The York Chocolate cat breed is a fascinating example of how selective breeding can create a unique and beautiful animal. Originating in New York state in 1983, this breed is known for its long, fluffy coat and distinctive chocolate-brown or lavender coloring. Despite its appealing appearance, the York Chocolate remains an uncommon breed, not widely recognized by major cat registries. This article delves into the history and development of the York Chocolate,
highlighting its journey from a simple domestic cat to a show-worthy breed.
The Origins of York Chocolate
The York Chocolate breed was established in 1983 in New York state, a fitting name for a breed that embodies the rich, chocolatey hues of its coat. The breed was created by Janet Chiefari, who began a breeding program after noticing the unique coloring in a kitten named Brownie. Brownie's parents were a black longhaired cat and a black and white longhaired cat, with Siamese ancestors contributing to the brown coloring. This initial discovery led Chiefari to pursue a breeding program focused on color-selecting domestic long-haired cats of mixed ancestry.
The breed's development was marked by careful selection to enhance the chocolate-brown and lavender hues, resulting in a cat with a long, fluffy coat and a tapered tail. Despite its striking appearance, the York Chocolate has struggled to gain recognition from major cat registries, remaining an uncommon breed in the world of show cats.
Recognition and Challenges
The York Chocolate's journey to recognition has been fraught with challenges. While the breed found favor in Italy, leading to the establishment of the International York Chocolate Federation (IYCF) in 2003, it has not been recognized by major organizations such as The International Cat Association (TICA), the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), or Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe). The IYCF claimed affiliation with the German Feline Federation Europe (FFE) and the Russian World Felinological Federation (WFF), although the latter does not recognize the breed.
In the United States, the Cat Fanciers' Federation of the New England area recognized York Chocolates as an "experimental" cat breed in 1990, allegedly granting it championship status in 1992. However, the breed standard and information have since been lost, and the Canadian Cat Association no longer advertises the breed.
The Future of York Chocolate
Despite its lack of widespread recognition, the York Chocolate continues to captivate cat enthusiasts with its unique appearance and history. The breed's future remains uncertain, as the small breed club founded in Italy appears dormant since 2004. However, the York Chocolate's distinctive coloring and fluffy coat ensure that it remains a beloved breed among those who appreciate its beauty.
As the breed continues to navigate the challenges of recognition, its story serves as a testament to the dedication of breeders like Janet Chiefari, who saw potential in a simple domestic cat and transformed it into a show-worthy breed. The York Chocolate's journey is a reminder of the power of selective breeding and the beauty that can emerge from it.
