Effective January 1, 2027, mandatory genetic testing for Burmese Hypokalemia (BHK) is introduced.

§ 6.5 BUR (Burmese) Breeding Standards

The FIFe shall only recognise the following EMS-codes in Burmese: n, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, j
The FIFe will not encourage any person or federation to produce Burmese in any other colour varieties than those listed above.

When breeding Burmese:
Silver and/or agouti varieties and/or piebald spotting are not allowed for breeding.
Offspring in a non-recognised variety shall be registered as XSH * (BUR).
Burmese cats used in breeding must have a DNA-test for GM2 gangliosidosis and Burmese Hypokalemia (BHK, WNK4), unless both parents are proven to be free form GM2 gangliosidosis and Burmese Hypokalemia These breeding principles are to be followed:

• GM2-free × GM2-free

• GM2-free × GM2-carrier

• BHK-free × BHK-free

• BHK-free × BHK-carrier

The cats that need testing according to this rule must be identifiable by microchip or tattoo.
Test results must be registered and published in accordance with § 3.5.1.
The breeder must inform buyers of Burmese cats about the GM2 gangliosidosis-disease and Burmese Hypokalemia together with the registration policy

§ 3.5.1 Test Programmes

Cats in breeds which bear a risk of genetic disease should be tested for such diseases when they satisfy the following criteria:

• the disease is fatal or causes chronic distress


• the disease occurs in a significant proportion of the breed


• a reliable test is available, and the disease could be eliminated

Each FIFe Member must develop appropriate programmes.

If tests are made mandatory, either by a programme established by the FIFe Member or by a breed specific entry in § 6 of the Breeding and Registration Rules, the FIFe Member must register the test results, based on laboratory documentation submitted by the breeder, and the test results must be indicated either on the pedigree itself or on a separate appendix to the pedigree.

Important Note on Breeding Management: While these mandatory tests are vital for breed health, it is essential to manage genetic results responsibly to maintain the health and diversity of the Burmese population. We encourage all breeders to review our guidelines on managing recessive carriers before making breeding decisions: Why it is risky to exclude recessive disease carriers too quickly from breeding

Effective January 1, 2027, permitted outcross for Burmese is BOM x *31 or XSH *31 (BOM)  (* means all Burmese colors) . No application for crossbreeding is necessary

9.1.2 Registration of Kittens

Kittens produced from an approved outcross programme must be registered as XSH (Shorthair) or XLH (Longhair), followed by the relevant EMS codes for colour and other designations.
The target breed EMS code must be included in brackets after the kitten’s EMS code.
Example: XSH n (BUR)
These cats are formally recognized as part of an approved breeding programme and are eligible for future re-registration in the target breed, subject to the requirements of § 9.1.3.

9.1.3 Re-registration in the Target Breed

Cats registered with a target breed indication may be re-registered as that breed once they satisfy one of the following criteria:
Option A (Show): Judged by at least two FIFe judges at an international FIFe show in Class 13b (Control Class) at a minimum age of 4 months, receiving the qualification Excellent (for recognized breeds) or I (for non-recognized breeds) from both judges.
Option B (Private): Judged by at least two FIFe judges outside of a show environment at a minimum age of 3 months, receiving the qualification Excellent (for recognized breeds) or I (for non-recognized breeds) from both judges.