Imagine a cat with the rich, decadent color of fine chocolate and a personality just as sweet. The York Chocolate is a captivating and relatively new American breed that combines stunning good looks with an exceptionally loving nature. Developed in the 1980s, this gentle giant is quickly winning hearts with its plush coat, intelligent eyes, and unwavering devotion to its human family.

History & Origin

The York Chocolate's story begins on a farm in upstate New York in 1983. Breeder Janet Chiefari noticed a unique, longhaired brown kitten in a litter born to her black-and-white farm cat. Named Brownie, this kitten became the foundation for a new breed. Through selective breeding, focusing on the beautiful solid chocolate and lavender coat colors and a sweet temperament, the York Chocolate was established. It remains a rare and treasured breed, recognized for its unique American heritage and its status as a new show cat contender.

Physical Characteristics

This is a medium to large, muscular cat, weighing a substantial 4 to 7 kg. They possess a long, flowing coat that is surprisingly silky rather than woolly, and it culminates in a magnificent plump tail. The breed's signature colors are its namesake rich, warm chocolate and the softer, diluted lavender (a pale grey-brown). Their eyes, which can be gold, green, or hazel, provide a beautiful contrast against their dark coats. Most York Chocolates are solid-colored, but bicolor patterns (combined with white) are also accepted.

Temperament & Personality

If you seek a feline companion defined by affection, look no further. The York Chocolate scores a perfect 5/5 in affection, friendliness, and compatibility with both children and other pets. They are gentle, intelligent (4/5), and form deep bonds with their entire family, often following them from room to room. While playful (4/5) and energetic enough for interactive games, they have a moderate overall energy level (3/5) and are not overly vocal (2/5), making them a serene yet engaging presence in the home.

Care Requirements

Their long, silky coat requires moderate maintenance. A thorough brushing 2-3 times a week is essential to prevent mats and tangles and to manage their moderate shedding level (3/5). Their grooming needs are also rated 3/5. To keep them fit and mentally stimulated, provide daily play sessions with wand toys or puzzle feeders to meet their moderate exercise needs (3/5). As intelligent cats, they enjoy learning tricks and thrive on interaction.

Health Considerations

The York Chocolate is celebrated as a generally healthy and hardy breed with a life span of 13 to 15 years. As a newer breed, no major hereditary conditions are widely associated with them, which is a testament to careful foundation breeding. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise and scheduling regular veterinary check-ups are the best ways to ensure a long, healthy life for these sweet-natured cats.

Is This Breed Right For You?

The York Chocolate is an ideal companion for families, first-time cat owners, and anyone seeking a devoted, gentle lap cat. Their high scores in every friendliness category mean they integrate beautifully into busy households with kids and other animals. If you desire a highly independent or aloof cat, this may not be your breed. However, if you want a loving shadow who offers quiet companionship and sweet affection in a stunning chocolate package, the York Chocolate could be your perfect match.

The York Chocolate cat is more than just a pretty face with a luxurious coat; it is a breed defined by the warmth of its temperament. Combining the robust health of a farm cat lineage with the gentle soul of a perfect companion, this American original offers unwavering loyalty and sweet affection. For those lucky enough to share their home with one, the York Chocolate is a truly delectable addition to the family.