General Information:

Height/Length: Medium/Large
Weight: 10-16 lbs.
Life Span: 10-13 years
Coloring: Solid: Chocolate or Lavender. Bi-color: White & Chocolate or White & Lavender.
Area of Origin: United States
Similar Breeds: Siamese

Breed History and Origins:

The York Chocolate breed is a relatively recent breed, having its origins set in the early 1980’s. York Chocolate cats are the result of a litter produced in 1983 by a male black longhaired cat named Smokey, and a female black and white longhaired cat, named Blacky. The Siamese ancestors in both these farm cats created the brown coloring in one kitten, which was named Brownie.

Brownie displayed the most unusual coloring compared to her brothers and sisters. She also had a very charming personality. The next summer, Brownie produced a litter that included one longhaired black male which was named Minky. In 1985, Minky and Brownie produced two kittens: a solid brown male named Teddy Bear and a brown and white female named Cocoa.

The owner of all these cats, Janet Chiefari, was amazed not only by the consistency of color, glossy coats and physical characteristics that they displayed, but of their loving disposition and intelligence as well. Chiefari was a dairy goat owner and had little to no clue about cat breeding, so she began studying and reading everything she could about cat genetics and soon began a cat breeding program using Brownie, Minky, Teddy Bear and Cocoa. Much to her surprise, the cats that resulted from her initial breeding attempts bred true, producing solid and bi color brown kittens. By 1989, Chiefari had to turn her porch into a cattery that housed 27 chocolate-brown cats.

Later that same year, Chiefari’s vet introduced her to a Cat Fancier’s Federation (CFF) judge named Nancy Belser. She visited the Chiefari’s cattery and confirmed that it was the beginning of a unique breed. Belser recommended Chiefari to show her cats in the CFF shows, so that September she took a brown six-month-old male named Prince to a CFF cat show and registered him in the Household Pet category. Prince won four rosettes and took home a first place trophy.

Soon after this success, Chiefari began applying for new breed status with the CFF and ACFA (American Cat Fancier’s Association). Since the breed didn’t yet have a name, Chiefari ended up naming them York after her home state of New York and “Chocolate” for their distinctive coat color. She then wrote the breed standard with help of the registries and by 1990, the York Chocolate was accepted as an experimental breed both by the CFF and ACFA.

Two years later, the York Chocolate was granted CFF Championship status. In 1995, the breed also achieved Championship status in the Canadian Cat Association as well.

The breed is yet to be recognized by the major, international cat fancier organizations, such as The International Cat Association (TICA), the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) or Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe), and the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA).

A small breed club, the International York Chocolate Federation (IYCF) was founded in Italy, but seems to have been dormant since 2004.

Size and Physical Characteristics:

The York Chocolate is a medium to large cat with firm muscles and solid bones. Its shape is much like the old style Siamese, but with a broader and heavier structure. They are lengthy with smooth body lines and a full, rounded chest. Their rump is slightly higher than their shoulders. Overall, they look like a hardy, big, strong and vigorous farm cat with an elegant coat and colors. Males generally weigh between a hefty 14-16 pounds, with females weighing a little less at 10-12 pounds.

These cats have a medium-sized head that is proportionate to the rest of their body. It’s more of a long modified wedge shape with a slightly rounded muzzle and a small dip in the nose. Their chin is gently outlined and they have large, pointed ears that are widely set apart but broad at the base which tend to tilt forward as well. Some cats have tufts of fur around the ears. Their eyes are medium-sized and have an almond shape with a slant towards the nose. Eye color can either be a share of gold, green or hazel. Their tail is medium to long as well, proportionate to their body, and it’s wide at the base tapering to a rounded tip.

The most distinguishable attribute of the beautiful York Chocolate cats is their coat. It’s semi-long, smooth, glossy and it flows with the lines of their body. The texture of their coat is soft and silky all the way to the roots because they do not have a wooly undercoat. The hair on their face, belly, and lower legs is shorter than the hair on their back, sides and upper legs. Their tail is plumed and they present a slight ruff around their necks. Their toes and ears are also tufted.

The color of their coat is commonly a strikingly rich chocolate brown but they also appear in chocolate and white bi color, a solid lavender that appears very silky and lustrous, and a lavender and white bi color. The bi color individuals might show white on their muzzle, on the tip of their tail and white blaze markings on the face.

