The York Chocolate is called this because of its state of origin and the color of its coat. It is a big cat, with glossy and silky coat flowing over body lines accentuating graceful, flexible body movement. This cat has beautiful almond-shaped eyes that are a striking gold, green or hazel.

Native Country

United States

Breed Description

Head: Nearly round. Rounded skull. Slightly domed forehead. Moderately long muzzle. Nose without break. Chin in line with tip of nose.
Eyes: Fairly large, well-spaced, slightly oval, lemon-shaped. Color: gold to green.
Neck: Long, thin.
Body: Long, midway between Oriental and foreign types. Should not be heavy. Fine-boned with slender muscles.
Paw: Long and fine-boned with firm muscles. Small, rounded paws. Long hairs between the toes.
Tail: Long, thin, straight, tapering to a slender tip. Well-furnished.
Coat: Semilong, fine, soft, silky hair. Very fluffy tail. May have a ruff. Color: solid chocolate, solid lilac, and these same colors in a bicolor version (n). Kittens are much lighter than adults. Tabby markings and tipping are acceptable up to 18 months.

History

This new breed created in the United States is named after New York City and its brown coloring. The first York Chocolate kittens were born to housecat parents in the 1980s on Janet Chiefari’s farm in New York state. The father was a longhaired black cat, and the mother, also longhaired, was black and white. The old-type Siamese ancestors of both parents contributed the chocolate gene.

Behavior

York Chocolates strike a nice balance between high energy and loving devotion. They love all the family, but they show to prefer the person who take usually care of them. The love to snuggle into the lap of their favourit human and being held, loved and cuddled. Although they are generally quiet, Yorks are enthusiastic purrers and also make a characteristic "purrrt?" announcing their arrival. They have been called "satellite cats" because they constantly orbits the owner for attention. Whether their favorite human is reading the paper or working on his desk, they want to keep on top of things, literally.Yorks are affectionate with family, but they are cautious with strangers. Yorks also have a fascination with water and take every opportunity to leap into the sink or tub, even a sink full of soapy dishwater. Because of their background, (they came from farm cats) Yorks are working cats, hardy and healthy, and they have strong instincts. Accordingly, Yorks are fond of toys that move or involve their human friends. They become bored rather quickly with playthings that just sit there.