Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Burmilla breed originated in the United Kingdom in 1981 as a result of an accidental cross between a Burmese cat and a Persian Chinchilla. The first cat, named Fabian, inherited elegance and temperament from the Burmese and the silver coat and soft fur from the Persian. Breeders noticed this unique result and began to fix the new type. A dedicated breeding program was later established, leading to the recognition of Burmilla as a separate breed. By the late 1980s, it had gained recognition from British cat clubs and was later registered with international associations. Today, it remains a rare but highly valued breed that combines oriental grace and Persian softness, with a distinctive silver appearance and gentle disposition.
General Appearance
The Burmilla is a medium-sized, elegant, and well-balanced cat with a firm, muscular body. Its appearance combines the grace of the Burmese with the rounded lines of the Persian. The body is of moderate length, with a well-developed chest, slender legs, and a medium-length tail. The head is slightly rounded with smooth lines and a gentle profile. The eyes are large, expressive, usually green, highlighting the contrast with the silver coat. The coat can be short or semi-long, dense, silky, and glossy, with subtle shading at the tips of the hairs. The overall impression is one of refinement, nobility, and natural charm.
Important Proportions
According to ICCF standards, the Burmilla must retain harmonious proportions. The body is medium in length, muscular, and balanced with the height of the limbs. The head is rounded with soft contours, its width nearly equal to its length. The legs are fine but strong, with oval paws. The tail is of medium length, tapering smoothly to a rounded tip, harmonizing with the body. The eyes are large, well-spaced, and proportionate to the head. The coat, a defining feature of the breed, should evenly cover the body, be short to semi-long, with a silver tone and subtle tipping. All proportions should convey elegance and unity.
Behavior and Temperament
The Burmilla has a calm and affectionate nature. It balances playfulness and composure, enjoys interactive games but is not overly demanding. Adaptable to family life, it gets along well with children and other pets. Compared to the Burmese, it is more reserved but remains affectionate and people-oriented. The Burmilla is loyal, enjoys companionship, yet respects personal space. Its voice is soft and quiet. Playful even in adulthood, it does not require constant attention. Intelligent, curious, and easily trainable, it combines serenity with charm and grace.
Head
The head is gently rounded, with noticeable width and soft lines creating a harmonious impression. The forehead is moderately curved, with a smooth but distinct transition to the nose. The cheekbones are well-developed, emphasizing the breed’s type. The muzzle is short, not pointed, with good fullness in the lower part, giving the head a soft expression. The chin is firm and level, balanced with the nose and lips. The nose is straight, of medium length and width, with a slight curve in profile. The head as a whole forms a refined and noble appearance — a hallmark of the breed.
Face
The face of the Burmilla is expressive, with smooth and rounded lines. The cheeks are full and blend gently into the muzzle, creating a rounded finish. The chin is strong, balanced, and not protruding. The whisker pads are well-developed, adding fullness and character. The nose is straight, of medium length, with a gentle curve along the profile. The muzzle should never appear pointed or narrow. The facial expression should convey intelligence, kindness, and noble refinement — key features of the breed.
Eyes
The eyes are one of the breed’s most distinctive features — large, almond-shaped with a rounded lower line and a slightly lifted outer corner. The gaze is open, lively, and intelligent, giving the Burmilla a captivating charm. The color is primarily green, with golden hues permissible in young cats, which deepen into vivid green with maturity. Eye placement should be harmonious with the head’s shape; the distance between them should be about one eye’s width. Pale, dull, or asymmetrical eyes are considered faults.
Ears
The ears are medium-sized, broad at the base, and gently rounded at the tips. Their placement is important — set high with a slight forward tilt, giving an alert and lively expression. The inner surface is well-furred but not overly exposed. Ears must be in proportion to the head, enhancing its rounded contour. Oversized or undersized ears that disrupt balance are considered faults.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, strong, and muscular yet graceful. It connects the head and body smoothly without abrupt transitions. Males have a thicker, more powerful neck, while females have a slender and elegant one. The neckline should be smooth and proportional to the overall silhouette. Folds, excessive thickness, or awkward length are undesirable. A correctly formed neck enhances the cat’s elegance and regal bearing.
