Your guide to finding and caring for a Burmilla in Newark
A Burmilla fits Newark's two- and three-family houses and walk-ups well, since it's a quiet, medium-sized cat that doesn't need a yard. In Roseville or Lower Broadway, a window perch over the street gives it plenty to watch, and a tall cat tree handles the rest. Burmillas like short, lively play sessions followed by long naps, which works for people who spend the day at work. Screen the windows, and a Burmilla can be a happy city cat.
Meet your next Burmilla
F, 0-6 mo., 316 miles
Bombay
M, 0-6 mo., 316 miles
Bombay
F, 3-7 y., 369 miles
Bombay
M, 3-7 y., 369 miles
Bombay, Domestic Short Hair
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 369 miles
Bombay, Tuxedo
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 369 miles
Bombay, Domestic Short Hair
M, 3-7 y., 369 miles
Bombay, Domestic Short Hair
F, 0-6 mo., 369 miles
Bombay, Domestic Short Hair
M, 6 mo.-2 y., 369 miles
Bombay, Domestic Short Hair
M, 0-6 mo., 369 miles
Bombay, Domestic Short Hair
The Burmilla began with an accidental mating in Britain in 1981, when a Chinchilla Persian male met a lilac Burmese female and produced four shaded silver kittens. The name blends Burmese and Chinchilla. Burmillas are medium-sized, usually 6 to 13 pounds, with green eyes outlined in dark color, as if wearing eyeliner, and a shimmering coat that is pale at the roots and tipped with color.
Many combine the Burmese's playful streak with the Persian's calm, staying kittenish into adulthood without being demanding. They're usually quiet, people-oriented and comfortable with other pets, which helps in Newark's shared houses and apartment buildings. Both shorthaired and semi-longhaired coats need little more than a weekly comb. The breed is uncommon in North America, and cats of similar type can be just as sweet.
Having a Burmilla in Newark
A Burmilla is playful but not frantic, with a medium build and modest grooming needs. In Newark, the main things to plan for are indoor enrichment, screened windows and regular veterinary checks for inherited conditions.
Burmillas are often sweet, curious and sociable, greeting visitors and settling near their people without constant demands. Many get along with respectful children, other cats and cat-friendly dogs after gradual introductions, which helps in Newark's shared multi-unit houses. Each cat differs, and its history and comfort with handling matter more than breed expectations.
Most Burmillas enjoy short bursts of energetic play followed by long naps. In a Newark apartment, wand toys, chase games, a tall cat tree and food puzzles cover the day, and a window perch offers a view of the street. Daily interactive play helps prevent weight gain. Rotate toys to keep interest fresh.
Burmillas can inherit polycystic kidney disease from Persian ancestors and the Burmese head defect, and both have DNA tests. Not every cat will develop problems. A veterinarian can discuss DNA testing and check kidneys, teeth and weight, and regular exams, dental care and weight checks matter more as the cat ages.
A Burmilla fits the two- and three-family houses and walk-ups common in Newark, as long as it has climbing spots, window perches and a quiet place to rest. Many cope with a workday alone. Screen every window and balcony, since cats can fall from unscreened windows, especially in summer.
| Expense | Typical cost | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Food | $25 to $50 per month | $300 to $600 |
| Pet insurance | $25 to $50 per month | $300 to $600 |
| Routine vet care | $150 to $350 per year | $150 to $350 |
| Other* | $450 to $1,150 per year | $450 to $1,150 |
| Estimated yearly total (after year one) | $1,200 to $2,700 | |
Other costs are estimates and vary with size, age and health.
* Litter, flea prevention, a dental cleaning allowance, toys, scratchers and cat trees, and weekly combing supplies for a short or semi-long coat.
Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below have cats available in and near Newark.
Newark's shelters and rescues care for cats and dogs of every age, and the ones below list pets waiting for adopters. Here are the rescues & shelters in the Newark area with cats available for adoption, worth asking whether a Burmilla is coming in.
Yes, a Burmilla usually does well in a Newark apartment. Burmillas are quiet, medium-sized and happy with a cat tree and a window perch, and many cope with a workday alone. Check the lease for pet terms, get permission in writing, and screen windows and balconies, because cats can fall from unscreened windows.
Yes. Newark has no known breed-specific rules for cats, so a Burmilla is as welcome as any other cat, and a landlord's pet policy matters more than city rules. Because the breed is uncommon, watch the listings on this page, browse similar breeds and nearby cities, and save a search to hear about new cats.
Yes, but only in a carrier. NJ Transit allows small pets in carry-on travel cages on its trains, buses and the Newark Light Rail, so loose cats and harness-only rides aren't an option. Choose a sturdy carrier your Burmilla fits comfortably, and check current fares and carrier rules with NJ Transit before you travel.
Yes, for an indoor Burmilla. Newark has cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers, but a Burmilla's medium coat copes fine in a climate-controlled home. Offer a warm bed in winter, a cool room and fresh water in summer, and keep a carrier and supplies ready in case a storm causes flooding or a power outage.
Often, yes. Burmillas are affectionate, playful and quiet, which suits shared walls, and many are fine alone during a workday. They still want daily play, climbing and evening company. About 40% of Newark households have no car, so get a sturdy carrier for vet trips by NJ Transit or a ride.
Very little. Both shorthaired and semi-longhaired Burmillas do well with a weekly comb, plus a little extra during spring shedding. Newark's snowy winters and humid summers don't change that for an indoor cat. Grooming mostly means combing, nail trims and tooth care at home, and combing supplies are part of the yearly Other costs shown on this page.
No. New Jersey's food code doesn't allow live animals inside restaurants apart from service animals, and it has no outdoor-dining exception for pets. Most cats are happier at home anyway, so leave your Burmilla with fresh water, a window perch and a few toys. Patio policies can vary, but they're never guaranteed.
No, Burmilla cats are not hypoallergenic. They shed like other cats, and the main cat allergen, a protein found in saliva and skin secretions, spreads onto the coat during grooming. There is no evidence that Burmillas produce less of it. People with allergies should spend extended time with the specific cat before adopting and discuss options with their doctor.
Burmilla cats typically live about 10 to 15 years, and many healthy indoor cats reach their mid-teens or beyond. Lifespan depends on genetics, weight, dental care and access to veterinary care. Inherited kidney disease from Persian ancestry can shorten life, so scheduling regular blood and urine tests as the cat ages is worthwhile.
Plan on roughly $1,200 to $2,700 a year for a Burmilla in Newark: $300 to $600 for food, $300 to $600 for insurance, $150 to $350 for routine vet care, and $450 to $1,150 for litter, parasite prevention, dental care and supplies. Emergencies and illness come on top, and insurance can soften those.
Looking for a different breed? Browse other cats available for adoption in Newark.
Bombay8 available
Domestic Short Hair642 available
Tabby36 available
Domestic Medium Hair30 available
Tuxedo17 available
Domestic Long Hair16 available
Calico7 available
Maine Coon6 available
American Shorthair3 available
Torbie3 available
Tortoiseshell3 available
Dilute Calico2 available
Extra-Toes Cat / Hemingway Polydactyl2 available
Russian Blue2 available
Siamese2 available
British Shorthair1 available
Cornish Rex1 availableDilute Tortoiseshell1 availableScottish Fold1 available