The Chantilly-Tiffany Cat: A Legacy of Luxury and Love

If you’ve never been around a Chantilly-Tiffany cat, which is quite possible because of their extreme rarity nowadays, you’re definitely missing out. We’re talking about a very special cat breed, both in terms of appearance and habits, that can easily turn someone indifferent to these furballs into a lifelong feline lover. In other words, you’d have to try mighty hard not to fall under the spell of a Chantilly-Tiffany.

This breed is known for its luxurious and attractive looks, combined with unusual intelligence and affection around humans. While you would rather expect this trait from dogs, say, a Golden Retriever, known for wearing its heart on its sleeve, the Chantilly is living proof that cats can be openly loving, too. Those who have owned one at some point know very well just how loyal and committed these kitties really are.

To explore the Chantilly-Tiffany in more depth, let’s dive into what makes this breed special and worthy of attention.

 

 

A Bit of Background

Compared to their closer and more distant relatives, these cats are relatively novel in terms of history. They first appeared in 1969 in NYC as a cross between two breeds, possibly Burmese and semi-longhair, and went through many changes in the following decades.

Now, the double name might confuse some people, but there is a backstory to it. Initially calling it “foreign longhair”, the breeders opted for something more original and chose Tiffany. However, as there already was a breed under this name in the UK, Chantilly became the new moniker. As a result, you might encounter this furball under one or the other name, usually both. However you call it, its recognizable, chocolate-colored, semi-foreign body is a dead giveaway.

As the original breeding program by Jennie Robinson ended in the 1970s, the confusion and dispute regarding the cat’s origin and name continued. Because of this, they even called it “Mahogany” or “Burmese” at different points, but Chantilly-Tiffany is now the generally accepted name.

Some even consider the breed extinct, particularly because of very low numbers, virtually no documentation, and the lack of a pedigree. The unclear lineage makes it difficulte to determine whether your cat is truly a Chantilly-Tiffany, but enthusiastic cat owners strongly believe the breed is still around.

Bound to Impress

As we stated in the beginning, this feline is quite striking in person. In fact, it might easily remind you of a mini-lion with its lovely fur and stately behaviour. The first thing you notice is its elegant and silky-smooth coat, medium-long to long.

Weighing around 3-4 kg on average, we’re talking a medium-sized cat that develops a bit slower than other breeds. Meaning, it doesn’t reach its full physical potential unti it’s 2 years old.

As for color, the traditional Chantilly-Tiffany is typically chocolate-colored. That being said, there have been lilac, dark-blue, or even cinnamon-hued cats of this breed, depending on how breeders crossed them throughout the years. Another distinguishing feature is the plumed, fluffy tail, adding to the overall cuteness and adorability of this animal. It’s easy to see how its rich and soft coat would provide great stress-relief for the owner. After a long day at work, patting this cuddly and affectionate pet in your lap will surely lift your spirits.

The head is quite distinctive as well, shaped like smooth-curved wedge. The short muzzle and high cheekbones give it that warm, friendly, and inviting look, something that many breeds lack. Their ear furnishings are quite charming, too, though they require maintenance to keep your furball in good shape.

And finally, the most impressive face feature – the eyes. Ranging in hue from yellow to gold, they give off a royal, yet humble vibe at the same time. You can also spot a greenish halo if you look closer, but not all of them have it.

What about Behavior?

This is what sets apart Chantillies from many other cat breeds, and what wins people over very quickly. Make no mistake: they are cats, after all, and require their alone time. But when it comes to their owners, love has no boundaries. They can cuddle for hours on end, and are extremely good companions for small children, very much like dogs. However, they are usually wary and hesitant around strangers, until they are convinced they have good intentions.

Due to this loyal and affectionate nature, this breed can easily get lonely and depressed if the owner is away for too long. And since they are good communicators, they will express their emotions to you.

If you’ve owned one, you’re familiar with the cooing and chirping sounds they produce, as well as their facial expressions. It’s pretty amazing how they resemble people in this regard. They won’t answer back, naturally, but play close attention when you talk to them and you’ll immediately see their warm and natural reaction. Unless you step on their toes, that is.

The Chantilly-Tiffany breed is also known for their keen intelligence. They love playing with toys, without hints of aggression or hostility, and this is recommended as it stimulates their brain. Another quality trait is how these kitties pick up new habits. Far from aloof and uptight, they recognize what you like and often try to accommodate you.

A Few Health Tips

Provided you follow a few simple rules, there shouldn’t be any significant health issues with your feline. Their digestion can be a little tricky, so try to keep a set, regular diet full of nutrients, excluding corn husks and cobs if possible. Otherwise, they will gobble down their cat food with a healthy appetite.

Since we mentioned ear furnishings, look out for wax build-up and blockage. This can easily happen without regular cleaning, so make sure you brush their ears on a weekly basis. And if you are concerned about shedding, you’ll find this breed a true delight. As they have no undercoat to intertwine with the top coat hair, grooming is an easy task. This minimal shedding also gives people with allergies a peace of mind, so you won’t have frowning guests at your place when they spot cat hair on the floor.