Burmese cats did not originate in Burma. The breed was established in the United States in the 1930s by breeding a brown cat from Burma with a Siamese, and then continuing the breeding of the offspring. The Siamese lineage is still evident, but the Burmese is a much stockier cat, the coat almost velvety soft. The ears are large, though not as large as those of the Siamese. The Burmese has a wedge-shaped or triangular head, and the yellow to gold eyes are almond-shaped. Its slim tail has a bend near the tip. The feet are small, almost dainty in comparison to the body.

The basic color of the original Burmese is dark brown, gradually becoming lighter on the belly. For show cats no white should show on the body, but the Legs, face mask, and ears may be a richer seal brown. Kittens are typically much lighter, with a hint of tabby shades, but usually become dark by the time they are a year old. In Great Britain breeders work toward slimmer, longer-bodied cats, which are favored in shows. In the United States a sturdier, more compact body is preferred, the head more blunt or rounded.

Blue Burmese have blue-gray fur. They were developed in the mid-1950s and became a recognized color variety in about 1960. The fur is distinctly darker to almost black down the middle of the back, becoming lighter on the chest and belly. Kittens are light in color, some showing tabby markings.

Still other color variations are being developed so that they breed true. These include red, champagne (chocolate), cream, blue-cream, platinum (lilac), and others. The attention given the Burmese is the result of the breed's popularity as a pet as well as for shows. Burmese kittens are almost unbelievably active and agile. They slow down considerably when they mature, becoming affectionate and quite loyal, but regularly involving themselves in the unexpected to command attention. They vocalize often, sometimes seeming almost to be muttering to themselves. They are not as obtrusive as Siamese.