Burmese Cat Colours: The 10 Recognised Colours of European Burmese

Ten Recognised Colours

A wide and varied colour palette

European Burmese cats come in 10 recognised colours. These colours are accepted by FIFe and by many other major feline organisations around the world. This gives the European Burmese one of the widest and most varied colour palettes within the Burmese breed. By comparison, most registries recognise only 4 colours in the American Burmese.

All 10 colours are produced by the Burmese sepia gene working together with solid and tortoiseshell genetics. The coat itself is short and fine, without an undercoat. It lies close to the body and gives the breed its well known glossy satin sheen. The colour is always deepest on the ears, muzzle, legs and tail, while the rest of the body remains noticeably lighter, especially on the neck, chest and belly.

Burmese kittens are born quite pale. Their true colour develops gradually and usually reaches its full depth and richness between 12 and 24 months of age.

Of the 10 recognised European Burmese colours, 6 are solid colours and 4 are tortoiseshell colours. Tortoiseshell appears only in females.

Chocolate Burmese (BUR b)

The warm latte shade with true contrast

Chocolate is one of the most loved yet often misunderstood colours of the European Burmese. Many people expect a deep dark chocolate, but in reality, it is a soft warm beige to light brown tone, often described as milky latte or creamy caramel. Thanks to the Burmese sepia gene, it still shows a beautiful natural contrast. The points are noticeably darker on the ears, muzzle, legs and tail, while the body remains lighter, especially on the neck, chest and belly. The short fine coat has a deep satin sheen with a warm golden glow that catches the light beautifully.

Kittens are born very pale, and their true colour develops gradually. In some lines, the contrast can soften with age. At Royal Esprit, we focus on lines where the warm latte tone and the clear point pattern remain well defined throughout life. This strong contrast is particularly important in chocolate Burmese. The points should be clearly visible, as weak or missing points are considered a fault in the breed. The nose leather is a warm chocolate brown, and the paw pads range from cinnamon to deep cocoa, complementing the overall colour perfectly.

Eye colour is another area we pay special attention to. In chocolate Burmese, keeping a rich golden eye colour can be especially challenging, and the colour can fade to a lighter yellow by the age of 2 or 3. In our cattery, we select for the deepest possible golden hue that stays warm and does not shift toward greenish or bluish tones.

Lilac Burmese (BUR c)

The delicate blend of dove-grey and light apricot

Lilac is one of the rarest and most delicate colours of the European Burmese. It is the dilute form of chocolate and appears as a refined blend of dove-grey and light apricot with a subtle pinkish cast that gives the coat an exceptionally soft and almost powdery appearance. Many people expect a brighter lavender or distinctly pink tone, but a true European Burmese lilac is a sophisticated cool grey with only the gentlest hint of pink. This is a quiet, ethereal beauty that reveals itself slowly.

The points in lilac Burmese are very soft and often barely visible. This minimal point pattern is completely normal and correct for all dilute colours, including blue and cream. The nose leather and paw pads are pink and/or lavender, harmonising beautifully with the coat's delicate, muted tones.

Breeding a high-quality lilac is particularly challenging. The best results usually come when at least one parent is lilac and the other is preferably also lilac or a light chocolate, although even then success is not guaranteed. At Royal Esprit we have lilac cats and are dedicated to this colour, working carefully on ideal lilac tone with its characteristic pinkish cast and the quality and texture of the coat. For us, a beautiful lilac Burmese is truly a work of art. These cats often possess a gentle and affectionate character that perfectly matches the delicate nature of their colour, and we strive to keep their rich golden eyes bright and stable.

Cream Burmese (BUR e)

The delicate cream

Cream is one of the most delicate and difficult colours to perfect in the European Burmese. It is the dilute form of red and appears as a soft warm apricot or pale peach with a gentle powdery finish. Many people expect a brighter or more saturated tone, but a true high-quality cream has a refined and subtle beauty with a beautiful warm luminosity.

The points in cream Burmese are extremely subtle and may be almost invisible. This is completely normal and correct for all dilute colours. The nose leather and paw pads are a soft pale pink. Professional breeders can usually distinguish a true cream from red quite early. In our cattery the colour is already well established by around four months of age and remains stable without fading over time. To produce a beautiful cream the best results usually come when the mother is cream and the father is a clear dilute such as cream, lilac or blue. At Royal Esprit we actively work on this colour to eliminate tabby markings completely and have achieved good results. We also pay great attention to eye colour, which is especially challenging in dilute colours, striving to keep it deep and bright.

Cream Burmese are known for being particularly affectionate and sunny in character. Like their red relatives, many people believe that a cream Burmese brings joy and prosperity into the home.

Blue Tortie Burmese (BUR g)

The delicate blue tortie

Blue Tortie is one of the most elegant and captivating colours of the European Burmese. It artfully marries soft blue-grey with hints of light apricot, creating a gentle and harmonious interplay. Their coat may paint a picture of a serene sky interspersed with the first rays of dawn, where muted blue washes are occasionally interrupted by delicate patches of warm cream. This ethereal blend gives the Blue Tortie a refined and exclusive beauty.

The pattern is usually visible by around four months of age and continues to soften and develop until 18 to 24 months. The nose leather and paw pads offer another layer of intrigue: a gentle dance between shades of pink and grey-blue. At Royal Esprit we work carefully on this colour to achieve a clear bluish tone with warm cream accents while keeping the eye colour rich and stable golden. Any shift towards green is considered undesirable.

Historically, tortoiseshell cats have been associated with myths and legends. Some cultures believed they bring good luck, and the Blue Tortie, with its ethereal blend of colors, certainly seems like a cat that stepped out of a fairy tale. These cats are known for their particularly affectionate and gentle character and often become a living work of art in the home.

Lilac Tortie Burmese (BUR j)

The rare lilac tortie

Lilac Tortie is one of the rarest and most alluring colours of the European Burmese. The Lilac Tortie coat is a canvas of delicate artistry, featuring an enchanting blend of dove-grey and light apricot shades, both deep and subtle. The mingling of these colors creates a captivating tortoiseshell pattern that is soft, refined and almost ethereal in its beauty.

The nose leather and paw pads are pink and/or lavender, adding another layer of gentle elegance. At Royal Esprit we work carefully on this challenging colour to achieve a beautiful dove-grey and light apricot harmony with good balance while keeping the eye colour rich and stable golden.

Lilac Tortie Burmese cats are known for their particularly gentle and affectionate character. They form deep connections with their families and bring a special sense of calm and warmth into the home. Their distinctive coat, combined with their endearing personality, makes them truly special companions.

The Lilac Tortie variation is valued like a museum piece among Burmese breeders and enthusiasts. Its allure lies not only in its mesmerizing coat but also in its harmonious blend of beauty and heart.