Burmese are a playful and highly intelligent breed. 
Burmese cats are very sociable and people-oriented, sometimes referred to as the dogs of the cat world for the way they attach to their human companions. Some Burmese will follow other cats or humans from room to room, all the while attempting to engage in
play. They are a very affectionate breed and make excellent pets, getting along well with children as well as other animals.
The modern Burmese cat originated in San Francisco, CA, in the 1930’s. A female cat that had been imported from Burma was mated with a male Siamese cat. Burmese are considered heavy for their size, but are muscular rather than obese cats. They come in a variety of colors, including brown (often considered the “original Burmese” color), cream, chocolate, blue, lilac, red, and tortoise shell (or “tortie”) blends of any of these with cream. Their coats are very smooth and have a satiny or polished look. Burmese cats have rounded heads with wide-set eyes.
Legends surround many breeds of cat, and the Burmese is no exception. It is said that the Burmese descended from the Cooper Cats of Siam, and that they can still be found near the temples today. Burmese cats were said to be the temple guards because the bare patches above their eyes give the impression their eyes are always open, thus frightening away birds and other animals.
Burmese cats are very affectionate and highly curious. As a breed they tend to be very vocal. Burmese enjoy climbing; training a Burmese from a young age to use a scratching post is critical to maintaining your home furnishings! Some owners of Burmese cats say the male cats tend to be a bit more laid back, while females are more persistent in following their human companions around. 
Burmese have been referred to as “silk-wrapped bricks” because they are generally quite heavy for their small size.
Burmese cats never seem to outgrow their kittenish desire to play. The average lifespan of a Burmese cat is 12-16 years, and many remain very active and energetic into their later years. Burmese cats tend to be lactose-intolerant, and should not be fed milk. The breed can also be prone to kidney problems. To avoid this, feed the cat a mix of wet and dry food, rather than a diet of solely dry food.
