BURMESE                                                                   

 MEDIUM SIZE 

SINGLE COATED, NO UNDER COAT OF FUR  - Safe for some allergy sufferers

SMART,  PLAYFUL, 

DOG LIKE PERSONALITY   

     Since cats are the closest to their wild ancestors of all domesticated pets, be gentle when you play with your new kitten/cat, even when he/she wants to play like a little savage. It is okay for kittens to play with each other in that manner, but a kitten should be taught to be gentle with humans. This is especially important to teach young children.  Children should also be taught that a kitten is a baby and needs it's sleep.  It can not always be playing.  Constant handling and teasing can be very stressful on an animal and even weaken it's immune system.

    Introduce the new kitten/cat to other members of your family individually. Slowly introduce children & other pets, don’t rush. Assure older pets that you have brought them a buddy and you still love them. Telling them in advance is helpful. The animals will eventually work out their territories. When you first take your kitten/cat home, start him /her in one room, preferably the bedroom of the person he/she will be sleeping with. Too large an area will overwhelm the little guy and might make him/her fearful.  Place a litter box on one side of the room, food & water on the side. Place the kitten/cat in the litter box and let him/her explore from there, It is best to limit exploration to one room the first day. This room will be the kitten’s/cat’s safe haven.  Some kittens/cats adjust faster than others.  It could take upwards to 5 days, but not usually longer than that. Leaving a carrier out with warm bedding, also eases your next trip to the vet.

     Feed dry food and fresh water (purified, filtered or spring water - no tap water!) at all times, wet food 2x a day for 8 months.  Change water & litter frequently.  Scoop poops daily (flush). Play, talk and groom the kitten/cat regularly. Schedule neutering around 6 months of age. Unaltered males & females both urinate to mark their territory.

     Inoculations will be given at approximately 8, 12 & 16 weeks of age. Schedule annual booster from date of 3rd shot. I use Fort Dodge pct, 3 in 1, killed vaccine for kittens, since Chlamydia vaccine in 4 in 1 vaccines can cause upper respiratory infections in Burmese kittens.  Current research indicates that vaccines are not effective against Chlamydia in cats. 

I recommend the following:

Dry food: Blue Wilderness by the Blue Buffalo Co.  www.bluebuff.com

Canned:  Petguard( Fish, Chicken & Liver Dinner) is a favorite.  I order it from my Health Food store.

Food is available on line at www.Petfooddirect or check each manuacturer's web site for a location nearest you.  Reading the labels of commercial cat food found in the grocery store will educate you to the nonsense included in these food.  There are artificial flavors, colors and a number of non protein fillers.  Cats are carnivours and need a high protein diet.  This is why I recommend the above foods for the health of your kitten/cat.  None of these foods were involved in the recall. 

Litter: 1- My favorite litter is Crystal litter for light weight, longer lasting litter that is safer for kittens.  For economic reasons, for my adults, I mix with Esquisi Cat Paper litter available at Pet Smart.   There are negative opinions amongst the experts regarding clumping litter, especially for males that could develop infections and kittens that could develop breathing problems.  My advise, avoid clumping litter!  

Grooming: Rubber curry brush or flea comb.

Nails: Clip every 10 days or order “Soft Paws” nail covers. www.softpaws.com

Scratching & excersize:  My cats have been trained to Sisal or cork posts & cardboard scratching pads.

Beds:  Small round, washable, fleece beds, $10 at Petco, Petsmart, etc.

Furniture:  Arubacat (high quality carpet and Sisal rope).  Be careful of cheap carpet on pet furniture.  It frays easily and can cause a choking hazard. 

Toys:  Sparkle PomPoms (less expensive by the bag in craft stores or departments), fur mice; Ping pong balls;  Balls with bells in them, paper bags, small fleece stuffed dog toys & laser pointers (Not for children - must not be shined in eyes). 

After you have adopted the love of your life, you may want to be aware of the following things.

First, make sure your home is safe for the kitten/cat.

Remove dangerous houseplants. Hide trash cans or buy covered ones. Make sure the fireplace has impenetrable doors or grates. Close cupboards, closets, toilets, drawers, dryers, refrigerators, etc. VERY CAUTIOUSLY! Cats like to nestle into dark, quiet places. Be wary when using convertable sofas and reclining chairs.  Locate your kitten/cat , making sure they are safely out of the way, before opening or closing these pieces of furniture.

Please, no smoking around the kitten.  Studies have shown, second hand smoke to be detrimental to the health of cats and especially kittens.

Burmese kittens/ cats like to be warm. Burmese are lovers and enjoy a lap, a shoulder, or just being underfoot. Be ready to give a lot of love. They usually prefer sleeping in your bed.