Cat
Breed Description:
The Tiffany breed of cats has a striking appearance. This breed will show off a rich color and full, semi-long coat. They are also noted for their plumed tail with a contrasting neck ruff, with the addition of their ear streamers the breed becomes very distinctive and recognizable. The Tiffany breed of cats has a medium-sized head as well as a gently sloped nose with a short, broad muzzle. The Tiffany breed of cats retains high broad recognizable cheekbones. For the Tiffany breed of cats preferred eye color is gold-yellow-amber. The cats eyes have been described as "expressive" and are slightly oval. With a body that cannot be described as cobby what will be found in this breed is of medium size and length. The Tiffany breed of cat requires a rich and lustrous coloration of blue, chocolate (the most recognizable), cinnamon, lilac, and fawn, in both solid and tabby patterns. They will also possess a silky coat texture of appropriate length.
Temperament:
The Chantilly/Tiffany is a breed of loyalty, and easily becomes a close, affectionate companion that is not overly demanding or mischievous. They are not as placid as Persians, nor as active as Orientals, and are best described as moderate. Usually, they develop particular affinity to one person in the home, with whom they bond, conversing in quiet "chirps" or trills characteristic of the Tiffany. It does not thrive in endless hours of solitude, and may become quite lonely. Persons working full time should plan on a companion pet. Tiffanies integrate well with children and other pets and require little maintenance.
The breed is gentle and easily managed. It will prefer the company of its special person to any other amusement. Some individuals forsake the "four-on-the-floor" reputation of their peers. They are usually friendly, but conservative with strangers. They leave no doubt as to their affection if you are their "person," follow you constantly and respond well to their name. They are devotion in a silky chocolate (or other-coloured) robe.
Weight:
The breed is of medium size, females are 6-8 pounds, males are 8-10 pounds.
Health Problems:
The breed is very healthy, not given to any particular problems. Some manifest "finicky" digestion; they do not tolerate food adjustment or high corn-content foods well. Mothers are prolonged in labour, and not too anxious to wean. Kittens are quite slow to accept solids.
Grooming:
The Tiffany is a breed of cat that requires minimal grooming care. Shedding is minimal. The breed needs only occasional combing; it makes sense to pay attention to the modified ruff and hindquarters. The Tiffany does coat does not generally matte. Owners have experienced the ears to be inclined to waxiness and should be swabbed regularly. The lack of downy undercoat reduces shedding and makes grooming easier.
Origin:
As the history of the Tiffany has been told it can be traced to a single set of parents of unknown heritage. In 1967 Jennie Robinson (Neotype Cattery) of New York purchased "Thomas" and "Shirley," a pair of semi-foreign longhaired chocolate cats with gold eyes and unknown background. Interestingly enough these cats were being sold as part of an estate sale.
Many early breeders speculated and hypothesized that the cats might be of Burmese descent. This however was laid to rest when the first litter was born in May 1969; the kittens were dark self-colors and had no points and pinkish paw pads. Obviously these are the opposite of traits that identify Burmese. All the USA cats of this breed descended from Thomas and Shirley; none arose from nor were bred to Burmese.
