Table of contents
The York Chocolate is a little-known breed but truly cherished by its owners. It is resourceful, independent, yet craves attention. Lively and playful, it can also be calm, gentle, and affectionate. Despite its semi-long coat, grooming needs are minimal, and it is a healthy, sturdy cat. An excellent life companion.
General Characteristics
- Coat type: Semi-long
- Origin: United States
- Shedding: Low
- Temperament: Demonstrative
Weight and Height
- Female: 4–5 kg (8.8–11 lb), 22–25 cm (8.6–9.8 in)
- Male: 6–8 kg (13–17.6 lb), 25–30 cm (9.8–11.8 in)
History of the Breed
The York Chocolate originated in the United States. Its name comes from the state of New York and its traditional chocolate color. The breed appeared around 1983, from domestic cat pairings. Blacky, a black-and-white female, mated with Smokey, a black male. Among their kittens, a fully brown cat named Brownie caught the attention of breeder Janet Chiefari, who continued the selection. Recognized in the early 1990s, the breed reached Europe in the early 2000s, but its popularity has remained limited.
Physical Characteristics
- Body: Semi-foreign type, both elegant and muscular. Legs are slim yet strong.
- Coat: Semi-long, fine, silky, dense, with little to no undercoat. Shorter on the shoulders, normal on the belly and breeches, with possible seasonal ruff.
- Color: Chocolate and lilac are the only accepted colors. White may or may not be present but must remain uniform and can cover up to half the body. Kittens may show tabby patterns or light tipping.
- Head: Rounded, medium size, slightly domed forehead, concave profile, firm chin.
- Eyes: Large, oval, open; colors range from gold to green, particolors may have blue or odd eyes.
- Ears: Set high, wide at the base, with abundant hair.
- Tail: Broad at the base, full, and proportionate to the body.
Temperament and Character
The York Chocolate balances activity with calmness. Neither hyperactive nor lazy, it enjoys both play and relaxation. It is affectionate, charming, and enjoys the company of adults and children alike. Loyal and sociable, it prefers spending time with its owner. Vocalization is moderate, with more purring than meowing. It coexists well with other cats and animals, making it a delightful household companion.
Living Conditions
- Children: Friendly
- Other animals: Sociable
- Strangers: Accepting
The York Chocolate adapts well to indoor living, though it appreciates outdoor access such as a garden. Indoors, it enjoys cat trees and interaction with its owner. It can thrive equally well indoors or with supervised outdoor activities.
Health
- Robustness: High
The York Chocolate has excellent overall health and is not prone to hereditary diseases. Despite lacking an undercoat, it tolerates cold reasonably well but should not be left outside in freezing conditions. Standard vaccinations against rabies, panleukopenia, feline leukemia, and coryza are recommended.
Hypoallergenic: No
Life Expectancy
- 12–16 years
Grooming and Hygiene
Grooming is simple, requiring only basic care. Weekly brushing removes dead hair and maintains its silky coat. Bathing is rarely necessary. Occasional checks of eyes and ears help prevent infections.
Price and Budget
- Purchase price: €600–€1500 ($650–$1650)
- Annual maintenance: €250–€600 ($270–$650)
Diet
High-quality dry food is recommended. Meals should be properly portioned to avoid weight gain or obesity. Nutrition should be balanced and complete in vitamins and minerals.
Similar Breeds
Havana Brown, Burmese, California Spangled, Kurilian Bobtail, Sphynx, Bengal