Burmese cats are among the most recognizable and beloved cat breeds in the world. These majestic kitties are highly sociable and wonderfully playful, but how big do they usually become as they get older?
Burmese cats are a medium-sized breed that typically weighs between 6 and 12 pounds when they are fully grown. Males are usually around 8-10 pounds in weight while females are generally smaller, weighing around 6-8 pounds on average. They range in height from about 8 to 12 inches and are normally 15 to 18 inches in length.
Read ahead in this article to find out everything you need to know when it comes to the size and weight that you can expect from a Burmese cat as they grow from a kitten to an adult.
Burmese Cat Weight by Age
Burmese cats are a very popular breed, and they aren’t exactly minute. Although they are quite elegant and sleek in appearance (direct descendants of Siamese cats, especially seal point Siamese), they are pretty substantial animals for their size. You might be surprised at how much they actually weigh when you pick them up.
There is a lot of variety to exactly how large a Burmese cat is going to be when they are fully grown but, with an average growth rate, there is a certain size and weight that you can expect to see as they get bigger.
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Let’s take a look at the typical growth phases that a Burmese cat is going to go through in their formative months.
Burmese Cat Weight by Age Chart
Age | Male | Female |
3 Months | 1.2 – 1.7 kg (2.6 – 3.7 lbs) | 1.1 – 1.6 kg (2.4 – 3.5 lbs) |
4 Months | 1.7 – 2.1 kg (3.7 – 4.6 lbs) | 1.5 – 2.0 kg (3.3 – 4.4 lbs) |
5 Months | 2.0 – 2.5 kg (4.4 – 5.5 lbs) | 1.9 – 2.4 kg (4.2 – 5.3 lbs) |
6 Months | 2.2 – 2.9 kg (4.9 – 6.4 lbs) | 2.0 – 2.6 kg (4.4 – 5.7 lbs) |
7 Months | 2.4 – 3.3 kg (5.3 – 7.3 lbs) | 2.1 – 2.8 kg (4.6 – 6.2 lbs) |
8 Months | 2.6 – 3.7 kg (5.7 – 8.2 lbs) | 2.2 – 3.0 kg (4.9 – 6.6 lbs) |
9 Months | 2.8 – 4.1 kg (6.2 – 9.0 lbs) | 2.3 – 3.2 kg (5.1 – 7.0 lbs) |
10 Months | 3.0 – 4.5 kg (6.6 – 9.9 lbs) | 2.4 – 3.4 kg (5.3 – 7.5 lbs) |
11 Months | 3.2 – 4.9 kg (7.0 – 18.8 lbs) | 2.5 – 3.6 kg (5.5 – 7.9 lbs) |
1 Year (12 months) | 3.4 – 5.3 kg (7.5 – 11.7 lbs) | 2.6 – 3.8 kg (5.7 – 8.4 lbs) |
3 Years (36 months) | 3.6 – 5.4 kg (8.0 – 12.0 lbs) | 2.7 – 4.0 kg (6.0 – 9.0 lbs) |
These numbers are all averages that are based on expected growth rate rather than strict figures for exactly how much a Burmese cat is supposed to weigh. It is really useful to help you compare and predict what you might see in your own cat, but not every individual will fit into the average range for their age.
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Most Burmese kittens grow at a rate of around 0.5 – 1 pound per month, but it is rarely a perfectly regular process. Some months your cat will go through a big growth spurt, whereas other months they might plateau for a week or two before starting to put on more weight again.
How Much Should My Burmese Cat Weigh?
One of the main reasons why we want to find out how much a breed might weigh is so that we can see how healthy our own cat is growing. Generally speaking, though, the question of how much your Burmese is supposed to weigh is not always as helpful as you might think.
Each individual cat is unique and different, and they can weigh significantly different amounts without being considered unhealthy. Even the rate at which they grow will not be the same for every cat.
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Don’t stress too much about how the number on the scales matches up to other Burmese cats. What you should be looking out for, though, is whether or not your cat is growing at a healthy rate and whether their weight is appropriate for their size.
Burmese Breed: Do All Burmese Cats Look the Same?
Interestingly, there are actually two distinct variations of Burmese cats that are still generally classified as members of the same breed. Since they were introduced to the States in 1930, the European Burmese and American standards for Burmese have been slightly different from each other, which led to changes in their physical characteristic over the years.
- American Burmese: Noticeably stockier, with a broader head and shorter muzzle.
- European Burmese: Longer, more slender body, and a longer muzzle.
This just goes to show that you can’t always compare your cat to others and expect them to be the same. There is so much beauty and variety out there, even within a single breed!
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Why Do Burmese Cats Weigh So Much?
Although they are far from the largest domestic cat breed out there, Burmese cats do tend to weigh quite a lot. This is because they have a heavy bone structure and strong muscles.
They are very striking and elegant to look at, but they are actually quite stocky in comparison to many other house cats. They have broad heads and muscly bodies, and you will definitely notice their weight when you go to pick them up!
