Longevity
Life expectancy
Its lifespan generally ranges between 12 and 16 years. A controlled diet, regular activity and preventive veterinary monitoring help preserve its quality of life.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Burmese has good overall robustness. Its short coat and simple maintenance do not, however, exempt it from regular monitoring of body condition, the mouth and the ears.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
No specific hereditary condition is detailed for the breed. General vigilance remains recommended, with veterinary consultation in case of changes in appetite, weight, activity, or behavior.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Some feline lines are predisposed to this heart muscle disease, hence the value of monitoring and, depending on origins, screening.
Chronic kidney disease: Common in older cats, it warrants monitoring appetite, thirst, and regular blood tests.
Periodontal disease: Tartar and gingival inflammation are common and require ongoing oral hygiene.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Burmese generally lives very well indoors. Avoid excessive heat and provide cool spots. Its short coat, almost without undercoat, offers little protection from the cold: limit drafts and outings in cold weather.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Greedy, the Burmese can gain weight if its portions are too generous. Its rations must be measured, given at set times and adjusted to its weight, its age and its activity level.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Follow the vaccination schedule defined with the veterinarian.
- Regularly monitor weight and body condition.
- Brush the coat once a week with a soft brush.
- Frequently inspect the ears and care for the teeth.
Vaccination
Burmese vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Burmese need? Like all cats, Burmeses should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. Kittens receive their initial Burmese vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if they live indoors. Depending on their lifestyle (outdoor access, living with other cats, shows, travel), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Depending on lifestyle Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisDepending on lifestyle Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Burmese booster shots are given annually for feline herpesvirus and feline leukemia if your cat goes outdoors. For feline panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your cat's lifestyle.
Which boosters does your Burmese need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Burmese
Veterinary follow-up must include vaccinations adapted to the lifestyle, notably against typhus, coryza and leukaemia, as well as rabies when it is indicated. Regular checking of the teeth and ears completes this prevention.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
