Chocolate Burmese (Champagne)
In the 1960s, several Burmese cats were brought to England from the USA for an important task – to participate in selective breeding experiments aimed at achieving a lighter sable color. This led to the development of a new color variation for the breed – chocolate or champagne.
What the Color Looks Like
People unfamiliar with the classification of Burmese colors might mistake a sable Burmese cat for a chocolate one. However, they are different shades!
The chocolate-colored Burmese cat does not resemble other breeds with similar colors. It is not dark but light, described as “warm and very tasty,” reminiscent of a milk chocolate bar or a latte.
In its classic form, the chocolate Burmese cat looks like this:
- Body: milk-brown
- Nose and paw pads: brown
- Face, paws, and tail tip: darker
Chocolate Burmese cats can range from milk chocolate to nutty, depending on the breed lines. The most valued shades are the lighter ones: creamy yellow, creamy brown, and milk-cream.
Characteristics of the Chocolate Burmese Cat’s Color
In the champagne coloration, the lower part of the body is lighter than the back, with the darkening occurring gradually. The points are well-defined – the face and ears are always of a more intense shade. The color appears uniform without spots or patches, although kittens might have light markings in various places, except for the sides and belly. These markings typically disappear with age.
The fur of the chocolate Burmese cat gradually darkens towards the roots. Kittens are born almost white, and their future color can be determined by the paw pads – they are a delicate brown. Sable kittens have almost black pads. The full color saturation develops gradually and is complete by 1.5 to 2 years of age.
Disqualifying Features for Burmese Cats
If you plan to buy a champagne-colored Burmese cat for breeding and showing, be aware of color faults that could hinder their show career:
- Prominent stripes and spots on the body
- Any deviations from the standard color
- Incorrect nose and paw pad color
Besides color faults, disqualifying features include bite misalignment, a crooked face, protruding lower or upper jaw. Blue eyes are also disqualifying – only golden or amber colors are allowed for the breed.
Interesting fact: the eye color of a Burmese cat changes depending on the lighting.
Check out the photos to see what a chocolate Burmese cat looks like.
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