What breeds make up a Burmese cat? - briefly
The Burmese cat is not a mixed breed but rather a distinct breed originating from Burma (now Myanmar). It is believed to have been developed through selective breeding of cats with a naturally occurring brown coat color, likely involving local Burmese cats and possibly the Siamese cat.
What breeds make up a Burmese cat? - in detail
The Burmese cat is a distinct and well-recognized breed, known for its short coat, golden eyes, and unique body type. Despite its name, the Burmese cat does not originate from Burma (now Myanmar) but rather was developed in the United States during the early 20th century. The breed's lineage can be traced back to a single cat named Wong Mau, who was imported to the U.S. from Burma in 1930. Wong Mau exhibited characteristics that were highly desirable, including her warm brown coat and striking golden eyes.
Breeders sought to replicate these traits through selective breeding programs. One of the earliest crosses involved mating Wong Mau with a Siamese cat, which resulted in kittens with various shades of brown fur. This initial cross indicated that the Siamese gene was responsible for the coloration. Subsequent generations were bred back to Wong Mau and her offspring, leading to the development of the Burmese breed as we know it today.
Over time, other cat breeds have been introduced into the Burmese lineage to improve specific traits or to create new varieties within the Burmese family. For instance, the British Shorthair was used to increase the body size and robustness of the Burmese cats. This cross resulted in a larger, more muscular version of the traditional Burmese cat, while still maintaining the distinctive short coat and golden eyes.
Another notable introduction was the American Shorthair, which contributed to the development of the Plush or European Burmese variety. This variety features a denser, shorter coat than the standard Burmese, often resembling the texture of a teddy bear. The use of the American Shorthair also helped to diversify the color range within the Burmese breed, leading to the recognition of additional colors such as blue and lilac.
Despite these introductions, the modern Burmese cat is primarily recognized for its unique characteristics, which set it apart from other breeds. The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) and many other major registries consider the Burmese to be a distinct breed, with specific standards that must be met for recognition and competition.
In summary, while the Burmese cat's lineage includes contributions from the Siamese, British Shorthair, and American Shorthair breeds, it has evolved into a unique and well-defined breed with its own set of characteristics and standards. The result is a cat that is beloved for its warm, affectionate nature and distinctive appearance.