Body
The body is medium-sized, compact, and muscular, yet not coarse. The chest is broad and rounded, the back straight, and the loin strong. The abdomen is firm and slightly tucked up, giving a balanced appearance. The overall impression should be of a solid yet refined physique, without heaviness or fragility. Males are generally larger and more robust; females are lighter and more graceful. The silhouette is smooth, harmonious, and balanced.
Tail
The tail is of medium length, broad at the base, tapering gently to a rounded tip. It should be flexible, mobile, and free from kinks or deformities. In repose, it follows the line of the body gracefully, aiding balance in motion. The tip must always be rounded, completing the elegant silhouette.
Forelimbs
The forelegs are of medium length, straight, slender but strong, with solid bone and muscle. The stance is straight and parallel, ensuring stability. The shoulders are gently sloped, merging smoothly with the body. The paws are oval, compact, and well-padded. The legs must not appear too thin or coarse. Weak bone or poor alignment is a fault.
Hindlimbs
The hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs, giving the body a gentle rise toward the rear. They are strong, muscular, and well-developed, with proper joint angulation. Thighs are powerful but not coarse; lower legs are proportional. Paws are oval and compact. Weak joints or distorted stance are faults.
Gait and Movement
The Burmilla moves with grace, lightness, and fluidity. Movements are smooth, elastic, and well-coordinated, giving an impression of natural poise. The gait is balanced, without stiffness or awkwardness. The tail assists in maintaining balance. The cat’s movement should combine energy and softness, demonstrating physical fitness and elegance.
Coat
The coat is one of the breed’s defining features. It is short or semi-long, fine, silky, and smooth to the touch. The hair lies close to the body, emphasizing the muscular form while remaining soft and airy. Minimal undercoat ensures the coat remains sleek. The characteristic “tipped” shading gives each hair a darkened end, creating a shimmering silver effect. The coat should be uniform in texture and shine across the body.
Recognized Colors
ICCF recognizes silver and golden varieties with varying degrees of tipping or shading. Base colors include black, chocolate, blue, lilac, and their dilute variations. Tortoiseshell and tabby patterns are acceptable in the same tones. The silver color must be bright and even, with clear contrast between the base and tips. The golden version should have a warm tone with a soft luster. White markings, spots, or stripes are not permitted.
Size
The Burmilla is a medium-sized breed with a balanced physique. Males are larger and more muscular, weighing between 4–6 kg; females are lighter, between 3–5 kg. Height at the withers is proportional to body length. Excessive size detracts from elegance; too small — from breed type.
Faults
Faults include imbalance in body proportions, overly long or short torso, weak bone structure, thin limbs, or poor leg alignment. In the head, faults include excessively long or short nose, narrow muzzle, weak chin, or misaligned ears. Eyes that are too small, dull, or asymmetrical are penalized. Coat faults include excessive length, coarse texture, or lack of silver sheen. White patches, spots, and uneven color are unacceptable.
Disqualification
Serious defects leading to disqualification include tail deformities, kinks, crossbite or missing teeth, limb or spinal deformities, absence of silver or golden shading, presence of tabby striping or white markings, or incorrect eye color (blue or yellow in adults). Behavioral faults such as aggression, fearfulness, or instability also lead to exclusion. Cats with congenital or acquired health defects cannot be shown or bred.
Important Notes
The ICCF recognizes the Burmilla as a young but refined breed that combines Oriental elegance with Persian silver beauty. Judging focuses on harmony, eye expression, movement fluidity, and coat quality. Only cats with ICCF documentation — pedigree, vaccination records, and microchip verification — are eligible for breeding or exhibition. Breeders must ensure genetic purity and avoid uncontrolled matings.
Conclusion
According to ICCF standards, the Burmilla is a sophisticated breed that combines refined form, a shimmering silver coat, and a gentle temperament. It stands out for its balance, round head, expressive eyes, and graceful movements. Only cats meeting ICCF requirements and possessing official documentation — pedigree, veterinary passport, and microchip record — are permitted in shows and breeding programs. The ICCF upholds the purity and preservation of this exceptional breed, a true jewel among cats symbolizing beauty, intelligence, and serenity.
