The Burmilla Cat - Burmese Chinchilla Cross
Recent British Cat Breed
The Burmilla originated in Britain in 1981. A male Silver Chinchilla called Sanquist and a female Burmese called Faberge were awaiting mates of each of their own breeds, but accidentally got together…with most interesting results. Read on….
History of the Burmilla
The Silver Chinchilla and Burmese who were to become the parents of the first Burmilla kittens were both owned by Baroness Miranda von Kirchberg. When the Burmese, Faberge, came into season, she was immediately isolated in preparation for a trip to a Burmese stud male. However, before this could happen, Sanquist the Silver Chinchilla was given brief access to her by a cleaner, who did not recognise the consequences of her actions. Faberge was then sent off for her official mating. But the resultant litter were not Burmese as expected, but bore a definite resemblance to Sanquist!
The First Burmilla Kittens
Faberge produced four female kittens, all Black Shaded Silver, on 11th September 1981. Sanquist took a strong paternal interest in them, grooming them and protecting them. One wonders how he knew they were his! The kittens were named Galatea, Gemma, Gabriella, and Gisella. They were so beautiful that instead of neutering them and re-homing them as pets, the Baroness decided to keep them and develop them as a new breed.
Further Breed Development
The first four Burmillas were back-crossed to Burmese studs, and it was found that the characteristics were maintained into the next generation. Further breeding developed the Burmilla as a definite new type of pedigree cat, and the Baroness soon formed the Burmilla Association in order to promote the breed. Another breeder, Therese Clark, who had acquired Gemma from the original litter, launched the Burmilla Cat Club in 1984, and within four years the club had 50 active members. Standards emerged in 1984, and the breed was granted championship status in Britain in the 1990s.
Appearance and Personality of the Burmilla
Burmillas are medium-sized short-haired cats of foreign type, with the coat showing a striking contrast between a coloured shading or tipping and a pure silver base. They are muscular, yet give the impression of great elegance. They have lovely eyes – large, expressive, and emerald in colour. They are now available in a wide variety of colours.
These cats are gentle, intelligent, and affectionate. The demanding and mischievous character of the Burmese mixed with the relaxed, easy-going nature of the Chinchilla, gives Burmillas a unique personality.
Overall, the Burmilla is a wonderful companion and an extremely attractive breed.
Sources
Cat World, a Feline Encyclopaedia, Desmond Morris, Ebury Press 1996
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