Malayan

Overview

The Malayan cat hasn't been around for very long, but that hasn't stopped it from winning hearts all around the world! Back in 1981, Baroness Miranda von Kirchberg discovered the Malayan cat after a Lilac Burmese and Chinchilla Persian mated. The result? A cat with the best of both worlds: the striking silver coat and mesmerizing markings of the Chinchilla paired with the sweet temperament of the Burmese. A mix of both breeds’ physical traits as well, these medium-sized cuties have short hair, slender limbs, and rounded heads. While they are often referred to as the “Asian Cat,” this name can be a bit misleading. Aside from the fact that this cat was bred in Britain, there are two distinct varieties known by this name: the beloved short-haired Malayan cats and the long-haired variety called Tiffanies. To make matters more complicated, a single litter can produce both Burmese and Malayan kittens, so you never know what you are going to get with a pregnant Malayan. Whichever the variant, this rare cat breed is sought after for being distinctive and regal - which is unsurprising for a cat breed developed by a baroness!