Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Black Burmese Cat: Info, Pictures, Facts & History

Black Burmese cat on black background

Burmese cats are known for being loyal, loving, and gorgeous and becoming attached to their pet parents. There are a few color variations of the breed, including the Black Burmese, which is a gorgeous cat in their own right.

The Black Burmese has a glossy coat and a playful attitude. These cats are medium-sized and stocky and look lighter than they are. Like other colors in the Burmese breed, the Black Burmese is known for being friendly and has been compared to dogs because they act much like them.

Breed Overview

Length:

9–13 inches

Weight:

8–12 pounds

Lifespan:

18–25 years

Colors:

Black

Suitable for:

Laidback families

Temperament:

Loyal and loving, intelligent, playful, friendly, gets along with other pets, adapts easily

If you’re considering adopting a Black Burmese, you’ll want to know the history of these beautiful cats, if organizations have recognized them for show status, and a few unique facts about the cat you might not have known.

The Black Burmese is a color variation of the Burmese cat. Other coat colors include sable, fawn, blue, platinum, champagne, lilac, chocolate, red, cream, and cinnamon. Some variations might be easier to find than others, but they are all lovable, gorgeous cats with the most amazing eyes.

We discuss all you need to know about the Black Burmese cat here!

Black Burmese Cat Breed Characteristics

Energy
+
A high-energy cat needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep healthy and happy, while a low-energy cat needs minimal physical activity, but still needs mental stimulation. When choosing a cat, It’s important to ensure their energy levels match your lifestyle.
Trainability
+
Cats that are easy-to-train are more willing and skilled at quickly learning prompts and actions with minimal training. Harder-to-train cats are usually more stubborn or aloof and require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
+
Certain cat breeds are more prone to various genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every cat in those breeds will have these issues, but they do have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Lifespan
+
Due to their size or potential genetic health issues of a specific breed, some cats have shorter lifespans than others. Proper nutrition, exercise, mental stimulation, and hygiene also play an important role in your cat’s lifespan and quality of life.
Sociability
+
Some cat breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other cats and animals. Cats that are more social have a tendency to rub up on strangers for scratches or jump on laps for cuddles, while cats that are less social shy away, hide, are more cautious, and even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed or gender, it’s important to socialize your cat and expose them to many different situations.

divider 1 paws

The Earliest Records of Black Burmese Cat in History

While there are no early records of the Black Burmese, the Burmese cat first made an appearance in 1930, when one made their way from Burma (now Myanmar) to America with a man named Dr. Joseph C. Thompson. The cat’s name was Wong Mau. Eventually, the Burmese were bred with a Siamese cat, which resulted in the many color variations we see today.

Many people thought that Wong Mau was just a Siamese, but that was proven wrong when the cat was bred with a Siamese, and the kittens ended up appearing to be Burmese/Siamese hybrids and pure Siamese. While it isn’t known exactly when the Black Burmese cat appeared, it is one of the most popular coat colors of the breed today.

How the Black Burmese Cat Gained Popularity

The Black Burmese Cat is popular due to their glossy black color. However, the Burmese breed gained popularity because they don’t take up much space and live for quite a long time. In fact, Burmese Cats usually live between 18 and 25 years if they are properly cared for in the right environment.

Another reason for their popularity is that they are incredibly playful, being compared to dogs often because of their canine-like behavior. They are also a laidback breed, which means pet parents don’t have to worry that the cat will destroy their furniture and homes while they are working.

Black Burmese cat
Photo By: alitellioglu_Shutterstock

Formal Recognition of Black Burmese Cat

Burmese Cats are recognized by the CFA, ACFA, FIFe, and TICA. However, in 1947, the breed had become extremely popular, and people were putting hybrids in shows instead of the pure Burmese. This caused the CFA to pull their recognition.

The recognition wasn’t restored until 1953, after the Burmese Cat Society of America assured the registries that the behavior would not continue. The Black Burmese is recognized by these organizations, as are all colors of the Burmese breed.

divider 1 paws

Top 3 Unique Facts About Black Burmese Cat

Now that you know a bit about the history of the Black Burmese cat and the Burmese breed, here are a few unique facts about this gorgeous cat.

1. The Burmese Was Surrounded by Controversy

The recognition for the Burmese was pulled by the CFA in 1947. This led to a rule that only cats born from three generations of a purebred Burmese could be recognized as authentic.

Black Burmese cat
Photo By: Jumpstory

2. The Burmese Has Created Other Popular Breeds

The Burmese cat is responsible for the Bombay cat and Burmilla.


3. Burmese Cats Love to Play

Burmese are more playful than many breeds, and it’s unlikely that you’ll encounter one that doesn’t want to climb all over you. They’ve been compared to dogs because they love to play and become quite attached to their pet parents.

