The Burmilla
is a breed of domestic cat which originated in the United Kingdom
in 1981. It is a cross between the Chinchilla Persian and Burmese
breeds.
Burmillas are medium-sized with muscular
bodies, round faces, short muzzles and tend to weigh between 8-10
lbs. The eye colour should be green, although some cat societies
accept blue. Black cats have eyeliner in black; other colours may
have no lining or soft brown.
The Burmilla was actually created
accidentally in the United Kingdom. Two cats, a Chinchilla Persian
named Sanquist, and a lilac Burmese named Faberge, were both awaiting
a partner of the same breed in different rooms. Accidentally, one
night the cleaner left the door open and the rest is history. The
results, four kittens born in 1981, were so adorable that a new
breed was born.
The Burmilla is quite an irreverent
and independent cat who adores its owner and displays many kitten-like
characteristics even into adulthood. In temperament they are sociable,
playful, and affectionate, and get along well with children and
other animals.
In Governing Council of the Cat Fancy
the Burmilla is considered part of the Asian cat breed. It is accepted
in FIFe as the Burmilla. Some governing bodies have used the name
Australian Tiffanie, however, there is not international acceptance
and standardisation for this breed - Tiffany has been used to describe
many different breeds having the appearance from Ragdoll to Birman
and may contain any of these breeds and more. Many Australian Tiffanies
in Australia contain more than three-quarters Persian Chinchilla
and retain the appearance and temperament of the Old Fashioned Chincilla.
The name's use is declining in favour due to the lax standards for
the breed name, the lack of unique identity and varied genetic makeup.
The Burmilla is also featured
in the online text-based game Legend of the Green Dragon - Crazy
Audrey's kittens are all Burmillas. |