Burmese cats are sweet, loving, and affectionate. These medium-sized pets are muscular and compact, and some can weigh up to 14 pounds. Most have distinctive round heads and gorgeous green or golden eyes. It’s not unheard of for Burmese cats to live for more than 18 years.

They become quite attached to their favorite people and love to be right in the middle of family life. Many follow their owners around the house, and they’re often affectionately described as dog-like due to their playfulness and devotion. Burmese cats are known for being particularly vocal, as most will meow to communicate with their humans.

They are usually good with children and other pets, and while they require exercise, most aren’t energetic to the point of distraction. The modern Burmese cat breed was developed in the 1930s, and almost all Burmese cats can trace their ancestry to the breed’s founding mother, Wong Mau. Burmese cats are closely related to Siamese and Tonkinese kitties.

Below, you’ll find more information about the costs of purchasing or adopting a Burmese cat and a quick review of some of the most common initial and recurring expenses. Prices can go from $600–$1,000 if you buy a Burmese or up to $2,500 if you use a reputable breeder.

Bringing Home a New Burmese Cat: One-Time Costs

Several one-time costs are associated with bringing home a new feline companion, and having the basics on hand before your new buddy arrives is essential for making your cat’s first days at home comfortable and giving them a sense of security.

It’s generally a good idea to have a litter box, litter, litter scoop, food and water bowls, carrier, food, and a few toys on hand before your cat’s big day arrives. But if you have your heart set on a Burmese cat, your most significant expense will likely be purchasing your pet from a breeder or shelter.

Free

While it’s often possible to find feline companions through friends and family members, you’re unlikely to see too many pedigree Burmese cats being given away. However, several pets are successfully rehomed through informal channels, so it often pays to inform friends and family that you want to adopt a Burmese cat.

Consider having any pet you’re thinking of bringing into your family circle checked out by a veterinarian before making a decision one way or another to ensure you’re adopting a healthy animal.

Adoption

Chances aren’t great that you’ll happen upon a purebred Burmese cat at your local shelter. However, you may be luckier with a rescue organization, particularly if you’re willing to adopt an older pet. Many rescue organizations have social media accounts where you can look at available cats.

Breeder

Plan to spend anywhere from $600 to $2,500 if you purchase a Burmese cat from a breeder. Expect to pay towards the high-end for a cat with sought-after bloodlines. Some breeders are willing to sell retired adult Burmese queens.

While purchasing a pet from a reputable breeder is usually the most expensive option, it’s often the best way to avoid adopting a genetically vulnerable pet. Experienced breeders will ensure that any kitten you adopt will be properly socialized.

Initial Setup and Supplies

Most pet parents spend anywhere from $200 to $400 on initial essentials, which doesn’t include the cost of purchasing your pet. While there are recurring costs to factor in, like food and pet insurance, there are a few items you’ll only need to purchase once.

Spay/neuter costs and microchipping are often included in shelter and rescue organization adoption fees, potentially lowering the total you spend in the first weeks after your cat comes home. If you’re adopting a kitten, consider purchasing a larger carrier than your pet may need right now to avoid having to buy a new one in just a few months.

List of Burmese Cat Care Supplies and Costs

How Much Does a Burmese Cat Cost Per Month?

Burmese cats generally cost $50 to $200 to maintain, depending on your chosen products and your pet’s age. Plan to spend more on cat food if you’re interested in small-batch, sustainable, or fresh meals. Most pet owners spend more on medical care as their pet ages.

Senior cats require more well-cat veterinary visits than healthy adult pets and often have additional healthcare-related expenses, such as medication and prescription food. But it’s often possible to save a bit of money on grooming as Burmese cats don’t require expensive salon visits to stay looking sharp.

Health Care

Most healthy adult cats require biannual checkups to stay in top condition. These regular visits give your veterinarian a chance to give your pet the once over, do a dental exam, and make suggestions regarding diet and exercise. They’re also the best way to catch potentially problematic chronic conditions as quickly as possible.

Kittens and older cats require far more frequent trips to the veterinarian. And many pet insurance plans don’t cover preventive health care like annual veterinary visits and vaccinations. Depending on your pet’s age and general health status, plan to put away anywhere from $10 to $60 a month to cover regular, predictable veterinary expenses, such as dental cleanings and flea treatments.

Food

Burmese cats thrive when getting all the nutrients they require from high-quality food. Look for brands with a wholesome protein listed first on the ingredients list. Choices that adhere to the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) feline nutritional guidelines include all the fat, protein, and other nutrients cats need in appropriate quantities.

Plan to spend more if you’re interested in small-batch recipes or fresh options that are lightly cooked, many of which are delivered frozen and require refrigeration. Owners often spend a lot on prescription food for pets with chronic problems such as kidney and urinary tract conditions.

Grooming

Burmese cats don’t have significant grooming requirements. They have short coats that don’t shed that much. Most are okay with weekly brushing. Like all cats, they don’t need help when it comes to staying clean and only require human-assisted water baths when needed. Plan on clipping your cat’s nails every 2 to 3 weeks or so, but you can always have a groomer do it if you don’t feel comfortable wielding a pair of clippers while trying to corral a wiggling kitty. Cats need to have their teeth brushed a few times a week, so remember to add feline-friendly toothpaste to your shopping list.

