york-chocolate-cat
Friendly, athletic, devoted, charming
Overview
Origin
United States
Life Span
13-15 years
Height
8"- 10"
Weight
10-16 pounds
Group
Large long-haired
Price
$600 - $1000
History
The York Chocolate cat enjoyed a short burst of popularity. Developed in 1983 by a breeder named Janet Chiefari, the first York chocolate cat came from a litter that was sired by a black long-haired cat. The mother was a black and white cat, also with a long coat. At least one of these cats had Siamese ancestry, which contributed to brown coloring in a single member of the litter, a female kitten that was aptly named Brownie.
When Brownie reached maturity, she was bred with a black long-haired male. This pairing resulted in a litter of just two kittens including a chocolate mail and a female with a white and chocolate coat.
In March 1990, the Cat Fanciers' Federation of the New England region granted the York Chocolate cat experimental status, which was ultimately expanded to championship status in 1992. A few other breed clubs and small registries accepted York Chocolate cats as well, however no registered individuals are known to exist, and the breed is officially considered to be extinct.
It is completely possible that cats with similar DNA, personalities, and appearances exist; the label "extinct" applies due to the disappearance of registered York Chocolate cats.
Care
Nutrition
The York Chocolate cats did not have any special nutritional needs, however like most other cats, it's likely that members of the breed thrived on high-quality food that incorporated real meat or fish as the main ingredient.
Grooming
Thanks to their long, plush coats, York Chocolate cats needed routine grooming to prevent mats from forming.
Exercise
Described as playful and energetic, it's more than likely that the York Chocolate cat enjoyed all the same activities that most other cats do, including climbing to the very top of its favorite cat condo, stretching on a scratching post, chasing laser beams, and hopping up into a window seat for a comfortable view of the great outdoors.
Health
As these kitties were of mixed heritage, it's quite likely that they enjoyed good health overall, probably with a tendency to exhibit some common health issues that we see in most domestic breeds today. Obesity and periodontal disease are two of the most prevalent, along with communicable diseases that can be prevented with routine vaccinations.
Breed Standard
