The Genetics of the Burmilla are relatively complex since the two founder breeds are entirely different, two recessive genes have to be eliminated and both Standard and Burmese colour expressions are involved.

From the Chinchilla, the Burmilla inherits the dominant Silver (I) and Agouti (A) genes and may show at birth either of the Tabby patterns inherent to that breed. On a Burmilla, such Tabby markings will gradually fade leaving a clear Silver Shaded or Tipped coat. Any progeny (smoke, silver/non silver tabby, self) not showing these characteristics is not accepted as Burmilla.

It also inherits the Full-Colour gene (C) giving maximum pigmentation: Black for first generation Burmillas, Full colour expression for subsequent homozygous or heterozygous generations.

The recessive longhair gene is carried by first generation Burmillas and may be passed on to later generations; breeders strive to eliminate it, mainly by test matings.

From the Burmese, the Burmilla inherits the recessive Burmese gene (cb) which is carried by the first generation; kittens of subsequent generations which inherit it from both parents will show the Burmese colour expression.

It also inherits the dominant Shorthair (L) gene; breeders will aim to produce homozygous offspring.

First generation Burmillas carry the self gene (i) which breeders have to eliminate quickly.

COLOURS & PATTERNS

The combination of the Standard and Burmese colour expressions result in twenty varieties:

Full expression

Black Blue Chocolate Lilac Red Cream Black Tortie Blue Tortie Chocolate Tortie Lilac Tortie

Burmese Expression

Brown Blue Chocolate Lilac Red Cream Brown Tortie Blue Tortie Chocolate Tortie Lilac Tortie

 

These two sets of colours are found in both Shaded and Tipped patterns which gives a total of forty colours. Though slightly lighter and softer, the Burmese colours (except Brown) are practically impossible to differentiate from the Standard colours, even on shaded coats. It is because of this number and the difficulty in identification, that colour and pattern are irrelevant but evenness of Shading/Tipping is an essential requisite in the Breed Standard.

BREED STANDARD

General Appearance

The Burmilla is a beautiful shorthaired cat of foreign type and medium size showing a striking contrast between a coloured Shading/Tipping and a pure Silver base.

The Body

The body has a good bone structure covered with firm muscles yet gives an impression of great elegance; females are usually a little smaller than males but still feel heavier than they look. A rounded chest and a straight back add to the overall harmony. The strong slender legs end in neat oval paws; as in most breeds, the back legs are slightly longer than the front legs. The medium to long tail, moderately thick at the base tapers to a rounded tip.

The Head

The head has a slightly rounded top with moderate width between the ears and wide cheekbones tapering to a short blunt wedge. In profile, the straight short nose, in line with a firm deep chin, shows a gentle break. The pencilling round the lips accentuates the unmissable Burmilla grin.

The Ears

The ears, medium to large with a rounded tip, are broad at the base and set moderately apart and show a slight tilt forward. Their outer line continues that of the face - though mature males usually develop full cheeks.

The Eyes

The eyes are the most beautiful feature of the Burmilla. Large and expressive, they are set well apart on a slightly oblique angle. The upper lid forms a broken line angled towards the nose while the lower lid is fuller and rounder - both being outlined with the basic colour, thus giving a somewhat innocent expression. Any shade of Green is accepted but it must be clear and luminous; an outer yellow rim is allowed in young kittens. Because the Orange gene (O) introduces some yellow in the eye colour, amber is accepted in Reds, Creams and Torties.

The Coat

The coat is short and dense, silky in texture and smooth lying but with enough undercoat to give it a slight lift. The ground colour is pure Silver white. The Shading/Tipping, in all recognised solid and tortie colours, must be evenly and uniformly distributed on the mantle. Remnants of Tabby markings show as delicate 'ghost' tracings on the forehead of all Burmillas and may still appear on legs and tail of the Shaded variety. Whatever its colour, a Tipped Burmilla looks much lighter overall than a Shaded Burmilla.

The Nose Leather

The nose leather is Terracotta in all Burmillas other than Red and Cream where it is pink and Tortie where it is in the relevant colour, pink or a mixture of both.

The Paw Pads and Soles

The paw pads and soles are of the colour corresponding to the coat colour.

SCALE of POINTS - Out of a total of 100 points

Head	Shape, Nose, Chin	20
Ears	Shape and Set	10
Eyes	Shape, Colour and Set	20
Body	Shape/Structure, Legs/Paws, Tail shape and length	25
Coat	Length and Texture Evenness of Shading/Tipping	10
Condition		5

Note that the Eyes require as many points as either the Head or the Coat; also that Coat colour is immaterial and only the uniformity of the Shading/Tipping is relevant.

SHOWS

From 1983 to the end of 1994, Burmillas were shown at most CA shows and adults were eligible for CA Medallist titles (awards especially created for breeds provisionally approved by CA). From 1st January 1995, following the recognition of the breed by the FIFe the previous May), Burmillas have been entered in Open classes and adults have been eligible for Championship titles.

It is a regular occurrence at International shows to see Burmilla kittens as well as adults nominated for the Best in Show competition and very often winning group and top awards. Quite fittingly, at a BCC International show, Kartush Xenefer became in October 1998, the first European Champion in the UK - the highest title in the FIFe; Foskat Emperor Auriga, a male neuter, followed in June 1999 gaining the title of European Premier. Xenefer's dam, Kartush Cyberleh is also a European Champion in the UK. Several other Grand International Champions/Premiers will soon reach that stage while many of the younger generations are competing at the other championship levels.

General Grooming

General grooming can be kept at a minimum as for most shorthaired cats. It is wise though, to loosen the dead hairs and comb the coat thoroughly and regularly - also clean eyes and ears and clip the tips of the claws. Sometimes the Silver coat of a very active cat may require extra attention to retain its purity but a weekly grooming is usually sufficient. However Burmillas love such 'special times' and often beg for more!

The Temperament

The temperament of the Burmilla is quite exceptional. The demanding and mischievous character of the Burmese mixed with the easy-going, relaxed nature of the Chinchilla gives the Burmilla its unique personality. Impish and fearless when young, the Burmilla matures into an intelligent and extremely affectionate adult cat. Door handles and cupboard doors present no problems to a determined Burmilla; anything left lying around, from socks, chocolate bar wrappers, envelopes to pens, key rings and gloves, immediately becomes a plaything. 'Dribbling' pingpong balls is mastered at a very early age as well as 'retrieving' paper ones. Such activities can come to a sudden stop and your mad whirl-i-gig will flop on your lap or nestle in your arms with a deep throated purr and contented grin - not to mention an innocent and loving look which is so much in character. A great mimic, the Burmilla will taken on any role: a dormouse tucked in an invisible corner, a dog rolling on its back, a snake sliding on the floor, a ferret climbing inside trouser legs, a monkey clambering up curtains, a high wire artiste balancing on door tops, a hotwater bottle inside the bedclothes, a prying Sherlock Holmes... the list is endless! All in all, an intelligent, inquisitive nature and a most affectionate, seductive personality are some irresistible qualities of the Bewitching Burmilla.