Black Burmese cat with yellow eyes
Photo Credit: Jumpstory

divider 1 pawsDoes a Black Burmese Cat Make a Good Pet?

The Black Burmese makes an excellent cat for a laidback family or anyone looking for a loyal, loving pet. They become quite attached to their pet parents and could suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.

If you have a job that takes you away from home often, the Black Burmese might not be the best breed for you. Also, if you have children and pets, the cat will get along fine with them if they are socialized and trained when they are a kitten.

divider 1 paws

Conclusion

The Black Burmese Cat is a gorgeous cat with glossy fur. These cats have been around for quite some time now and even temporarily lost their recognition with the CFA because hybrids were entered at cat shows. While the Black Burmese isn’t a breed of their own, they are one of the most popular of the Burmese cat family. You’ll love having one in your home, as they are loyal, loving, playful, and attached to their family.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: izmargad, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Can Cats Eat Chicken Skin? Vet-Reviewed Nutritional Facts

Chicken is a popular protein to feed cats, and many cats enjoy eating poultry-based meals. While it’s not advisable to feed cats poultry...

5 Best Litter for Cats with Asthma in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

It can be tough to parent a cat with asthma, particularly because of cat litter. The tiny particles and dust that get kicked...

10 Blue Cat Breeds: An Overview (With Vet-Verified Info & Pictures)

Blue cats are some of the most beautiful coats out there, and it’s not surprising that felines of diverse breeds presenting this color...

Why Does My Cat Sleep Between My Legs? 5 Reasons for This Behavior

We’re never going to understand our cats and their quirky behavior! If your cat loves to snuggle up for a nap between your...

More related

Cheetoh Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Temperament & More

Are you looking for a cat to adopt but want one that lets you take a walk on the wild side? Look no...

Can a Cat Take Baby Aspirin? Vet-Approved Facts & Safety Tips

No one wants to think about their beloved pet in pain, so it can be tempting to give your cat some relief from...

How to Give a Cat a Bath Without Water: Vet-Approved Step-by-Step Guide

Most cats don’t like to get baths. The good news is that cats are excellent groomers and usually keep themselves clean enough, so...

10 Best Cat Tunnels in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Cat toys, in general, provide your cat with physical exercise and mental stimulation. Tunnels are popular because they appeal to your cat’s curiosity...

Keep reading

Why Do Cats Like Crinkly Things? 5 Possible Reasons & Risks

Cats are intrigued by objects that make a crisp, crackling sound. Something about their curious personalities makes the compelling sound of a crinkly toy irresistible, much like how they’ll clamor to the chime of a bell. But why, out of...

Cute cat on outdoor chair playing with empty plastic water bottle

Why Do Cats Like Clean Laundry? 4 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

For some reason, cats can’t seem to resist clean laundry. Most relish burrowing into warm laundry fresh from the dryer, and many refuse to move once comfortably snuggled deep in a laundry basket full of toasty sheets or clothes. But...

Cute kitten sleeping in laundry basket

Why Do Cats Eat Grass? 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons Behind the Behavior

Our beloved cats are quirky creatures with some habits that seem rather baffling to cat owners. One of these behaviors is cats chowing down on grass and then sometimes throwing it back up. Why? Why on earth do these intelligent...

close up of a cat eating grass

Can Cats Drink Salt Water? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Advice

We all grew up knowing that we shouldn’t drink salt water. That said, gargling with salt water seems to be a safe practice. It can even reduce tooth and gum pain. But we know better than to swallow the saltwater...

Can Cats Drink Salt Water

Where Do Cats Pee From? Vet-Reviewed Anatomy

If you’ve ever noticed a cat peeing, it can be a bit of a confusing experience, as both male and female cats squat down and pee from behind. But when you really dig into the system, it’s not that different...

Tabby cat sitting in a litter box

Are Cats Playful? Vet-Reviewed Feline Character Explained

Absolutely, most cats love to play! However, cats vary a lot in temperament depending on their breed, gender, and other factors. Some breeds are particularly known for being playful, like the Bombay, while others are known for not being playful....

Two cats are lying on the floor. Gray cats are playing with a laser pointer.

8 Best Grain-Free Kitten Foods of 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Adding a new kitten to your family is an incredibly exciting time, but it’s also one that requires many decisions! From what sort of bed your kitten should sleep in to what toys to buy them, there’s so much to...

kitten eating cat food

Why Is My Cat Attacking The Mailman? Possible Reasons & Prevention Tips

There are several reasons that your cat may decide to attack the mailman. In many cases, cats attack them for the same reasons that dogs do: out of territorial instincts or playful curiosity. In this article, we go over all...

Mailman delivering mail