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

Share

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.


Catster's Digital Magazine is Back!

Vet-approved health & behavior advice

Real cat stories & community features

Your Cat Isn’t Picky – Their Nose Is Just Bored

If you’ve ever sighed while scraping uneaten cat food into the trash, you’re certainly not alone. Many cat owners know the routine: their...

Ask Dr. Paola – Help! My Kitten Won’t Use the Litter Box! (July 27, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

Chatting with Petra Luna About CatCrazy, Cat Food Ingredients & The Secret of E-Beams | Chatty Cattys, Episode 28

In this episode of Catster’s Chatty Cattys podcast, Nicole and Dr. Karyn welcome back Petra Luna from CatCrazy to catch up on her...

According to Vets, Most Owners Miss These Signs That a Cat is Sick

Cats are famously good at hiding discomfort. It is not stubbornness or indifference; it’s a deeply ingrained survival instinct. In the wild, showing...

More related

Euthanasia Guilt: 8 Vet-Verified Tips to Work Through Your Feelings

The death of a beloved cat can be one of the most difficult experiences to deal with in life. Losing your cat is...

How Cats Respond to Music: Does Olga Have a Favorite Tune?

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga. Some musicians produce songs and...

We Chat with Andrew Hsieh: Owner of Seattle’s First Cat Cafe

Seattle is fairly well known as being a cat friendly locale. We rank second in the United States for the number of single...

Penguin CBD Cat Supplement Review 2026: A Detailed Look

Whether your kitty is anxious, overstimulated, or just keeping you up at night, CBD can help. This natural compound is purr-fect for...

Keep reading

Do Cats Get Lonely When You Go to Work? Vet-Reviewed Signs & Entertainment Tips

Many people have the view that cats are antisocial; however, that isn’t true. Cats are very affectionate creatures; they socialize in ways different from ours, and there are variations in how sociable cats are toward humans. While we show affection...

cat indoor_Melanie Hogue_Pixabay

Simply Nourish Cat Food Review of 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Simply Nourish is a PetSmart brand, sold exclusively at PetSmart, at least officially. It’s a healthier alternative to commercial pet foods that are made with fillers and non-natural ingredients. Likewise, it’s marketed as the more affordable alternative to...

Simply Nourish Cat Food Review

9 Best Antifungal Shampoos for Cats in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Bathing your cat may not be your favorite pastime (or theirs), but sometimes, baths are essential for their health. Fungal infections of your cat’s skin are sometimes treated with a shampoo treatment – often at a veterinarian’s advice or prescription....

cat bathing in the bathroom

Are Frosty Ferns Toxic to Cats? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Frosty ferns are delicate light green plants popular with gardeners everywhere. Its shimmery new sprouts make the entire plant look like it’s been delicately brushed with snow—hence the name! Frosty ferns, more precisely known as Selaginella kraussiana, aren’t ferns but...

Catster_Are Ferns Toxic to Cats

Can Cats Eat Melon? Vet-Approved Nutritional Facts

There’s nothing like a juicy piece of watermelon to quench your thirst on a hot summer day. Melons are sweet, refreshing, and full of fiber and nutrients. You might be wondering if your cat can benefit from the vitamins and...

Can Cats Eat Melon

Can Cats Eat Seaweed? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts & FAQ

It is no secret that most cats are fans of fish, and if you have a particularly keen cat, they might try to scoop fish out of your fish tank! Tuna and cats, for example, have been linked for generations....

Can Cats Eat Seaweed

My Cat Ate a Lily: Is It Dangerous? Vet Reviewed Signs & Treatments

Lilies are beautiful and fragrant flowers, seen in plenty of vases, bouquets, gardens, and displays around the world. Behind their beauty and grandeur, however, is a deadly toxin. Lilies are toxic to cats and must be avoided. This currently still...

My Cat Ate a Lily

Do Cats Eat Rats or Just Kill Them? Vet-Verified Biological Reasons & Risks

In the wild, cats are skilled hunters and would naturally eat small prey such as rats or mice when hungry. However, hunting isn’t only about food; it’s an instinctive behavior for felines. This means that domestic cats may still stalk,...

cat next to a dead rat

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.