Burmese cats tend to have dog-like tendencies in that they are very sociable and outgoing. The Burmese cat breed originated in Burma, and was developed in Britain and the United States. The Siamese cat, on the other hand, is highly affectionate and very friendly. These cats share many similarities, but also have differences that are worth noting.
Burmese vs Siamese: What are the differences?
These two breeds differ in their physical appearance and attributes.
Burmese cats are small to mid-sized and weigh around six to 12 pounds, with females weighing up to 10 pounds and males up to 12 pounds. Their fur comes in a range of colors including platinum, lilac, fawn, blue, sable, red, cinnamon, chocolate, champagne, cream and tortoiseshell. Their patterns are either solid colors or tortoiseshell. These cats have wide ears, a broad head and an average body.
Siamese cats, meanwhile, have an exotic Asian appearance and tubular-shaped bodies with dark shades on the face, feet and tail. They have wedge-shaped heads, triangular ears and bright blue, slanted, almond-shaped eyes. They are medium-sized cats, but bigger than the Burmese, with males weighing up to 15 pounds and females up to 12 pounds.
Siamese cats have slender legs with longer hind legs, giving them a unique stance and strut. These cats have long, thin tails that taper at the tip, and they look like they are wearing a mask because of the shading around the eyes and whisker. Their range of colors include brown, blue-gray, chocolate, ivory, cream, lilac and glacial white. They can also come in a tabby pattern.
They have differences in their personalities.
Burmese cats are people-oriented when they are still kittens or young adults, but they become introverted as they grow older. These cats have dog-like qualities in that they want to be with humans. They can also be trained to do tricks because they are so intelligent. They are quite vocal and ideal companions for dogs or children, although they may not get along well with other cat breeds.
These cats like to be given attention and they love being cuddled and snuggled. They are fearless and trusting, which could be dangerous especially if they wander away from home. They also do not want to be left alone for long periods, and if this happens they may become depressed and lonely.
Siamese cats, on the other hand, love to play and jump, being active and energetic. They are intelligent and attentive cats and they get along well with children and other pets like dogs. They hate being alone, so getting another Siamese cat would be ideal so they can have a playmate. This cat breed is popular for being chatty and vocal, with a broad range of meows and sounds including that which resembles the crying of an infant.
There is a slight difference in their lifespan.
The Burmese cat’s lifespan is around 10 to 17 years while, for the Siamese it is approximately 12 to 15 years.
Burmese and Siamese cats: Similarities
The two breeds have the same origin: Southeast Asia. The Burmese originated from Burma while the Siamese came from Thailand. They also have similarities in temperament and personality, as both are active and smart. These breeds also like attention and do not like to be home alone for long periods.
Burmese cat breed: Pros and cons
Pros
- They have a long lifespan.
- They get along well with other pets.
- They are loyal and attentive.
- They are active and highly trainable.
Cons
- These cats are susceptible to hypokalemia, a metabolic imbalance caused by low potassium levels in the blood.
- They tend to be very demanding of attention.
- They get depressed when left at home alone for long periods.
Siamese cat breed: Pros and cons
Pros
- They bond well with their owners.
- They have an elegant, exotic look.
- They are energetic and very intelligent.
Cons
- These cats are prone to eye problems.
- They are very vocal.
- They need constant enrichment and like to be the center of attention.
- They become depressed if left alone at home for long periods.
Conclusion
The Burmese and Siamese cat breeds share the same origin, as they both came from countries in Southeast Asia. However, there are some differences in their physical attributes. There are also slight differences in their personalities, as well as in their lifespan.
Image: istockphoto.com / Mindaugas Dulinskas