Mary Allen
Introduction: Meet the Burmilla
If you’re looking for a charming and affectionate feline companion, the Burmilla just might be for you. This cat breed is known for its striking coat, which features a combination of silver and black tipping. But beyond its looks, the Burmilla is also a sweet and social cat that loves to be around people.
The Beginnings: A Chance Encounter
The Burmilla breed was born out of a happy accident in the UK in 1981. A Burmese cat named Bambino had a chance encounter with a Chinchilla Persian named Jemari Sanquist. The result was a litter of four kittens with unique silver-tipped coats. One of these kittens, a female named Faberge, caught the eye of a breeder named Miranda von Kirchberg.
The Founders: Miranda and Baroness
Miranda von Kirchberg saw something special in Faberge and decided to breed her with a lilac Burmese cat named Jemari Sanquist. The result was a litter of beautiful kittens with striking silver and black tipping on their coats. Miranda and her friend Baroness Miranda von Weizsacker worked together to establish the Burmilla breed and develop its characteristics, including its sweet and affectionate temperament.
The Breeding: Aiming for Perfection
Miranda and Baroness Miranda von Weizsacker were dedicated to perfecting the Burmilla breed. They worked with a small group of breeders to carefully select cats with desirable traits, including the silver tipping on their coats and their friendly personalities. Over time, they were able to refine the breed and produce cats that met their high standards.
The Recognition: Acceptance into the GCCF
In 1989, the Burmilla was officially recognized by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in the UK. This recognition helped to establish the Burmilla as a legitimate and desirable breed, and it paved the way for the breed to be recognized in other countries as well.
The Spread: Burmilla’s Popularity Grows
As the Burmilla breed gained recognition, its popularity began to grow. Breeders in other countries, including the United States and Australia, started to take notice and began breeding their own Burmilla cats. Today, the Burmilla is found all over the world and is beloved by cat lovers everywhere.
The Evolution: Changes in the Breed Standard
Over time, the Burmilla breed has continued to evolve. Breeders have worked to refine the breed standard, which outlines the ideal characteristics for the breed. Today, the Burmilla is recognized in a variety of coat colors, including black, blue, and chocolate, and the breed standard has been updated to reflect these changes.
The Future: A Bright Tomorrow for Burmilla
As the Burmilla breed continues to evolve and gain popularity, its future looks bright. With their sweet personalities and striking coats, Burmilla cats are sure to continue winning the hearts of cat lovers everywhere. Whether you’re looking for a loyal companion or a stunning show cat, the Burmilla just might be the perfect feline for you.