--- title: "Burmese cat insurance" id: "4905" type: "page" slug: "burmese" published_at: "2026-07-03T12:24:22+00:00" modified_at: "2026-07-19T21:35:58+00:00" url: "https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/cat-insurance/burmese/" markdown_url: "https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/cat-insurance/burmese.md" excerpt: "Burmese cat insurance at a glance Burmese cats carry a significantly higher risk of diabetes than most other breeds — and the ongoing cost of insulin, monitoring, and specialist consultations can add up fast. Learn more about this beloved breed,..." --- The following information is general advice only. Every Burmese is unique, so it’s important to tailor activities and interactions to suit your Burmese’s individual personality, preferences, and needs. # Burmese cat insurance Thinking about welcoming a Burmese into your family, or already share your home with one? With RSPCA Pet Insurance, you can customise their cover to suit their needs and your budget, helping you better prepare for any accidents or illnesses that may come their way. [Get a quote](https://quote.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) ## Burmese cat insurance at a glance Burmese cats carry a significantly **higher risk of diabetes** than most other breeds — and the ongoing cost of insulin, monitoring, and specialist consultations can add up fast. Learn more about this beloved breed, including their health considerations, care requirements and how **RSPCA Pet Insurance can help with eligible accidents, illnesses and ongoing treatment.** ## Quick facts Lifespan 13 – 18 years Adult weight 3.5 – 5.5kg Temperament Generally sociable Grooming needs Low ## About Burmese cats **Compact, muscular, and famously dog-like in their attachment to people,** the Burmese is unlike most cats. They generally seek out human company rather than tolerating it, and their emotional intelligence makes them **exceptional companions for owners who want a truly engaged relationship with their pet.** Originating from Southeast Asia, the modern Burmese breed was developed in the United States from a single brown cat imported from Burma in the 1930s. ### Temperament #### Temperament Generally **outgoing, warm, and highly people-oriented**. Burmese cats often greet visitors like old friends and follow their owners throughout the house. They’re chatty without being too vocal, and being highly social, **may suffer from separation anxiety** if left alone for long periods. ### Exercise needs #### Exercise needs **Moderate to high**. Burmese are active and playful well into adulthood. Like all cats, they need daily interactive play and mental stimulation to stay happy and well-adjusted. Puzzle feeders, wand toys, and games that mimic hunting behaviour are all excellent outlets for their energy. ### Grooming #### Grooming **Very low maintenance**. Their short, close-lying, satin-like coat requires almost no brushing. **A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth** or chamois is usually all that’s needed to keep it glossy. This makes the Burmese one of the easiest breeds to groom. ### Living with you #### Living with you **Best suited to households where someone is home often**. Burmese cats can become stressed or anxious and develop problematic behaviours if left alone for extended periods. Many **Burmese owners keep two cats so they can keep each other company** – but patience is key, as each cat is an individual and it can take a long time for cats to get used to sharing their home. ## Common Burmese health conditions Burmese cats are generally hardy but carry a handful of hereditary health conditions that pet parents should be aware of. Select a condition below to learn more. ### Hypokalaemia A genetic condition causing episodic muscle weakness, seen more commonly in Australian and New Zealand Burmese lines than those in other countries. ### Diabetes mellitus Burmese cats have a significantly higher rate of type 2 diabetes than most other breeds. Weight management and diet are key preventive measures. ### Orofacial pain syndrome A neurological condition causing episodic facial pain and excessive pawing at the mouth. It’s seen almost exclusively in Burmese cats. ### Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) While not as strongly breed-associated as in Ragdolls or British Shorthairs, HCM does occur in Burmese and warrants regular cardiac monitoring. ### Dental disease Like most cats, Burmese are prone to periodontal disease. Their sociable, food-oriented nature can sometimes make dental care easier to introduce early. ## A quick tip Burmese cats in Australia have a **notably elevated diabetes risk compared to other breeds.** Keeping your Burmese at a healthy weight and feeding a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet are the most effective preventive measures. ## Insuring your Burmese with RSPCA Pet Insurance With an elevated risk of diabetes, neurological conditions, and genetic muscle disorders, Burmese cats can face some complex and ongoing health challenges. With RSPCA Pet Insurance, you can ensure your Burmese gets the specialist care they need, without the financial stress. ## Why pet parents choose RSPCA Pet Insurance Your premium helps support animals in need Customise your cover to suit your Burmese and budget Annual cover options up to $35,000 Zero excess option No tricky sub-limits Optional cover for supportive therapies See more [Get a quote](https://quote.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) ## Protection with purpose Did you know: **every RSPCA Pet Insurance policy contributes to vital RSPCA animal welfare initiatives.** Protect your Burmese and support animals in need across Australia. [Learn more](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-insurance-with-purpose/) ## Frequently asked questions ### Are Burmese cats expensive to insure? Premiums are based on your cat’s age, location, and chosen cover level rather than breed alone. That said, Burmese cats do carry a higher-than-average risk of diabetes and some neurological conditions, which may be reflected in their pet insurance premium. To see how much cover could cost with RSPCA Pet Insurance, [click here](https://quote.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) . ### Does RSPCA Pet Insurance cover diabetes in Burmese cats? Our policies cover illnesses including endocrine conditions like diabetes, subject to the terms and conditions in our [PDS](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/product-disclosure-statement/) . Conditions that develop after your policy begins (and aren’t pre-existing) can be claimed for. Ongoing diabetes management, including insulin and monitoring, can be a significant recurring cost, making insurance very worthwhile for this breed. ### Do Burmese cats do better with a companion? Because Burmese cats are known for their social nature, some owners choose to have more than one cat. If you’re considering a second cat, RSPCA Pet Insurance offers a multi-pet discount, so it’s worth asking about this when you [get a quote](https://quote.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) . ### Is there a discount if I insure more than one pet? Yes! If you insure more than one pet with RSPCA Pet Insurance, you’ll enjoy a **10% discount on all subsequent pets,** helping you keep all your pets protected without stretching your budget. [See more](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/faqs/) ## Get an RSPCA Pet Insurance policy Protect your pet. Help animals thrive. [Get a quote](https://quote.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) Call me