Cat Breed Guide NZ
Burmilla
Meet the elegant Burmilla, a captivating cat breed born from a delightful cross between the charming Burmese and the striking Chinchilla Persian. Known for their stunning silver-tipped or shaded coats and mesmerising green eyes, Burmillas are renowned for being more relaxed than their Burmese ancestors, yet retain their intelligence and playful spirit. These social and affectionate felines make wonderful companions, thriving on interaction with their human whānau. Their adaptable nature and relatively low-maintenance grooming make them a fantastic fit for various New Zealand lifestyles, from inner-city flats to family homes with a secure section, offering a touch of sophisticated charm to any Kiwi household.
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Breed Snapshot
- Size
- 3 - 6 kg
- Lifespan
- 10 - 15 years
- Origin
- Being enriched
- Temperament
- Easy Going, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Playful, Social
- NZ Price
- $1,000 - $2,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA
- Annual Vet Cost
- Estimated annual vet costs for a Burmilla in NZ typically range from $300 - $600 NZD for routine care, including vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, and annual check-ups. While generally a healthy breed with no specific genetic predispositions listed, like all cats, they can be prone to common feline ailments such as dental disease, kidney issues in older age, and obesity if overfed. Costs for these conditions can vary significantly, potentially adding an extra $200 - $1,500+ NZD for specific treatments or ongoing management. Regular preventative care is key to managing these costs.
Personality Scores
NZ Lifestyle Fit
The Burmilla's adaptable and easy-going nature makes them highly suitable for a range of New Zealand living situations. For those in an Auckland apartment or a city flat, their moderate size (3-6kg) and preference for indoor living are ideal. They are not overly energetic and are content with interactive play indoors, making them perfect companions for urban dwellers. Auckland's humid summers are generally fine for their short coat, provided they have access to cool areas and fresh water. For a house with a section, a Burmilla will thrive, enjoying the extra space for indoor antics and perhaps a secure, cat-proofed outdoor enclosure (a 'catio') to safely enjoy the fresh air and sunshine without exposure to New Zealand's high UV levels or local wildlife. In colder South Island winters, as primarily indoor cats, they will simply appreciate warm, cosy spots inside. Rural NZ farm life, however, is not recommended for Burmillas. They are not street-smart or equipped for the dangers of farm environments, such as vehicles, predators, or exposure to diseases. There are no specific MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) restrictions on owning Burmilla cats in New Zealand, making them a straightforward choice for pet ownership.
Origins & History
The Burmilla cat is a relatively new and enchanting breed, originating in the United Kingdom in 1981. Its creation was, quite delightfully, an accident of fate. A Chinchilla Persian male, named Jemari Sanquist, was awaiting neutering, as was a Burmese female, named Faberge. Through a twist of timing, the two found themselves in close quarters and produced an unexpected litter of four kittens. These kittens, with their unique blend of Burmese charm and Chinchilla Persian elegance, became the foundation of what we now know as the Burmilla breed.
The initial kittens were so appealing that a deliberate breeding programme was established to develop and refine their distinctive traits. The aim was to combine the sweet, outgoing temperament of the Burmese with the striking, shimmering coat and gentle nature of the Chinchilla Persian. The breed quickly gained recognition, first in Europe and then globally, admired for its beauty and wonderful personality. While not as common as some established breeds in New Zealand, Burmillas have found a loving following among Kiwi cat enthusiasts who appreciate their unique heritage and delightful characteristics.
Appearance
The Burmilla is a medium-sized cat, typically weighing between 3 and 6 kilograms, with a graceful and muscular build that belies its elegant appearance. They possess a rounded head, expressive eyes, and medium-sized ears that are broad at the base. However, it is their coat that truly sets them apart. Burmillas are famed for their short, dense, and incredibly soft fur, which has a distinct silver or golden undertone, giving it a shimmering, almost iridescent quality.
Their coats come in two primary patterns: 'tipped' and 'shaded'. Tipped coats have colour only on the very tips of the hairs, creating a delicate, sparkling effect, while shaded coats have a greater proportion of colour extending down the hair shaft, giving a more pronounced, yet still luminous, appearance. The most common colours are black silver, blue silver, chocolate silver, and lilac silver. Complementing their luxurious coats are their striking eyes, which are typically green, often with a distinctive 'eyeliner' effect, adding to their sophisticated allure.
