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Seven things you need to know about Burmese cats if you're considering one as a pet

By Katrina Warren|

Burmese cats are well known for their striking looks and friendly personalities. If you're considering bringing a Burmese cat into your home, there are a few things to know.

They are affectionate

Burmese cats are renowned for their loving and social nature. They thrive on human interaction, can make fantastic companions, and are very popular as family pets.

Burmese cat
Burmese cats love snuggling with their owners. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

If you're seeking a cat that loves to follow you around AND cuddle, Burmese cats won't disappoint. They usually form strong bonds with their owners and are known for their charming personalities.

Burmese cats may become lonely if left without company for long periods, so are not an ideal choice for very busy people. Consider two Burmese cats to keep each other company if your schedule demands significant time away from home.

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Playful and Energetic

These cats are playful and energetic, and these traits remain well into adulthood. Burmese cats enjoy interactive play and can become bored if they don't receive enough mental and physical activity.

Providing toys and daily playtime is essential. They also need an enriched environment with a cat tree, scratching posts and things to see and do. There are better choices for someone looking for a chilled-out kitty.

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Cats with the longest lifespans

Keen hunters?

Most Burmese enjoy hunting and should be kept indoors or contained to protect wildlife and also keep them safe. You can use their hunting instinct to play interactive games จC in fact, many Burmese cats enjoy playing a game of fetch!

Burmese cat
Engage Burmese cats' hunting instinct with games. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Grooming

Burmese cats have short, sleek coats that don't require a lot of grooming. Regular brushing to remove loose hair and promote healthy skin and coat is usually sufficient.

Voice

Burmese cats are known for their vocal and expressive nature if you enjoy conversing with your cat. They often engage in meowing conversations with their owners, but can also use their voice to be a little demanding of attention or food.

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Burmese cat
Burmese cats like to use their voice. (Getty)

Health?

They are generally robust and one of the healthiest breeds, but suffer from some health issues, including diabetes mellitus and hypokalemia. Many well-cared-for Burmese live 18 to 20 years.

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Cost

Compared to adopting a cat from a shelter, Burmese cats can be expensive, costing between $600 and $2000.?

The RSPCA has an excellent guide to help you through the process of buying a kitten and how to find a reputable breeder.

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