Mandalay Cats: New Zealand’s Unique Contribution to the Cat Fancy

A deep dive into how the Mandalay breed was developed in NZ and what makes it special.

Red Mandalay cat on the show bench at the Burmese Cat Club of New Zealand (South Island) Annual Cat Show 2024. Judge is John Smithson of Hamilton, New Zealand

The Treasure of New Zealand’s Cat Fancy

New Zealand is well-known for its stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and thriving agricultural industry. However, one lesser-known fact is that it has also made a significant contribution to the feline world—the Mandalay cat. This elegant, glossy-coated breed is New Zealand’s very own development, a feline treasure that has been carefully crafted by breeders to maintain the loving temperament of the Burmese while introducing a wider variety of rich coat colours.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the Mandalay cat—its origins, distinctive traits, genetic background, and role in the international cat fancy community. We will explore how this remarkable breed came to be, the dedicated work of breeders in shaping its future, and why it is a true New Zealand success story in the world of pedigree cats.

Origins of the Mandalay Breed

The Early Days: Breeding Experiment or Intentional Creation?

The story of the Mandalay cat dates back to the 1980s when New Zealand breeders began selectively breeding for self-coloured (solid) Burmese-type cats in a range of shades beyond the traditional Burmese four-colour standard (brown aka seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac). This effort arose from the natural occurrence of darker-coated Burmese kittens in some litters, which exhibited a striking resemblance to their parent breed but had a more intense, lustrous coat.

Key Breeders Behind the Mandalay’s Development

The Mandalay breed owes much of its progress to the dedication of New Zealand cat breeders who sought to create a new and distinct variation of the Burmese. Among those who played a key role in the breed’s development were:

• Janice Belz & Gordon and Christine Kirkland – instrumental in early breed refinement.
• Fiona Moffat (Thamis Cattery) – one of the first breeders to focus on the Mandalay as a distinct breed.
• Judith Jordan (Sunbury Cattery) – contributed to refining the breed’s physical and temperament traits.
• New Zealand Cat Fancy (NZCF) Breeders – helped establish the standard and guidelines for the breed.

Breeders painstakingly selected Mandalay kittens with the best coat quality, temperament, and Burmese-type appearance to ensure consistency within the breed.

Two Ebony Mandalays and a Chocolate Mandalay

Genetics & Recognition

The Mandalay’s solid-colored coat results from a recessive gene that eliminates the Burmese coat patterning, producing a rich, uniform color. Unlike the Burmese, which has a slightly lighter belly, Mandalays have even color distribution from head to tail.

The New Zealand Cat Fancy (NZCF) formally recognized the Mandalay as a breed in the early 2000s, granting it championship status in NZ cat shows. However, the breed remains largely exclusive to New Zealand, as it has not yet gained international recognition from bodies like FIFe or TICA.

Comparison to the Burmese Cat

Many people mistake the Mandalay for the Burmese, and understandably so—the breeds share a common ancestry. However, there are key differences that set the Mandalay apart:

Defining Traits of the Mandalay Cat

Physical Characteristics

• Coat: Ultra-short, close-lying, satin-like, with an intense glossy sheen.
• Body: Medium-sized but muscular and powerful.
• Head: Slightly longer than Burmese, with a well-defined jawline.
• Eyes: Large, expressive, and typically golden or amber.

Personality & Temperament

Blue Mandalay

Mandalays are not just striking in appearance—they have extraordinary personalities:

• Affectionate & Loyal: They form strong bonds with their human families.
• Playful & Intelligent: Highly curious and interactive, often learning tricks.
• Social & Outgoing: Thrive in multi-pet households.

Health & Longevity

Mandalay cats are generally healthy and robust, with a lifespan of 12-18 years. Some common considerations include:

• Dental health – prone to gingivitis if oral hygiene is neglected.
• Obesity – due to their love for food, portion control is essential.
• Hereditary conditions – as they share genetics with Burmese, breeders screen for potential health risks.

Why Are They Special in the Cat Fancy World?

Mandalay cats are a rare, homegrown treasure in the world of pedigree cats. Their stunning solid coat, combined with their intelligent and affectionate nature, makes them a sought-after breed. Unlike more commercialized breeds, Mandalay cats remain a niche, carefully bred feline within New Zealand’s cat community.

Mandalay Cats in Cat Shows

Performance in Cat Shows

Mandalay cats have excelled in New Zealand’s cat shows, consistently impressing judges with their:

✔ Glossy, rich coat – even coloring and sleek texture.
✔ Balanced physique – strong yet elegant body structure.
✔ Engaging personality – playful yet well-behaved in show environments.

Breed Standards (NZCF)

According to the New Zealand Cat Fancy (NZCF), Mandalays must meet the following standards:

• Head shape: Short, rounded wedge with well-defined cheekbones.
• Ears: Medium-sized, slightly rounded at the tips.
• Eyes: Large, round, and set well apart (golden to amber).
• Body: Muscular, medium-sized, slightly heavier than expected.
• Coat: Short, sleek, and close-lying with no visible markings or patterning.

Conclusion

The Mandalay cat is a true gem of New Zealand, blending the grace of the Burmese with a stunning array of rich colours and a fantastic temperament. Whether as a companion cat, a show-winning beauty, or a breed of the future, the Mandalay stands as a testament to New Zealand’s contributions to the cat fancy world.