Temperament & Personality
One of the most appealing aspects of the Burmilla is its delightful temperament. They are often described as the 'easy-going' version of the Burmese, inheriting much of their intelligence and social nature but with a calmer, more relaxed demeanour. Burmillas are incredibly friendly and affectionate, thriving on human companionship. They enjoy being part of the family action and will often follow their owners from room to room, eager to participate or simply observe.
These cats are highly intelligent and possess a playful streak that lasts well into adulthood. They enjoy interactive games, puzzle toys, and will often engage in playful antics to entertain themselves and their humans. Their social nature means they generally get along well with children and other pets, making them an excellent choice for family homes. While they appreciate attention, they are not overly demanding, striking a lovely balance between being an engaging companion and an independent feline. Their adaptable and gentle nature makes them a joy to live with, bringing warmth and character to any household.
Life in New Zealand
Burmillas are well-suited to life in New Zealand, adapting comfortably to various living situations across the motu. Their moderate size and generally calm disposition make them excellent indoor cats, perfect for flats in cities like Auckland or Wellington, or larger homes with a secure section. While they appreciate space to play, their primary needs are companionship and mental stimulation, which can be easily provided indoors.
New Zealand's climate, with its diverse range from humid Auckland summers to crisp South Island winters, is generally well-tolerated by Burmillas. Their short, dense coat provides adequate insulation for indoor living, and they are not prone to overheating in summer provided they have access to cool spots and fresh water. As with all cats, protection from New Zealand's high UV levels is important, reinforcing their suitability as primarily indoor pets. Their relatively low grooming needs also align well with the busy Kiwi lifestyle, allowing more time for cuddles and play.
Is This the Right Breed for You?
The Burmilla is an ideal companion for individuals or families seeking an intelligent, affectionate, and relatively low-maintenance cat. If you appreciate a feline that is social and enjoys being involved in family life without being overly demanding, the Burmilla could be your perfect match. They thrive in environments where they receive regular interaction and mental stimulation through play.
They are generally good with children and other pets, making them a fantastic addition to multi-pet households. However, potential owners should be prepared to provide a stimulating indoor environment, as their gentle nature and value make them unsuitable for unsupervised outdoor roaming. If you're looking for an elegant, charming, and devoted feline friend who brings both beauty and personality to your home, the Burmilla is certainly a breed to consider for your New Zealand family.
Fun Facts
Fact 1
The Burmilla breed originated from an accidental mating between a Chinchilla Persian and a Burmese cat in the UK in 1981.
Fact 2
Their stunning silver or golden shimmering coat is their most distinctive feature, often described as 'tipped' or 'shaded'.
Fact 3
Burmillas are known for their 'eyeliner' effect, where their green eyes are outlined with a darker pigment, enhancing their sophisticated look.
Fact 4
Despite their elegant appearance, Burmillas are playful and intelligent, enjoying interactive games and puzzle toys.
Fact 5
They are often referred to as the 'easy-going' version of the Burmese, inheriting their social nature but with a calmer temperament.
Related Breeds
Burmese
The Burmese is a social, affectionate, playful cat that often wants to be part of every household activity. In New Zealand it suits owners who can provide company, warm indoor living, weight control, and safe enrichment.
Domestic Mediumhair
The Domestic Mediumhair is a mixed-ancestry companion cat with a coat longer than a shorthair but usually less demanding than a full longhair. It is a practical NZ adoption category and should be judged by personality, health, coat care, and lifestyle fit rather than breed mythology.
Domestic Shorthair
The Domestic Shorthair is the everyday Kiwi cat: a non-pedigree, short-coated companion with huge variation in colour, personality, and lifestyle. It is often healthier and more adaptable than highly selected breeds, but it still needs microchipping, desexing, parasite control, dental care, enrichment, and a safe indoor/outdoor plan.
Egyptian Mau
The fastest domestic cat. Athletic spotted beauties that are loyal, intelligent, and possess a unique chirruping voice. Caring for an Egyptian Mau in New Zealand involves meeting their physical and mental needs to ensure a happy, healthy life.