AsianBurmese type in a rainbow of colors

History and Origin

The Asian group began in the UK in 1981, when a Chinchilla Persian male and a lilac Burmese female, belonging to Baroness Miranda von Kirchberg, mated by accident. The resulting shaded silver kittens became the foundation of the Burmilla.

Breeders then developed a whole group of Burmese-type cats in other colors and patterns. The GCCF recognizes the Asian group, which includes the Burmilla (Asian Shaded), Asian Smoke, Asian Self (including the UK Bombay and Asian Tortie) and Asian Tabby. A semi-longhaired version, the Tiffanie, is also part of the family. Outside the UK, the Burmilla is recognized as a separate breed by other registries.

Size, Coat and Colors

The Asian is a medium-size, muscular cat weighing 8 to 14 lb. It has the Burmese body type: compact and solid, with a rounded chest, straight back and medium-length legs. Males are usually larger and heavier than females.

The head is a short wedge with a rounded top, medium to large ears and expressive eyes in shades from yellow to green.

The coat is short, fine and close-lying with a satin feel. The semi-longhaired Tiffanie is part of the same group. The GCCF divides the Asian group into four color divisions:

• Burmilla (Asian Shaded): silver or golden shaded or tipped
• Asian Smoke: a pale undercoat with dark tips
• Asian Self: solid colors, including the black Bombay and the Asian Tortie
• Asian Tabby: ticked, spotted, mackerel and classic tabby

Each comes in many colors, including black, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, caramel and apricot, and in full or Burmese restricted coloring.

Personality and Temperament

Asians generally combine the Burmese social nature with a slightly calmer temperament. They are affectionate, people-focused and often follow their owners around.

They tend to be good with children and other pets and are usually friendly with visitors. They enjoy company and may become lonely if left alone for long periods. Their voice is moderate, softer than the Siamese.

Are Asian Cats Lap Cats?

Many Asian cats are affectionate lap cats. They inherit the Burmese love of people and often seek out laps, follow owners around and enjoy being held.

Compared with the Burmese, they are often slightly calmer, which can make them more inclined to settle for long cuddles. Typical behaviors include:

• Following owners from room to room
• Sleeping on or beside their people
• Greeting visitors with curiosity

Personalities vary by individual and color division. Burmillas, for example, are often described as especially gentle.

Can Asian Cats Be Left Alone?

Asian cats do not cope well with long periods alone. They are people-focused and may become lonely or vocal when left for full workdays.

Helpful steps:

• Provide climbing furniture and window perches
• Use puzzle feeders and rotate toys
• Play actively before leaving and after returning
• Consider a second sociable cat

Many breeders recommend a companion cat for owners who work outside the home. For holidays, arrange a cat sitter who will spend time with them, not just feed them and clean the litter box.

Can Asian Cats Live With Dogs?

Yes, Asian cats usually get along well with cat-friendly dogs. They are sociable, confident and tolerant, traits inherited from the Burmese.

For a smooth introduction:

• Separate them at first and swap bedding to share scents
• Introduce the dog on a leash
• Give the cat high perches and escape routes
• Reward calm behavior from both

A dog with a strong chase instinct may not be safe with any cat, so assess the dog's temperament first. Most Asians adapt quickly to a respectful dog.

Activity, Play and Enrichment

Asians are active and playful.

• Daily play sessions with wand toys and fetch.
• Climbing furniture and window perches.
• Puzzle feeders, since some can be food-motivated and prone to weight gain.

A second sociable cat can be a good companion in busy households.

Grooming and Shedding

The coat is short, fine and close-lying, with a satin feel.

• A weekly stroke with a soft brush or mitt is enough.
• Brush teeth regularly and trim nails.

Shedding is light. The semi-longhaired Tiffanie needs more brushing.

Feeding and Nutrition

Asian cats share the Burmese tendency toward weight gain and a higher risk of diabetes. Keeping them lean is one of the most important things you can do for their health. Aim for a solid, muscular body with ribs easy to feel and a visible waist.

Practical steps:

• Measure meals rather than free-feeding
• Feed two to four small meals a day
• Use puzzle feeders to slow eating
• Count treats in the daily ration

Kittens grow quickly; feed a kitten diet in several small meals for the first year, then switch to adult food.

Hypokalemia, an inherited condition causing low blood potassium, is managed with veterinary guidance, sometimes including potassium supplementation. Do not supplement without your vet's advice.

Burmillas may carry PKD from Persian ancestry. Encourage water intake with fountains or wet food. Regular vet checks help catch kidney or diabetes issues early.

Estimates use the resting energy formula veterinarians work with (70 × body weight in kg^0.75) and standard activity factors. Use the feeding guide on your food as a starting point and adjust to body condition. Kittens, seniors, pregnant animals and pets that need to lose weight have different needs, so ask your vet.

Health and Lifespan

Asians usually weigh 8 to 14 lb and commonly live 12 to 16 years.

Because of their Burmese ancestry, they can carry inherited conditions seen in that breed:

• Hypokalemia (low blood potassium causing muscle weakness), with a DNA test available.
• Burmese head defect, a craniofacial malformation in kittens, with a DNA test available.
• Diabetes, which is more common in Burmese-related cats.
• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in lines with Persian ancestry, such as the Burmilla.

Ask breeders for DNA test results for both parents.

Asian Price and Cost of Ownership

The Asian group is mainly bred in the UK and is little known in the US, so there is no reliable US price. The Burmilla is available from a few US breeders as a separate breed, but prices vary by breeder, region and lines. Importing an Asian from the UK adds transport and paperwork costs.

Adoption is rare outside the UK.

Breed-specific ongoing costs:

• DNA tests for hypokalemia and the Burmese head defect
• PKD screening for Burmillas
• Weight management and regular vet checks for diabetes
• Pet insurance covering inherited conditions

Grooming costs are minimal for the shorthaired Asian, though the semi-longhaired Tiffanie needs more brushing.

Is the Asian Right for You?

A good match if you want an affectionate, social cat for a family home with children or other pets, and you like Burmese temperament in more color choices.

Think twice if you are out for long hours with no other pet.

The Asian group is mainly found in the UK and is little known in the US, so there is no reliable US price. In the US, the Burmilla is available from a few breeders as a separate breed.