The Modest and Tender Chantilly-Tiffany Cat

Named after the famous desert, the Chantilly-Tiffany cat started as a breed with a soft, silky, chocolate coat. Soon, it expanded to other colors, such as blue, lilac, fawn, and cinnamon. What’s certain is the breed retained its loving, modest, tender, but talkative demeanor. It thrives in human companionship and builds strong relationships with its families. With that, expect these felines to play, snuggle, and even talk with every opportunity that they can.

Origin of the Chantilly-Tiffany Cat

While often mistaken as a semi-longhaired version of the Burmese cat, the Chantilly-Tiffany is not. This feline traces its roots in 1967 when a New York breeder named Jennie Robinson purchase a pair of chocolate-colored kittens. In 1969, the couple named Thomas and Shirley produced a litter with the same distinct coat and served as the first Chantilly-Tiffany cats.

These cats were quickly adored, which is why other breeding programs were started in another U.S. state and Canada. In 1994, the Chantilly-Tiffany cat was recognized by The International Cat Association.

At first, the breed was registered as the “Foreign Longhair,” but was deemed unfitting. With that, it was then changed to “Tiffany.” Incidentally, a British cat registry already registered a breed Burmese-Chinicilla Persian cross as “Tiffanie.” Another change was made, and it is now noted as the “Chantilly,” but is fondly called by feline enthusiasts as the “Chantilly-Tiffany” cat.

Physical Characteristics of the Chantilly-Tiffany Cat

Length: Medium

Weight: 6 to 12 pounds

Life Expectancy: 7 to 16 years

Coat Color: Chocolate, lilac, black, blue, champagne, silver, fawn, platinum

Type of Coat: Medium

Eye Color: Gold

The Chantilly-Tiffany cats are a fairish-sized cat, with a broad wedge-shaped head, wide-spaced ears, and oval-shaped, slightly slanted eyes. Their eyes are of a gold color that usually deepens as this furball ages. While it was first called the “Foreign Longhair,” its coat is actually of medium-length. It has no undercoat but has soft and silky fur, which allows it to drape, providing a flowing effect commonly seen in longhaired cats. Moreover, the coat was initially of a solid chocolate brown color. However, due to many outcrossing made, other colors now occur, such as the lilac, blue, champagne, silver, fawn, and platinum variations.

Chantilly-Tiffany Cat Personality

Chantilly-Tiffany cats are a gentle and endearing breed that stays loyal to their families. They may choose a favorite person, though, which they will follow around the house, room to room. Nevertheless, they are capable of extending their love to other household members.

They are not the type of cats eager to be part of the welcoming committee, often acting aloof or reserved when it comes to strangers or visitors. As much as possible, they would be happy to stay with their human families.

As such, they build strong bonds with their family members. And, once they have established their connection, expects these cats to start talking. These cats are known to chirp or mewl at their owners using gentle sounds, which is their unique way of communicating with their loving families.

They make terrific travel buddies with their calm demeanor and would be happy to join their favorite person on new adventures. Inside their homes, they are not picky. They will be satisfied in any type of interaction, snuggling beside their owners on the couch while watching television or playing with their favorite interactive toy.

Caring for the Chantilly-Tiffany Cat

Despite being a semi-longhair breed, the Chantilly-Tiffany cat is a relatively easy-to-groom cat, thanks to its lack of an undercoat. Adding to that, their fur is soft and silky, making it less prone to tangles and mats. Weekly brushing can suffice in keeping their coat tidy and healthy.

However, their ears may need extra care as they sport full hair. With that, it is easier for dirt and wax build-up to occur, making them more vulnerable to infection. Ear cleaning should be done weekly to avoid such a scenario.

Other parts of the grooming upkeep include nail trimming every 10 to 14 days, weekly teeth brushing to prevent periodontal disease, and occasional eye cleaning using a damp cloth to remove any signs of dirt.

In terms of health, Chantilly-Tiffany cats are considered to be sturdy cats. However, they are vulnerable to digestion issues. It is best to consult a vet to create a diet routine and follow it strictly to keep these cats in check.

Not only that will veer them away from digestive mishaps, but will also prevent them from being overweight. Their coats can be a deceptive tool that can hide their pot bellies, so a proper diet should be observed to avoid obesity.

Chantilly-Tiffany cats are perfect for owners looking for a “just right” cat to add to their homes. These cats are loving, not too frisky nor too laidback, and will be happy regardless of what activity they do as long as they are with their owners.