Why Are Burmese Cats So Vocal? Important Reasons Here


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If you have a Burmese cat, you’ve probably noticed how vocal they are and how different they sound to other cats. So, just why are Burmese cats so vocal?

Burmese cats are exceptionally vocal because they are very social and highly active. Burmese cats may vocalize when they are feeling playful or want attention from people, and it should not typically be a cause for alarm.

So, if you’re caught off guard with the constant vocalizing of your new Burmese cat, you aren’t alone. The Burmese is a special breed, and below, we’ll discuss their unique sounds, why they vocalize so much, and even what personality they usually have!

If you are wondering what the best products are for your cat, check out this article that will break down all my recommendations for you: Things To Buy For A Cat Right Now!

Burmese Cat

Burmese Cats Are Vocal

As mentioned before, unlike some other breeds of cat, the Burmese cat is very social and actually enjoys playing with people quite a bit. These types of cats can be compared to dogs in terms of their playfulness and their ability to be so attached to their owner.

So, the primary reason your Burmese kitty is so vocal is probably just because they are trying to socialize with you! They are known to be very vocal (sometimes a little too vocal) when they are interacting with their humans—or if they want interaction in the first place.

But, for some owners, this presents a problem. They may find that their little Burmese kitty is extremely curious and wants to be involved with whatever their human is doing. While this is cute for a while, eventually, their constant noises and expressions combined with their desire to be involved can be a little much for even the most patient of owners!

Burmese cats like to socialize (one of the reasons they are vocal), but do they need company? Check out my article on if Burmese cats need company to learn more: Click Here.

The best way to help your Burmese quiet down a bit is to make sure they are properly stimulated and tire them out a bit. We’ll talk about some ways to do that next.

Burmese Cats Are Friendly

Burmese cats are a double threat—both very social and quite intelligent. While this makes them excellent companions or even therapy animals, it can lead to frustration for new owners who find themselves hearing that distinct Burmese rumble at all hours of the day.

Here are some tips to help new owners deal with a loud Burmese:

  • Understand that they are just very social. This is the first and most important thing to understand when you get a Burmese cat. They probably aren’t meowing at you for food, water, or just to annoy you—they are just talking to you! Talking back to them is both a fun and stimulating way to deal with their social need.
  • Make sure they have a buddy. Burmese cats are so social that they often do much better in pairs. This doesn’t mean they won’t still cling to you a little bit, but having another kitty (particularly another Burmese) will mean they have someone else they can get some social interaction with.
  • Keep plenty of toys and entertainment around. Sometimes, a Burmese cat will simply be so vocal around you because that’s their only way of getting some excitement and stimulation. Finding some toys they enjoy and spending a few minutes playing with them might help them settle down a bit.

However, even if you tire your Burmese out and keep a friend around for them, they are always going to be more vocal than other breeds simply due to their nature. If that’s a problem for you, then it’s best to steer clear of this breed.

Burmese cats are friendly, but do they like to be held? To learn more about whether Burmese cats like to be held, check out my article: Click Here.

Burmese Cat

Can You Train Your Burmese to Less Vocal?

While the Burmese is a very vocal breed and always will be, there can be times where it may be appropriate to try and find methods to help them calm down a bit and learn to leave you alone, like if you work from home and are in a meeting. With how social they are, is it even possible to train a Burmese cat to be quieter?

The answer is yes, with some exceptions. Training cats, in general, takes a lot of patience, and with Burmese cats, this can be doubly true. It’s never a bad idea to try, but never get angry or upset with your Burmese cat if it just doesn’t understand that you want it to hush—it’s just in their nature to be very social and vocal!

It’s also important that you never try to train your cat to be completely silent, regardless of breed. Cats need to make noise to communicate, and sometimes that communication is important, such as in the case of an injury or other serious problem the kitty is feeling.

That’s why it’s important to use approved and well thought out training methods.

Training a Burmese Cat to Be Quieter

The first step to training a cat to do anything is to have incredible patience. Cats can be trained, but like with any animal, the hardest part is getting them to understand what you want from them.

With lots of patience in mind, here is how to train your Burmese cat to be quieter:

  • First, find a type of treat they enjoy and will work for. Training any kind of large behavioral change requires your kitty to be motivated. The more stubborn they are, the better a reward you will need. Find something your Burmese likes and save it for training time only; don’t give it out any other time.
  • Always have your treats on you, and reward your cat when they do what you want. In this case, that means rewarding your Burmese when they are quiet and ignoring them when they meow or rumble at you for attention.
  • Never punish your cat for disobeying. It’s tempting to discipline a cat like a child or other human, but they simply don’t understand. Cats and dogs, while they typically want to please us, don’t understand discipline as humans do, and it’s likely to just be counterproductive.
  • Keep it up. This is not a process that will be over in a day or even a week. Your kitty should gradually begin to alter their behavior as they get rewarded, but it may be months before they are doing exactly what you want.

Once again, keep in mind that it’s unrealistic and cruel to expect your Burmese buddy to be quiet all the time. They will meow and rumble at you socially because that’s just who they are. However, this method can work great to teach your Burmese when it’s time for them to leave you alone, like when you are eating or when it’s meeting time.

How to Tell If Your Burmese Cat Is Vocalizing Discomfort

Since the Burmese cat is such a social breed, it’s extra important to pay attention to any changes in both the type of sound and the frequency. They present a unique challenge to owners and vets because they are so vocal.

However, there are still some ways to tell if the sound is playful or something more serious:

  • Is the sound different from their normal sound? You, as an owner, are the only person who can answer this question. If your Burmese is making sounds that are different from their usual vocalizations, and it happened suddenly, then it may be time to consult a vet.
  • Does their vocalization sound urgent? If they are meowing quickly and repeatedly at you, particularly while pacing, it’s time to pay attention. Cats, especially the more social types like Burmese, will usually do their best to let you know something is really hurting them by being very urgent and persistent in their vocalizations and body language.

It’s important not to panic if you think something is wrong, as hard as that can be. Burmese cats, and felines in general, can have a wide variety of problems, and many of them are minor and easily treatable.

If your Burmese kitty seems off and is vocalizing more or different than normal, especially if they are persistent about it, then the best thing to do is consult a veterinarian for their opinion.

Conclusion

Video: Vocal Burmese Cat

Burmese cats are affectionate and will be vocal because that is how they talk.  We can try to train them to be quieter, but honestly, I think we need to be realistic and understand that this is how this cat breed lives.  It is important not to get angry at Burmese cats for being vocal because they are just being the loving animals they are. 

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

  • Devon Rex vs Burmese (Remarkably Unique Cats!): Click Here.
  • Do Cats and Raccoons Get Along: Click Here.
  • Are Cat Backpacks Humane? (Answers To Comfort You): 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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