. You might be wondering, do Burmese cats like to be held?

Burmese cats love to be picked up and held. These cats are considered to be one of the most affectionate cat breeds and often display dog-like qualities. They can mostly be found on the owners’ lap or nearby. Burmese cats are incredibly loyal and vocal in their response when spoken to.

Burmese cats often surprise their new owner with what is called puppy-like behavior. Even into adulthood, they are known to be very energetic, playful with lots of drive. They display more people-centered behavior and are not merely accepting or tolerating human presence like most other breeds. Below we explore this unique cat breed and look at the characteristics that make them so loving.

Cat Product Note: I’m going to recommend a couple of cat products on Amazon in this article.  These are affiliate links that are at no added cost to the consumer. I am honest about my recommendations, so hopefully, you like them.

Burmese Cat

Burmese Personality Traits

Burmese cats exhibit love toward their human companions and this shows because they love being held. Burmese cats love playing games like “fetch” or hide and seek, which proves their high intelligence levels. Burmese kittens are renowned for forming powerful bonds with their owners, remarkably similar to dogs.

Having established that the Burmese cat loves being held and is a contrary trait to most cat breeds, we can assume that certain factors make the Burmese different. There are some points to get to know the character of this breed below:

  • Very vocal – The Burmese are sometimes referred to as a “dog-cat,” they gained this attribute because they very vocally greet their owners at the door, follow them around, and demand attention.
  • Lap cat – Unlike most other cat breeds, the Burmese love being picked up, held, and cuddled. They will take any opportunity to be on your lap and won’t take no for an answer.
  • Intelligent. – Burmese cats have superior intelligence and can quickly figure out tricky obstacles. They can learn to open doors, windows and try to do anything to get past whatever separates them from you.
  • Walking outside. – Burmese cats can easily be trained to walk on a harness like dogs since they want to be involved with all human activities. Exploring outside will be something they quite enjoy.

Speaking of taking your Burmese cat outside, learn more about whether they can go outside in my article on the subject: Click Here.

One way to let your Burmese cat go outside and still minimize the risk that other animals or the environment might pose is by using a catio.  I recommend this Catio on Amazon since it has good space for a Burmese cat and will keep her safe if you decide to get her some outside time during the day: Check Out This Great Catio On Amazon.

Is a Burmese Cat Right for Me?

Burmese cats are an easy cat breed to own and manage. They are affectionate, loyal, and love being involved with whatever the humans are busy doing. They are intelligent and show affection almost as much as they demand it. Things that make them easy to own:

  • Good health. Burmese cats are generally very healthy, they do not have many genetic issues, and after their recommended vaccines, a yearly vet visit should suffice.
  • Short coat. Burmese cats have a single coat with a glossy satin feel to it. They do not require much grooming or parlor visits. Once a week, brushing will be sufficient.
  • Curious. More than other cats, the Burmese is exceptionally curious. They will want to be a part of what you are doing at all times.
  • Children. Burmese are considered safe with children and one of the recommended breeds to own when making a consideration.

Burmese cats are certainly an excellent breed to consider for first-time owners who want to engage with their cat. They are intelligent, loyal, and playful. The Burmese cat likes nothing more than to be a part of everything their owner is involved in and vocalizes their needs with a raspy voice.  Their grooming need is minimal, and they are not known to shed a lot of hair. 

One way to make life easy on a cat is by providing them with a space of their own.  A cat condo / cat tree can do this since they provide platforms for lounging and scratching posts.  My cat spends a ton of time on her cat tree.   I recommend this Cat Condo / Cat Tree on Amazon since it is big and offers great platforms and quality scratching posts for a Burmese cat: Check Out This Robust Cat Condo On Amazon.                                                                                        

How to Identify a Burmese Cat

Burmese cats are easy to identify to the trained eye; however, they can end up looking like the next-door cat at a glance. To be sure you are looking at a Burmese, these following tips might help you:

  • Coat color. Burmese cats come in four distinct color patterns from the original lines. Chocolate Brown, Blue, Red, Cream, and Tortoiseshell. Many other colors are acceptable without spots or stripes. Burmese cats have solid color coats.
  • Weight. Burmese cats are affectionately called “bricks wrapped in silk.” They are very heavy for a cat, and the males can weigh up to 12 pounds.
  • Golden eyes. Burmese cats are known for their striking golden color eyes.
  • Wedge-shaped head. Burmese cats have a gentle, wedge-shaped head that tapers down to the chin.
  • Muscular body. The Burmese have a very muscular body, and they are healthy and supple.

