This breed of cat is fairly new, dating back only to 1983. Its name is partly derived from its place of origin, New York State. The very first York Chocolate kittens were born to housecats on a dairy farm. The sire was a longhaired black cat, the mother a black and white, also longhaired. Created by colour-selecting domestic longhaired cats, all members of the breed are solid chocolate or lavender, chocolate and white or lavender and white. They all have plumed tails, toe tufts and a neck ruff. These cats are medium to large in size and are big-boned and muscular. They retain some traits of the Siamese breed, notably the rounded head which is longer than it is wide, the large pointed ears and almond-shaped eyes. Eye colors range from green to gold to hazel. The medium-long, glossy coat is silky and does not require a great deal of grooming because the thin undercoat does not tend to mat as is the case with many other long-haired breeds.
York Chocolate cats are lap cats in every sense of the word. They love to be held and cuddled and are very playful and affectionate. They are also energetic and good hunters. Intelligent and inquisitive, York Chocolates like to be involved in human activities and are aware of where their owners are at all times. They also have a fascination with water and if not monitored, might be tempted to enter a shower or bath with their owners. They usually bond with just one person in a family and tend to be cautious of strangers.
In March of 1992, this breed was granted CFF championship status and in March of 1995, achieved the same in the Canadian Cat Association as well.
Do YOU own a York Chocolate cat? Please share your experiences.