While the Burmilla is the newest breed to grace the cat fancy as a TICA breed, the origin to this breed dates back over 30 years ago. Baroness Miranda Von Kirchberg originally purchased a Chinchilla Persian male, Jemari Sanquist, as a pet for her husband. Shortly before having him neutered, he accidentally met up with a precocious Lilac Burmese female, Bambino Lilac Faberg. When a cleaner inadvertently left Faberg’s door open, she was able to escape and mated with Sanquist, thus producing the very first litter of Burmilla. The result of this mating produced 4 female kittens, all shorthair and black shaded silver in color. These kittens, born on September 11, 1981, were so attractive that it was decided to embark upon a breeding program. Burmillas are still quite a rare breed in the USA. Look for kittens available from reputable breeders twelve to sixteen weeks of age, after they have been well socialized and have had their inoculations. Keeping such a rare treasure inside; neutering or spaying and providing acceptable surfaces scratching posts are essential elements for maintaining a healthy, long and joyful life.