The health and appearance of your Burmese cat depend on proper care. A common question from owners is whether they can let their Burmese cat go outside.

Specialists at the Alistar cattery do not recommend letting a Burmese cat roam outside alone. There are two main reasons: the cat’s character and its coat.

Adventure Lover

Burmese cats are curious and sociable by nature. They are interested in everything and may approach strangers. This could lead them to wander far from home, get lost, or fall victim to larger street animals.

Curious pets face dangers such as cars, thieves, parasites, viruses, and bacteria.

Coat Characteristics

Burmese cats have temperature-sensitive coats that darken in cold weather. They do not tolerate cold well. During frosty weather, it’s best to keep them indoors, protect them from drafts, and place mats on windowsills.

How to Walk Your Pet

If you want to walk your Burmese cat, it’s better to do so under your supervision and with a harness. This will protect the cat from dangerous areas and keep it under constant control.

Follow these tips:

• Start walks at a young age. A Burmese kitten will quickly get used to walking and will be less likely to experience the shocks and stresses that are common in adult, well-formed cats.
• Get the kitten used to the harness in advance. Most cats hate wearing a harness. Put it on the kitten for short periods at home in a calm environment.
• Choose a quiet place: a small yard or a park area away from pedestrians and cars. Avoid areas where dogs are walked.
• Carry the Burmese cat in a carrier, with the harness on, before letting it out. The cat may be calm at home but could behave unpredictably outside: biting, scratching, breaking free, or running away.
• Prohibit the cat from picking up or eating anything, even grass – it might be dirty. Preferably, offer sprouted oats from a pet store. Bring treats in case the cat gets hungry.
• Do not scold the cat. Encourage and praise it. On unfamiliar territory, the pet needs the owner’s protection.

Do not walk the Burmese cat if it:

• Is not vaccinated
• Is recovering from surgery or illness
• Is in heat

How Long to Walk a Burmese Cat

The duration of the walk is individual and depends on the mood and character of the Burmese cat. Some may walk for an hour, while others might not last more than 10 minutes. If you see that the cat is cold, hot, anxious, or scared, take it home immediately.