Tamra Maew Description

Upon close inspection of all the different Tamra Maew (Cat poems), both ancient and modern there is no clear description or depiction that matches the appearance of the Thai Burmese. The closest cat described in these poems would be the Suphalak, or Thong Daeng. A detailed explanation of Thai Burmese vs Suphalak can be found on the Suphalak page.

In consultation with breeders in Thailand actively breeding the Suphalak or Thai Burmese, TIMBA has made the decision to register the cats with a darker shadow on the face, ears, paws and tail as Thai Burmese. Several of these cats have been genetically tested in Thailand and the tests have confirmed they express the burmese gene (cb). The solid brown cat which more closely matches the description in the Tamra Maew will be registered as the Suphalak, these cats do not express the burmese gene. With that said, it is important to remember they are not different breeds, they are merely different colors.

In Thailand, the color we associate with sable European, or traditional Burmese are known as Thai Burmese. Similar to the Suphalak, these cats are a rich brown but display a darker shadow on the face, ears, paws and tail. Eye color ranges from gold to light green and the coat color ranges from milk chocolate to dark chocolate.