Medications and Vet Visits

Expect to spend more on medication and veterinary visits when your pet is a kitten and when they reach their senior years. Kittens require multiple veterinary visits and vaccinations during their first year of life. Veterinarians recommend that senior cats have twice-yearly wellness visits. Most healthy adult cats have minimal health care costs.

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance can be a great way to prevent veterinary-bill-related financial surprises. Accident and illness plans tend to be relatively affordable and usually reimburse for costs related to diagnosing and treating serious illnesses and injuries. Most have waiting periods and exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage.

It’s often best to purchase pet insurance while animals are young to minimize the chance your pet will develop a condition later identified as pre-existing. Most accident and illness plans don’t cover routine medical care such as annual checkups or dental cleanings under anesthesia. But many insurers offer wellness plans that provide some savings on things like vaccinations and regular blood tests.

Environment Maintenance

Plan to entirely replace your pet’s litter every 1 or 2 weeks to keep your cat happy and the smells to a minimum. Pet owners with allergies and sensitive noses may prefer to change the litter box more frequently. Deodorizers are generally quite affordable and help lock in urine smells to keep things fresh for longer. Liners make it easy to dispose of used litter, and they’re inexpensive.

Entertainment

Cats require exercise, playtime, and entertainment to stay happy and healthy. Not only does getting enough exercise help keep cats physically fit, but it also helps manage their weight. Physical activity and play also deliver mental health benefits, as fun and a good romp often relieve feline stress and anxiety.

Good toy options include plush mice you can fill with catnip for your cat to enjoy and simple choices such as balls and teaser feathers your buddy can chase. Teasers allow you to engage directly with your cat while encouraging them to run and pounce.

Toy subscription boxes are a great way to keep things fresh and fun for your pet; they deliver curated products for your pet to dig into every month.

Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Burmese Cat

The total amount most owners spend on their Burmese cats varies significantly over time. This tend to be higher with kittens and older cats, as both require more medical care and often special food. Environmental costs generally stay the same as cats age, although you may spend less on toys as your buddy accumulates a stash. Pet insurance premiums are typically based on the average cost of care in the area where you live but usually increase periodically.

Additional Costs to Factor In

While cats don’t generally cost that much to maintain, they can be a bit destructive. Even the most well-behaved cats that have access to tons of toys and scratchers will dig into upholstered furniture now and then. If you plan to go on vacation, make sure to factor in pet-sitter-related costs.

Cats can generally be left alone overnight without causing them too much distress. But they need a bit of love and attention if you’re going to be gone for longer than just one evening. Factor in the cost of paying for a pet sitter to come by at least once a day to play with your pet, make sure they’re ok, clean the litter, and provide fresh food and water.

Owning a Burmese Cat on a Budget

Cats are typically budget-friendly pets, and they often cost less to feed than dogs and are usually quite content with DIY entertainment. Cats prefer to play with things already in their environment. Many can spend hours chasing a simple plastic ring from a milk container. There are many simple and inexpensive ways to give cats what they need to be happy and content, from beds to toys.

A simple cardboard box with a blanket makes a wonderful cat bed and costs almost nothing. You can make DIY cat scratchers and toys out of old cardboard boxes. Standard shelves from the hardware store are perfect for creating fun vertical playgrounds.

Saving Money on Burmese Cat Care

Feeding your cat an appropriate amount of high-quality food can reduce the amount of money you spend on care over your cat’s lifetime, as it provides the essential nutrients cats need to be healthy. Cats that don’t get sufficient amounts of critical vitamins and minerals can develop serious health conditions.

And while it may seem like a luxury, purchasing a cat fountain to encourage your pet to drink enough water may help minimize the chance you’ll end up paying for medical treatment related to bladder stones and urinary tract infections.

Brushing your cat’s teeth at least three times per week can help prevent the development of gum disease, which can cost a ton to treat and isn’t always covered by pet insurance. Clipping your pet’s nails every 2 or 3 weeks provides an easy way to avoid trips to the veterinarian because of ingrown toenails.

Conclusion

While Burmese cats generally aren’t that expensive to maintain, it’s essential to have a good idea of how much you’ll likely end up spending to help you make a sound decision about whether or not a Burmese cat is the right choice for you. Plan to spend anywhere from $500 to $1,500 if you purchase your pet from a reputable breeder. Rescue organizations sometimes have Burmese cats available, and they can be a great option if you’re interested in adopting an older pet.

Monthly costs for food, medical care, grooming, and pet insurance typically range from $50 to $200. Most pet owners spend more on medical care for kittens and older animals. Plan to spend more on food as your pet ages if they develop a chronic condition requiring a prescription diet.

Average monthly costs for Burmese range from $50 to $300 once you factor in items like litter and toys. However, consider keeping extra cash on hand for furniture repairs, pet sitter fees, and other unexpected cat-related expenditures.

Featured Photo Credit: Seregraff, Shutterstock