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Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

Do I have a Burmese?

32 replies

Nightowlpossibly · 31/10/2022 01:58

I have a rescue cat who I think may be a full or half Burmese.
based on looking at pictures and descriptions online, but I am not sure.
he is chocolate brown all over and solid build quite heavy.
the rescue centre were not able to tell me, just said he was oriental
It’s not hugely important for me to know as I have had him a while now, I’m just curious really, Just wondering if anyone with knowledge would be able to tell me. Here is my handsome boy.

Do I have a Burmese?
OP posts:
Thread gallery
8
Freeasabird76 · 31/10/2022 02:01

Siamese.

MademoiselleLaBelle · 31/10/2022 02:04

This looks so much like my cat it’s uncanny. He’s old style Siamese. Lovely breed.

Grumpyoldpersonwithcats · 31/10/2022 05:50

He looks very like my parents' Burmese from about 50 years ago. He's a very handsome chap.

lmnabc · 31/10/2022 05:55

Yes, I think Burmese although maybe not pure. He's lovely

Lonecatwithkitten · 31/10/2022 06:27

A bit broader than a Siamese and slimmer than Burmese I'd go Tonkinese if I was guessing.

Ludo19 · 31/10/2022 13:39

Definitely an oriental of some description. He looks a lot like my friends Burmese from years ago. OP he's extremely handsome. Is he vocal?

Ridingladybugs · 31/10/2022 15:13

I don’t think he is a full Burmese - his face and eyes don’t look quite full Burmese, but do look Oriental ( look very like my old style Meezer)

He is gorgeous though!

Shellingbynight · 31/10/2022 15:32

His colouring is right for a Chocolate Burmese (I have two, I'll post a pic below). But as a previous poster said, his eyes and face shape aren't quite right. He could be a cross.

People always think my Chocs are Siamese, they don't tend to know about the range of Burmese colours.

Original poster
Nightowlpossibly · 31/10/2022 15:39

Thanks for replies. Some mixed suggestions, think I am leaning towards Burmese.

I didn’t consider Siamese as I didn’t think they were solid colours but had
colour points and were much lighter. But I’m no expert and have never had an oriental cat before.

@Ludo19 he is only vocal when he wants food or to go out.

personality wise he is very playful, and energetic. He is affectionate will cuddle up next to you on sofa or the bed, and enjoys being petted. but never actually on your lap, and will not tolerate being picked up. I don’t know if that is a personality trait or to do with his previous history as he is a rescue.

OP posts:
Shellingbynight · 31/10/2022 15:40

It was hard finding a photo of him with his eyes open but here goes
In the first photo he was only about a year old, so quite pale. The second photo is more recent and he's darker (and fatter)

Do I have a Burmese?
Do I have a Burmese?
minipie · 31/10/2022 15:44

I would go with part Siamese especially given the blue eyes. Tonkinese also very possible! Lovely cats all.

catbirddogchild · 31/10/2022 15:44

He has Siamese in him. His eyes are blue? I think he is a mix possibly a tonkanese?
Burmese have yellow/green eyes

Original poster
Nightowlpossibly · 31/10/2022 16:15

The photo look different but his eyes are actually pale green if that makes any difference.

OP posts:
Ridingladybugs · 31/10/2022 16:41

I agree his colouring is like chocolate Burmese so quite likely he has some in him. His face though is a bit more angular. I have one of each - will try and post a pic of them together to show the difference!

Ludo19 · 31/10/2022 16:42

This may help?

Do I have a Burmese?
Ludo19 · 31/10/2022 16:44

This may help?

Do I have a Burmese?
whirlyhead · 31/10/2022 16:47

I've had several siamese over the years and he doesn't look much like any of them. They are very angular. He looks more like a burmese to me (and he's lovely!) Most orientals are very vocal and talk to you a lot. Is he a chatter?

Ludo19 · 31/10/2022 16:48

But I'd say Burmese myself

Ludo19 · 31/10/2022 16:48

Whatever he is he's absolutely stunning and you're very lucky

Threadkillacilla · 31/10/2022 16:56

Sorry for the spam but he looks tonkinese to me, mine are Burmese and Siamese and yours looks like the mix of both.

Do I have a Burmese?
Do I have a Burmese?
Do I have a Burmese?
Original poster
Nightowlpossibly · 31/10/2022 17:06

@Ludo19 I agree it doesn’t really matter what he is, I love him and he is gorgeous, I was just curious as I get asked what breed he is.

I am lucky to get him, I was originally looking for a black cat as I know they are often overlooked, but the lady at the shelter said no black cats but what about this one? I wasn’t keen at first never having had an oriental cat before, but my family were keen, and we were accepted to adopt him. He has turned out to be the loveliest cat temperament wise. And is actually more affectionate, and seems to like human company more than my previous tabby’s ever did.

@Shellingbynight your cat is gorgeous love the pic of him cuddled up with what looks like a toy?

OP posts:
TalkedTooMuchStayedTooLong · 31/10/2022 17:18

I'd say Burmese, tonkinese or old style Siamese... not modern Siamese or oriental as they are much more angular ( photo of my oriental below)... it just gorgeous either way!

Do I have a Burmese?
TalkedTooMuchStayedTooLong · 31/10/2022 17:19

Ignore the superfluous it!

Threadkillacilla · 31/10/2022 18:03

His ears are glorious @TalkedTooMuchStayedTooLong ❤

CrepuscularCritter · 31/10/2022 18:27

What gorgeous cats! My chocolate Burmese was a similar colour, and I assume you are getting used to the Oriental yowl. They're not the world's quietest cats... Smile

I think Burmese are generally smaller, and I don't know if you have others to compare. My last two were half the size of the next door Siamese. Although they could still chase one another around the hall like a pair of noisy wildebeest.