Personality and Temperament:

A trait that highly distinguished the York Chocolate from its initial development phase was its sweet temper and laid back disposition. These cats are very intelligent and can be easily trained, being able to learn simple tricks like fetch and play games. They are also moderately active cats, enjoying a couple of ours of playtime each day. It’s important to note that they’re not as hyper active, and rowdy as other similar breeds.

York Chocolates are very affectionate cats and they usually bond the most with one person in the household, following their special person from room to room, trying its best to stay close and being vigilant of everything they do. They’re a great example of a lap cat that loves to be petted, snuggled and pampered. Even though they linger and stay close, they’re very careful to not be pushy and demanding. They are generally quiet and mellow cats. Despite this, they do purr a lot and have a distinctive sound for it as well, and will make a characteristic “purrt” sound to announce their arrival.

These inquisitive cats are natural mousers thanks to their farm upbringing and development. They will enjoy going outside to explore so and owner must be careful to give them a secure outdoor area to roam. Along with their good nature, these cats are very gentle and patient with other cats, dogs and children of all ages. The do, however, become suspicious of strangers.

York Chocolate cats are so devoted that they will insist on helping their favorite humans. Whether you’re doing housework or reading, this cat will be there to support you, and maybe win a few cuddles. Most York chocolates are fascinated with water and will even be caught splashing around in it. They won’t hesitate to leap into a sink when you’re washing dishes or in the tub when you’re taking a bath.

Nutritional and Exercise needs:

Diet is very important for cats for it will determine overall health. A healthy coat, teeth, body weight and energy level will depend almost completely on what they are fed. Cats generally are carnivores, so a protein based diet is always the best option. The amount fed depends on weight, activity and age. The type of food depends on the owner but make sure to provide quality and enough water if dry kibble is your choice. If their food is canned verify that only a few fillers are added.

When cats are indoors most of the time, they might not get enough exercise. Despite this, York Chocolate cats are active and love to play. It’s good to engage your cats in some type of daily activity to help maintain a healthy body weight and keep muscles strong and lean. This benefits the mind as well, keeping it alert and active. Yorks are hardy and healthy cats and love to practice their hunting skills whenever they can, so it’s important to provide them with toys that move or toys in which you can take an active role in. Toys that just sit there will bore a York Chocolate.

You may be able to set up an area especially for your cat to climb and play around. Cat trees and scratching posts can also be used for this purpose. Cat jungle gyms can be bought at a local pet store or you could build one yourself! It’s important to be careful and not let your cat roam, especially since the York Chocolates love to hunt. Providing a safe and enclosed outdoor area is especially recommended.

Grooming and Upkeep:

York Chocolate cats have a very elegant, semi-long haired coat that requires routine grooming. Twice a week is recommended to prevent matting, even though they do not have an undercoat. Occasional brushing also helps stimulate circulation, massages, and removes debris. If provided with proper nutrition, occasional grooming, and keeping a small area for shedding, like a pet bed, the shedding will be minimized and manageable. Nail trimming and ear cleaning is required regularly. Teeth brushing at home with an appropriate pet toothpaste, and scheduling veterinary dental cleanings is sometimes necessary. The earlier you began to brush, trim its nails and brush its teeth, the better your cat will start to accept these activities.

Characteristics unique to the breed:

York Chocolate cats are endearing creatures and contain a fine balance between activeness and a relaxed disposition. They are truly a treat not only to look at but to interact with as well. They are very patient and will get along with other pets and small children. It’s still important to teach children the proper handling for a cat, especially since these tend to grow quite large.

Health and Wellness:

York Chocolate cats are generally robust and with proper diet and care, they can reach an average life span of approximately 13 years. There are no breed related diseases known for the York Chocolate cats. They are susceptible to all the common feline ailments that affect all cats. They may affect some people with cat allergies that come in contact with the breed. Be sure to consult a veterinarian of your choice for routine care and medical advice for your York Chocolate cat.

Interesting Facts about the breed:

• The York Chocolate cats are a relatively new breed, with its beginning in 1983.
• They are considered rare and hard to find.
• York Chocolate cats are fascinated with water.