The Chantilly-Tiffany Cat is a medium-sized domesticated feline known for its characteristic semi-long coat, fluffy tail, and long ear-tufts. This moderately active cat has been produced mainly by crossing the Asian and the Burmese cats and comes mostly in color chocolate. They have a round face, square muzzle, protruding ears, long whiskers and a bright pair of golden eyes, set far apart.
Physical Appearance & Size
Weight: | 6 – 10 pounds |
Colors & Patterns
Coat Type: | Dense, semi-long |
Color: | Chocolate, blue, cinnamon, lilac, fawn |
Coat Pattern: | Solid, spotted tabby, ticked, mackerel |
Other Characteristics
Other Names: | Chantilly/Tiffany, Chantilly, Foreign Longhair |
Life Expectancy (Lifespan): | 9 to 16 years |
Weight: | 6 – 10 pounds |
Litter Size: | About 5-6 kittens |
Personality Traits: | Affectionate, demanding, loyal, interactive |
Shedding: | Moderate to less |
Good with Children: | Yes |
Vocalization/Call: | Frequent, low |
Hypoallergenic: | Yes |
Competitive Registration/Qualification Information: | TICA, AACE, ACFA, TCA, UFO |
History
It was back in 1967 that the first breed of the Chantilly-Tiffany started with two chocolate-brown cats, whose origin was then unknown. Jennie Robinson of New York bought these two cats named ‘Thomas’ and ‘Shirley’ that were probably siblings, but not litter mates.
Later, in 1969, a six-kitten litter was born to Shirley for the first time. All the kits in the litter were of the same color (chocolate brown). This surprised Jennie, who, in the long run, arranged for breeding programs to produce new kittens in order to emphasize these unique traits.
In the first half of the 1970s, Shirley, Thomas and their offsprings were registered by the ACA as the ‘Foreign Longhairs’. Nevertheless, the breeders thought that this name is inappropriate for a breed, and they registered the cats as ‘Tiffany’. However, this new name too didn’t prove to be much effective since there was already a British breed in the name of ‘Tiffanie’ that was registered by a UK-registry GCCF. Finally, the new breed was renamed as ‘Chantilly’, and in due course became popular in its modern name ‘Chantilly/Tiffany’.
Temperament and Personality
Chantilly cats are characterized by moderateness. They are neither too gentle or lazy, nor too active. This is one trait that has mostly appealed to the cat fanciers and owners. However, the CT kittens are very playful and mischievous.
These cats are good with children and all other pets. They would also take part in games and activities with their family members. Being a human-oriented breed, they would follow their favorite family members from room to room and vocally interact with them in a low mewling voice. However, they are reserved when they have strangers around.
Chantillies love playing with toys and would steal those play items that they find exciting. They are affectionate and do not enjoy being alone, or if ignored.
Care
These cats need very less grooming and have a low-maintenance coat. Brush them at least twice a week, if you can’t make it every day. It is recommended that you pay special attention to the comparatively longer fur on its hindquarters and the ruff. This will keep it matt-free as also remove dead hairs. They have hairy ears, which needs special care so as to avoid wax buildup or infection, redness and rashes.
Chantilly/Tiffany cat is a long-living breed. They are normally healthy and have no breed-specific diseases. However, they might be prone to getting digestive problems. Also, insist on common preventive measures to keep away diseases and ailments that are common to all cats. Get them annually vaccinated by booster doses for resistance to common problems like the flu, enteritis, and feline leukaemia, especially if they go outdoors.
Training
You can say, the well-behaved Chantilly is ‘born-trained’. They don’t need any breed-specific training. Give them general house training to adapt itself to the rules and etiquettes of your domestic life like all other breed of cats. The intelligent feline will pick up your training right away.
Diet/Feeding
Tiffany cats have a delicate digestive power. A proper cat-specific diet must be followed to keep a check on this health issue. It is better to avoid dairy and corn products since that might upset its stomach. Like any other cat, a healthy diet plan will certainly help your Tiffany cat live for long, enhancing its general health. Also, remember that, the chantilly kittens are quite slow in accepting solid foods during their transition from breastfeeding.
Interesting Facts
- The chantilly cat has the habit of pulling its own hair, which often results in bald patches all over its body. This might eventually end up forming hairballs in the stomach.
- The chantilly-tiffany cat shouldn’t be confused with the British breed ‘Tiffanie’ cat, whose name sounds almost the same as the former.