How Do Burmese Cats and American Shorthair Cats Differ?

Quick Take

• One of these breeds behaves more like a dog than a cat, so leaving it home alone could be a real problem. See the breed's social needs →
• Their coats look similar at a glance, but the color options for one breed completely dwarf the other. Compare coat colors →
• One breed carries a genetic risk that spikes in specific parts of the world, which is something owners rarely think to ask about. Explore the genetic risks →
• These two breeds age on very different timelines, with one able to outlive most expectations. See how long each lives →

Burmese and American shorthairs are popular purebred cat breeds. While both breeds are sturdy, muscular cats with friendly, affectionate dispositions, they differ in appearance, personality, lifespan, and health. Read on for an in-depth look at the differences between Burmese Cats and American shorthair cats.

Appearance

Burmese are muscular, stocky, medium-sized cats, with males weighing 12 pounds or more, while females generally weigh between 8 and 12 pounds. These cats may not look very large, but they are deceptively heavy for their size. Burmese cats have glossy sable, champagne, blue, or platinum short-haired coats. They have wide-set yellow to gold eyes and rounded heads with short, broad muzzles. Their ears are medium-sized and broad at the base with rounded tips.

American shorthairs are muscular, medium to large-sized cats, with females weighing between 8 and 12 pounds, while males reach up to 15 pounds. This cat has a thick, short, textured coat and can be shown in over 100 combinations of colors, shades, and patterns. Their eyes can be copper, hazel, green, gold, or blue, depending on their coat color. The eyes have an oval curve above with a more rounded lower curve that is unique to American shorthairs. Their oval-shaped heads are full-cheeked and slightly longer than they are wide. The muzzle is squared, and the ears are medium-sized and slightly rounded at the tips.

Personality

Burmese cats love people and socializing, especially when they are younger. As they get older, they tend to become calmer. These cats can be trained to do tricks as they are very intelligent. People sometimes compare them to dogs because they love to be around people all the time, so they are unhappy when left alone for long periods. These cats love getting affection and attention from their owners. Therefore, owners must be prepared to give lots of cuddles and snuggles. They are typically soft-spoken but can be vocal when there is a problem. Burmese cats are fearless and very trusting, and they need to have a home where they feel safe.  

American shorthairs are easygoing and get along with most people. They are also tolerant of dogs and small children. These cats are very intelligent and are easily trained. They love to play but have no problems amusing themselves when their owners are away from home. They are not loud cats, but they are good at communicating with their owners. These cats are known for their silent meow of greeting, where they open their mouths but no sound comes out.

Growth and Lifespan

Burmese cats do not reach their fully grown weight until they are around 18 months of age. The Burmese cat’s lifespan is normally between 10 and 17 years, but it is not unusual for these cats to live 18 to 20+ years. These cats need good nutrition, an indoor life, and proper veterinary care if you want to enhance their lifespan.

American shorthairs develop a bit more slowly than Burmese. They typically reach their full height and length around 12 to 18 months, but they may continue to fill out, gaining weight and muscle mass until they are 3 or 4 years old. They have a lifespan of between 15 and 20 years. American shorthairs are generally healthy, but they still require an indoor life, routine veterinary check-ups, and proper nutrition to live their full lifespan.

Health Issues

Burmese cats may be faced with the following health issues:

• Hypokalemia: a genetic disease that can cause skeletal muscle weakness.
• Feline Orofacial Pain Syndrome (FOPS): as kittens, some Burmese cats may suffer when their permanent teeth come in. This causes pain, and the cats scratch at their faces to alleviate the pain.
• Diabetes Mellitus: Burmese in Australia and Europe are more at risk of getting this disease.

Experts recommend asking about incidence of diabetes in your cat’s bloodline and monitoring carbohydrate intake as your cat gets older.

As mentioned above, American shorthairs are generally healthy. However, they are susceptible to obesity. Owners should also watch out for the following:

• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): a hereditary heart disease found in some American shorthairs. However, preventive testing and selective breeding have ensured this has mostly been bred out of these cats.
• Hip Dysplasia: a condition where the hip joint’s ball and socket do not fit together correctly, which may result in mobility issues.