Are Burmese Cats Prone to Obesity?
Overall, Burmese cats are a relatively healthy breed and they tend not to have too many problems with their weight. With that being said, it is an owner’s responsibility to provide the right diet and level of activity so that your cat stays healthy and well.
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According to the cat fanciers Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, nearly 60% of all cats in the United States are classified as clinically overweight or obese by their vets. We all love making our cats happy with big meals and letting them relax around the house but putting on too much weight can be a serious problem for their health.
Burmese cats that are overweight or obese are at greater risk for a large number of different health conditions, including:
- Cancer
- Heart Disease
- Liver Disease
- GI Disease
- Joint Problems and Osteoarthritis
- Urinary Complications
- Breathing Issues
- Skin Conditions
At the end of the day, overweight and obese cats don’t get to live as long or as happily as cats that are within a healthy weight range. For Burmese cats, this tends to be more of a problem as they get older.
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How Long Do Burmese Cats Typically Live?
One of the best things about raising a beautiful Burmese is how long you are likely to have this wonderful animal in your life. They are a long-lived breed that typically reaches at least 15 years of age. It’s actually relatively common for Burmese cats to celebrate their 20th birthday and beyond!
When they do get to the later stages of their life, though, it is even more important that you keep an eye on your cat’s weight. Just like us, your Burmese will get a little more sedentary and less active as they get into their senior years, so they are prone to becoming overweight around this time.
Try to keep your cat moving and as lively as possible, and try to avoid overfeeding them!
Is My Burmese Cat Overweight?
Looking at the scales alone can be quite deceptive when you’re trying to figure out whether or not your cat has put on a few too many pounds. Burmese cats are surprisingly heavy, even when they are at a perfectly healthy weight for their size. They are sometimes referred to as “a brick wrapped in silk”, because of how deceptively chunky they can be!
Don’t worry, though – there are a few ways to examine your cat’s weight simply and easily at home.
- Look at them from above. When your Burmese is standing, there should be a slight inward curve at their waist.
- Feel the sides of their body. You should be able to feel your cat’s ribcage and hip bones through their skin when you apply a bit of pressure.
- Look at them from the side. Your cat might have a slight pouch at their belly, but it shouldn’t be full and extended all of the time.
- Watch their behavior. A healthy Burmese should be active and enthusiastic, and they should be able to climb and jump with relative ease.
Your Burmese might be a little overweight if there is no inward curve at their waist, you can’t feel their ribcage through their fat layer, and they are struggling with their movement.
If you are at all worried about the weight of your cat, you should take them to the vet so they can be properly examined – that applies to all cat breeds.
Burmese Breed Summary
So, how much does a Burmese cat typically weigh as they get older? Most Burmese cats weigh between 8 and 10 pounds when they are fully grown – at around 1 year of age. Males are usually a little larger at 8-12 pounds, whereas females are normally between 6 and 8 pounds.
Burmese cats are actually known for being deceptively heavy for their size, as they are stocky, muscular, and big-boned.
It is really important, though, that you keep an eye on your cat’s weight, particularly as they get into their elderly years. You want your Burmese to have the longest, happiest life possible, and maintaining a healthy weight will help to make that happen!
Some FAQs about Burmese Cats
Are Burmese cats heavy?
There is no definitive answer to this question since there is no standard weight for Burmese cats. However, most Burmese cats tend to be on the heavy side, with some males weighing up to 15 pounds or more. Females are typically smaller, but can still weigh 10 pounds or more. So if you’re looking for a big cat, a Burmese might be a good choice!
How much should a Burmese cat weigh in kg?
A healthy 1-year-old male Burmese cat should weigh around 4.0-4.5 kg
Do Burmese cats purr?
Yes, Burmese cats purr. Purring is a sign of contentment and happiness in cats. It’s also been shown to be beneficial to cats’ health, providing a calming effect and releasing positive hormones.
Do all Burmese have yellow eyes?
No, not all Burmese have yellow eyes. However, a significant minority of them do have this eye color. Yellow eyes are actually relatively common in Asia, and BURMESE is one of the many Asian ethnic groups that may possess this trait. In fact, some studies suggest that up to 15% of Asians overall have yellow eyes. So while it’s certainly not true that all Burmese have yellow eyes, it’s also not uncommon for members of this group to possess this eye color.
Do Burmese cats get lonely?
Most cats enjoy having their own space and some can even be quite independent, but this doesn’t mean they don’t like companionship. While Burmese cats may not be as vocal as other breeds, they still crave attention and love from their humans. Just like any other pet, if a Burmese cat is left alone for too long they can get lonely. This is why it’s important to spend quality time with your feline friend and give them the attention they need and deserve. Plus, who wouldn’t want to cuddle with a cute little kitty? So if you’re wondering whether or not Burmese cats get lonely, the answer is yes – just like any other cat!