The Chantilly/Tiffany is a feline with a semi-foreign body style and a full semi-long coat.

Chantilly Cat Origin

The founding cats were a pair of golden-eyed, chocolate-coloured, long-haired cats of unknown origin, bought by a New York breeder in 1967. In 1969 they produced their first litter. All six kittens had identical rich chocolate-brown coats, and this prompted further breeding. In the early 1970s the cats from this programme were registered as Foreign Longhairs.

Right from its US beginnings in 1967 the breed has always bred true. Burmese cats were never used in their breeding program. Research has revealed that English breeders had crossed Foreign Longhairs (Angoras), Abyssinians and Havana Browns in an attempt to recreate an Angora type cat. It is suspected, but can not be confirmed, that the Tiffany/Chantilly was a product of these efforts. Learn more about Chantilly history

Chantilly Cat Appearence

Somewhat a late bloomer, the Chantilly/Tiffany is slow to mature and usually does not come into its full stature until about two years old.

The preferred eye colour is gold-yellow-amber. The eye color of the feline intensifies with age. The eyes are a modified oval shape, with an expressive look.

The head should be a broad, modified wedge with gentle curves. It should have a medium length nose and a strong, broad, short and softly squared muzzle, and defined but not obvious whisker pads.

The ears are broad at the base and medium sized, with rounded tips tilting forward and outward.

Chantilly Cat Colors and Coats

The coat is silky, soft and smooth; the lack of undercoat usually makes grooming simpler than that of cats with an undercoat.

Originally found only in the color of chocolate, Tiffany/Chantilly now occurs in a range of colors including chocolate, blue, cinnamon, lilac, and fawn. Accepted patterns are solid, mackerel, ticked, and spotted tabby. The color is rich; shading in solids may occur toward the underside. The overall impression of the ideal Chantilly would be a semi-foreign cat of striking appearance resulting from the combination of its rich color and full, silky semi-longhair coat, plumed tail, contrasting neck ruff, and ear furnishings.

The Chantilly Temperament

The Chantilly/Tiffany is a breed of loyalty, and easily becomes a close, affectionate companion that is not overly demanding or mischievous. They are not as placid as Persians, nor as active as Orientals, and are best described as moderate. Usually, they develop particular affinity to one person in the home, with whom they bond, conversing in quiet "chirps" or trills characteristic of the Tiffany. It does not thrive in endless hours of solitude, and may become quite lonely. Persons working full time should plan on a companion pet. Tiffanies integrate well with children and other pets and require little maintenance.

The breed is gentle and easily managed. It will prefer the company of its special person to any other amusement. Some individuals forsake the "four-on-the-floor" reputation of their peers. They are usually friendly, but conservative with strangers. They leave no doubt as to their affection if you are their "person," follow you constantly and respond well to their name.

Chantilly Cat Health and Care

The breed is very healthy, not given to any particular problems. Some manifest "finicky" digestion; they do not tolerate food adjustment or high corn-content foods well. Mothers are prolonged in labour, and not too anxious to wean. Kittens are quite slow to accept solids.

The Chantilly/Tiffany is a breed of minimal care. Its silky little-shedding coat is often well tolerated by the allergic and needs only occasional combing, paying particular attention to the modified ruff and hindquarters. The coat is not given to matting. Ears seem inclined to waxiness and should be swabbed regularly.