The Asian Semi-Longhair is a cat breed similar to the Asian Shorthair except they have semi-long hair instead of short hair . These cats are normally known by the name Tiffanie . They are recognised in any of the Asian Shorthair or Burmese colors and patterns. Like the Asian Shorthair, the breed was developed in Britain , and is not currently recognised by any U.S. Registries. It has full recognition in the GCCF and although it is a relatively rare breed some fine examples have become champions.

Tiffanie Cat Origin

The Tiffanie is the longhaired version of the Burmilla which itself, initially was the result of a chance mating between Chinchilla and Burmese stock. Tiffanies are an endearing blend of the two original breeds. The breed was developed by using the naturally occurring longhairs that came through the shorthair programme, and by crossing back to Chinchilla in the early generations.

At first, these kittens were not taken seriously as they did not characterise the main aim of breeding silver shaded Shorthairs. However, a small group of breeders were determined to achieve recognition for these attractive cats, and the Tiffanies slowly gained more admirers despite a much slower progress in comparison with the Burmilla and other Asian Shorthairs.

The Tiffanie was finally given Preliminary GCCF recognition in 1991, and has moved to Provisional status in June 1999.

Tiffanie Cat Characteristics

The Tiffanie is a medium-sized cat with a fine and a silky coat, longer at the ruff and with a flowing plume-like tail. The general body type should be that of the Burmese but carry some of the Chinchilla facial markings particularly the mascara type eye outline.

The coat is brilliant sheen of blue, red, lilac and so forth, any color of the Burmese breed. The shining effect is created by the white undercoat and colored tips of hairs. The striking long and wooly tail produces an unforgettable impression. 

Tiffanie Cat Personality

The longhair Burmilla is bright and funloving, but more laid back than its shorthair relative in most cases. It is an ideal cat for single people or families, being quite happy to wait until you come home for attention. They are not a demanding cat, but still love to spend as much time with you as possible.

The most outstanding feature of this breed is its wonderful temperament. Tiffanies are outgoing, gentle, loving, beautiful cats that make excellent pets. They are extremely devoted to their humans and most are real lapcats. Tiffanies are also extremely playful and intelligent. They easily learn to fetch and play other games and quickly take over the hearts and homes of their besotted humans. This breed also adapts very well to other pet animals. This delightfully pretty cat with an amazing personality quickly becomes a favourite with all who come to know them.

Many of them are very good "fetch-it" cats too!

Tiffany (Chantilly) Cat or Tiffanie Cat?

American Tiffany cat started with 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. Several breeders thought they must be long-haired Burmese, but this was proved not to be the case.

Some of the kittens were then bought by a Florida breeder, who was well-known for her Burmese cats. She devised the new name of Tiffany for them, thinking it suggested a classy elegance.

in the 1980s British breeders working on variations of the new Burmilla breed - a Burmese/Chinchilla cross - accidentally created a long-haired brown cat. It was at first known as the Asian Longhair, but then, hearing (wrongly) that the Americans had a long-haired Burmese cat called the Tiffany, the British decided on the same name, but for various reasons spelled it as Tiffanie.

When word spread across the Atlantic about the British Tiffanie, it was decided to give the North American breed a new name, and it was changed to 'Chantilly'.