If you are still unsure and want absolute certainty that your cat is indeed a Burmese, you can ask your vet about genetic tests that can be performed for certainty.

People often comment about the pretty fur coat that a Burmese cat has.  To learn more about whether Burmese cats shed, check out my article: Click Here.

Burmese Cat

Are Burmese Cats Easy to Train?

Burmese cats are intelligent. This has two effects, they can most certainly become trained to do some tricks, and at the same time, they are entirely independent being so smart.

You can introduce cat-safe toys to your kitten and use the same principle some dog trainers use with two identical toys, tossing one away from the kitten and encouraging them to chase after it. If they hang on to it, you can entice them with a second identical toy. When the kitten returns to you, reward it with a treat.

Burmese cats can easily be trained to walk on a leash. Since they want to be involved with every aspect of human activities, accompanying you on a walk will be natural. For novice trainers, an easy method to follow is to get your Burmese used to a harness and walk around in the house and garden. This way, your cat will get accustomed to being close to you and being restricted by the harness.

Helpful Burmese Cat Tip

Never force your Burmese cat to do anything they are not engaging in fully. Intelligent cat breeds like the Burmese are able to do problem-solving and work best with reward-based training and encouragement.

How Long Does a Burmese Cat Live?

Burmese cats have a lifespan of between 15 to 20 years.  The origin of the breed and the several generations of inbreeding have resulted in some health issues. Listed below are some of the health concerns the Burmese might encounter:

  • Diabetes Mellitus.  Although Burmese cats are strong and robust, they are sometimes affected by diabetes. Maintaining a good diet and exercise is very important.
  • Hypokalaemic polymyopathy. Low levels of blood potassium in young kittens can cause muscle weakness. See your veterinarian if you suspect this condition.
  • Pica. This very unusual eating habit in some Burmese causes them to eat inedible objects. This may include woolen or cotton clothing items to plastic toys, cellophane, and plastic.
  • Flat-chested kitten syndrome. Thought to be more prevalent in Burmese cats’ American bloodlines, it is, however, rarely seen and easily identifiable.

Are Burmese Cats Like Dogs?

Burmese cats sometimes display puppy-like characteristics. These cat breed follow their owners, much as puppies and dogs do. They will go from room to room at their owner’s heels and take any opportunity to involve themselves in every possible activity the owner is engaged in.

They will want to be picked up and carried as much as possible. Burmese cats will undoubtedly try to accompany you to the bathroom; they will want to get into the bath and see nothing wrong with being in your personal space at all times.

Burmese cats are incredibly trusting, and this can make them easy to get stolen. Your Burmese should be kept indoors and only be outside in a controlled environment where you can save a vigilant eye on your cat.

Conclusion

Video: Burmese Cat

There can be no doubt that the Burmese cat loves to be held. Burmese is one of the most affectionate cat breeds available today and has a proven history of being excellent with children as well as other cats and the family dog.

The Burmese love being fully engaged with whatever activity you are busy with, be it sleeping, working, or even cooking. As a vocal cat breed, you will become accustomed to your Burmese talking and vocalizing whenever it wants attention or extra food. The Burmese are at the top of the list of loveable breeds.

If you enjoyed this article, check out a few others:

  • Are Cats Popular In Thailand? Fantastic Cat Info: Click Here.
  • Burmese vs American Shorthair (The Great Analysis We Need): Click Here.
  • Siamese vs Burmese (The Unbelievably Gigantic Review): Click Here.

Christopher Carlson

I have an Domestic Shorthair Tabby named Charlotte. She is full of energy when she isn't sleeping most of the day. I share what I learn about cats on this site.

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