Chantilly Cat

The Chantilly Cat is a rare breed of domestic cats. However, these cats are increasingly popular among feline lovers around the world, due to their unique appearance and sweet personality. These Cats are commonly referred to as Chantilly Tiffany Cats. It should be noted, that they are not related to the Tiffanie Cat of Great Britain, as these two breeds have been developed independently and have absolutely different backgrounds.

Chantilly Cats have a somewhat foreign appearance, and there is a common misconception that they are somehow related to the Burmese breed. Indeed, they have not sustained any Burmese influence, as they have pink paw pads and no points, which is inadmissible for Burmese Cats. From its inception in 1967, no Burmese species has ever been involved in any breeding program.

The Chantilly Tiffanie Cat has long and silky coat, which is longer on the neck, and tail. The coat has no undercoat, and hence it is quite easy to groom. Chantilly Cats are no great shedders. Their coat requires moderate grooming. Permissible color patterns include cinnamon, blue, chocolate, lilac, and fawn, either tabby or solid. The preferred eye color is golden-yellow-amber. The eyes are oval and expressive. The ears are medium-sized, with rounded tips.

Chantilly Cats have a peaceful and sweet disposition. They appreciate interaction, and are always glad to play with their loved ones. Just like dogs, they do not like to stay alone for a long time. For this reason, they are hardly suitable for those who work full time. Chantilly Cats tend to love one particular person in the family, and they are conservative with strangers. They are more active than Persian Cats, but are less active than Siamese, Burmese, Balinese or other Oriental breeds.

The Chantilly Tiffany Cat descended from Shirley and Thomas – a pair of chocolate cats, which were picked up by Ms Jennie Robinson, an ardent cat fancier. She undertook a breeding program in 1969, when the pair produces a litter of six kittens of very similar appearance. The breed was recognized as “the Foreign Longhaired” in the early 1970s. Later, Ms Lund of Florida joined the breed program and suggested the name “Tiffany” – after a theater in Los Angeles. She used this name because it was associated in people’s minds with grace and elegance, which did fully reflect the cat’s appearance and temperament. In the late 1970s, the breed lapsed into oblivion, but was revitalized in the 1980s with the help of Canadian breeders. Although the Tiffany Cat is still rare, the breed enjoys the growing delight of people from all over the world.