Burmese (cat) - Varieties

Varieties

As a result of these separate breeding programmes, British Burmese are different from American Burmese. The British build tends to be more Oriental, with a more triangular face, while the American Burmese is stockier and rounder in the body, head, eyes, and feet. It has markedly full cheeks and a short muzzle, sometimes called "pug-like". In the British type, both the American Burmese's "cobbiness" and the obvious Siamese influence long seen in the breed are today considered grave, even disqualifying faults.

Ever since varieties other than sable/brown have existed, there have been conflicts in the world of cat fancy as to which varieties are considered Burmese. In Britain, all the colours listed below are recognised by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy, Britain's ruling cat association. In the USA, which colours are acceptable depends on which cat registry the cat is registered with. For example, the Cat Fancier's Association only recognises the first four colours below. All varieties should gradually shade from darker backs to lighter underparts. There should be no barring or spotting.

• Brown (UK, AUS)), Sable (USA), Seal (NZ)
• Blue (grey)
• Chocolate (UK) or Champagne (USA)
• Lilac (UK) or Platinum (USA)
• Red
• Cream
• Brown Tortoiseshell
• Chocolate Tortoiseshell
• Lilac Tortoiseshell
• Blue Tortoiseshell

Varieties with more limited recognition:

• Cinnamon
• Fawn
• Cinnamon Tortie
• Fawn Tortie
• Caramel
• Caramel Tortie
• Apricot

Experimental varieties

A new colour mutation has arisen in Burmese lines being bred in New Zealand and an experimental breeding programme began in 2007 to reproduce the new colour Burmese and learn more about them. The colour is called russet and dark pigment in the cats' coats fades as they grow while orange pigment remains.