Burmese
bur-MEEZ
Social, Playful, People-oriented, Dog-like. Origin: Burma/Myanmar (via United States).
An adult Burmese weighs 8-12 lbs (male) or 6-10 lbs (female), needs 150-350 calories daily, and lives 10-17 yrs. The breed's primary health watch is diabetes mellitus. All numbers below come from breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Burmese needs 150 to 350 calories per day. An average male (10 lbs / 4.5 kg) needs around 260 kcal; a female (8 lbs / 3.6 kg) roughly 220 kcal.
Estimate for a typical adult Burmese. For kittens, seniors, or specific conditions, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Burmese cats are compact, muscular cats that feel heavier than they look. They are generally healthy and long-lived. Diabetes mellitus appears more frequently in Burmese than in the general cat population, particularly in overweight individuals. Hypokalemia (low potassium) is a breed-specific genetic condition with a DNA test available. Life expectancy is 15 to 18 years.
Exercise and activity
High; very active and social cats that need interaction and play. They thrive in pairs or with other cats. Interactive toys and climbing structures are essential. A balanced mix of active play and quiet companionship suits most Burmese cats. They adapt to their owner's lifestyle but should not be entirely sedentary.
Care and traits
Burmese cats have a short, fine, satin-like, close-lying coat. Origin: Burma/Myanmar (via United States).
One of the most dog-like cat breeds. Burmese play fetch, learn tricks, and follow their owners from room to room. They don't do well alone; if you're away frequently, get two. The diabetes connection is well-documented and should inform dietary choices throughout their life.
The Burmese is well-suited for families with children. They are typically patient and tolerant, though all cat-child interactions should be supervised until children learn appropriate handling. Teaching children to respect the cat's space and body language prevents most problems.
Burmese cats are sometimes described as 'dog-like' because of their tendency to follow their owners, play fetch, and greet visitors at the door. They are compact, muscular cats that feel heavier than they look, earning them the nickname 'bricks wrapped in silk.' They remain playful well into adulthood and senior years. Burmese thrive on companionship and do poorly as only pets in homes where everyone works long hours. A second Burmese or another social breed provides the interaction they need.
Tools for Burmese owners
Frequently asked questions
Plan for 150 to 350 calories per day for an adult Burmese. An average individual at 10 lbs falls near the middle of that range. Two measured meals daily keeps most medium cats at a healthy weight. Avoid free-feeding unless your cat self-regulates well, which many do not. Use our calorie calculator with your cat's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males typically weigh 8-12 lbs (3.6–5.4 kg), while females are lighter at 6-10 lbs (2.7–4.5 kg). Feel for ribs along the sides. They should be easy to find under a thin layer of flesh. View from above: a visible waist narrowing behind the ribs indicates healthy condition.
Among Burmese cats, diabetes mellitus is the most commonly flagged condition. Regular veterinary screening helps catch diabetes mellitus early, when treatment is most effective. Other conditions to monitor include hypokalemia, cranial deformity. Not every Burmese will develop these conditions, but awareness and regular vet checkups make a real difference.
Moderate play needs that most owners can easily meet. One or two interactive play sessions of 10-15 minutes daily, combined with access to a cat tree and window perch, keeps this breed content. They enjoy play but are equally happy relaxing. Every cat, regardless of breed, benefits from some daily play and enrichment. Even five minutes of chasing a wand toy is better than nothing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on TICA/CFA standards and veterinary sources. Individual cats vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your cat. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026