We’re cat lovers here at Space Coast Pet Services, so it doesn’t take much for us to fawn over a feline. That said, Chantilly/Tiffany cats, often referred to simply as Chantilly cats, are among the most illustrious, mostly in part due to their mysterious and intriguing history. That said, they’re definitely a striking breed, too, so we’d love them either way!
Today, we’re shining our spotlight on the Chantilly/Tiffany breed, sharing their interesting history, characteristics, care requirements, and more!
History of Chantilly, or Tiffany, Cats
The Chantilly/Tiffany breed is a bit of a happy accident, with the first breeding pair being discovered by a New York breeder named Jennie Robinson in the 19060s. Robinson bred the first Chantilly cats to create offspring that bore similarities with existing breeds, including the Burmese and Angora, but there were characteristics that made them distinct in their own right. So, in the 1970s, the breed was officially recognized by the American Cat Association. Breeders worked to grow the breed over the years, but confusion between long-haired Chantilly/Tiffany cats and the short-haired Burmese breed hindered the effort and made it difficult for the breed to really take off.
Today, official organizations like the ACA and the International Cat Association (TICA) consider the Chantilly/Tiffany breed extinct because no pedigreed cats are available, and there are no active breeding programs for them. However, you may find mixed-breed cats with some Chantilly/Tiffany in them.
Characteristics of Chantilly or Tiffany Cats
Knowing how to spot a Chantilly/Tiffany cat will help you distinguish this elegant breed from other similar ones, though, as stated above, it’s more likely you’ll have a Chantilly/Tiffany mix than a genuine, authentic purebred.
The most notable characteristics of Chantilly/Tiffany cats are:
- Medium size, approx. 8 to 12 pounds
- Muscular build
- Semi-long silky coat
- Chocolate, black, cinnamon, or fawn-colored fur
- Large oval eyes that range from gold to amber
In many ways, the Chantilly/Tiffany cat resembles a Burmese cat crossed with a Persian with traces of Maine Coon. Needless to say, they are stunning!
Temperament of Chantilly/Tiffany Cats
Chantilly cats are often described as “people-oriented” cats because they form strong bonds with their owners. They tend to be more social than other cats, preferring to greet guests rather than scamper away and hide.
They’re affectionate. They’re kind. And perhaps their most endearing quality, they’re vocal. Many Chantilly or Tiffany cat owners have “conversations” (conversations, if you will), as Chantilly/Tiffany cats just love to use their voices.
Exercise for your Chantilly or Tiffany cat
Chantilly/Tiffany cats love to spend solo time exploring their surroundings, but they also tend to love interactive play. Having a feather wand is usually a big hit with them, giving them a great outlet to burn off excess energy and tap into that latent hunter’s instinct that basically all cats have.
Providing climbing trees and scratching posts is usually good for them as well, as they provide an appropriate area for them to sharpen their claws and steal away for a quiet cat nap when they’ve had enough fun.
They can be a handful at times, but don’t worry; your friends here at Space Coast Pet Services are always up to give them plenty of attention and exercise if you’re stuck at work or out of town. Check out our services for more on that!
Grooming Your Chantilly/Tiffany Cat
That coat requires some care to keep it soft and shiny. Thankfully, Chantilly/Tiffany cats, and basically all cats, are fastidious groomers, spending lots of time on their fur to make your life much easier.
Of course, doing some grooming helps really make your Chantilly/Tiffany cat shine and look their very best. Here are a few quick tips:
- Brush coat twice a week with a slicker brush or comb
- Bathe occasionally using mild, cat-specific shampoo
- Trim nails every few weeks using a clipper
- Remove wax build-ups by cleaning ears
- Brush teeth occasionally with cat-specific toothpaste
- Gently wipe their eyes with a damp cloth to remove discharge
If you want to splurge, bringing your kitty to a professional groomer will check most of these boxes without you having to hassle. Just remember that a lot of these grooming practices may be traumatizing if you try to rush them through the process.
Take your time, slowly introduce grooming tools at a pace your cat is comfortable with, and don’t force them. Trust us; you’ll both have a bad time!
Vet/Medical Care for Tiffany Cats
Because most Chantilly/Tiffany cats are not purebred, they will dodge a lot of diseases and conditions that purebred cats are genetically predisposed to, but that doesn’t mean they’re guaranteed to be healthy forever. Getting regular check-ups and vet care is crucial for making sure your cat is living their best and healthiest life. Your veterinarian can run tests to check for any possible illnesses as well and provide crucial vaccinations that diminish or eliminate the possibility of them contracting such illnesses in the first place. So, make sure you pick out a highly-rated vet and bring your Chantilly/Tiffany cat for regular check-ups.
Bringing a Chantilly Cat Home
Unfortunately, there are no known breeders of Chantilly/Tiffany cats in 2024. Most organizations consider the breed extinct, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t find one or can’t find a mixed breed with traces of Chantilly/Tiffany cat present. What it does mean is that you won’t find (legitimate) papers signifying the Chantilly/Tiffany cat pedigree, but you can find a Chantilly/Tiffany mix with all the personality and physical traits if you’re willing to do a little legwork and have a little bit of luck on your side.
That said, they often cost more because of their rarity. Expect to part with $300 to $800 for a Chantilly or Tiffany cat or kitten on average.
As you know, we’re pet people at Space Coast Pet Services, and we’d love the opportunity to visit with and care for your little bundle of fur whenever you have other obligations.
Contact us today to find out more about our peace-of-mind cat sitting service!
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