History
Originally called the Foreign Longhair, accepted only by ACA, a change in the name to “Tiffany” was proposed and one of the two foundation breeders sold kittens under that name, but they were never registered as Tiffanys because ACA dropped the breed for lack of registrations. The cats were then found to be naturally occurring in Canada (the foundation pair in the U.S. were also believed to be naturally occurring). However, by the time of the Canadian discovery, a cat developed in Great Britain from the Burmese was being shown as “Tiffanie.” Today, depending on the association, the breed is called “Chantilly,” “Tiffany,” or “Chantilly/Tiffany.” No North American Chantilly/Tiffany contains Burmese ancestry. The Tiffanie is not accepted by any American association, as it resembles the Burmilla in ancestry and conformation.
Description
The Chantilly/Tiffany is a medium-sized (males 8-10 pounds, females 6-8 pounds), semi-foreign (neither cobby nor svelte) cat with a plush, medium-long coat, plumed tail, and long ear tufts called streamers. The head is medium-sized with a gently sloped nose with a break and a broad muzzle that is softly squared with a firm chin and broad and high cheekbones. The most common color is chocolate. Chantilly/Tiffanys are also accepted in blue, cinnamon, lilac, and fawn in both solid and tabby patterns. The eyes are gold/yellow/amber in a modified oval shape.
Temperament
The Chantilly/Tiffany is friendly, loyal and affectionate. It tends to develop a special affinity for one person and while friendly, may be shy with strangers. They “speak” in trills and chirps which are characteristic to the Chantilly/Tiffany. The cats do not enjoy solitude and can become lonely. If the owners will be away for long periods during the day, a companion pet should be added to the household, as the Chantilly/Tiffany does well with other pets and children. They are moderate in temperament as well as conformation.
Health
The breed is healthy in general but does exhibit some special dietary needs. They do not tolerate foods high in corn content or changes in their food. They shed little and need only occasional grooming, although the ears tend to waxiness and need to be kept clean.
Associations
The Chantilly/Tiffany is accepted in ACFA, CCA/ACA, and AACE.
