Pet Wiki

Chantilly-Tiffany

Also called Chantilly, Tiffany, Foreign Longhair

Described as balanced, gentle yet lively without going to extremes, fond of conversation and closely attached to its people.

SizeMedium
Lifespan13 to 17 years1
CoatSemi-long, silky single coat without undercoat
OriginUnited States (New York), from 1967; the breed is now extinct23
Historic typeShort profile
sweet and affectionate
chatty
adaptable
1

Personality what they are like

Described as balanced, gentle yet lively without going to extremes, fond of conversation and closely attached to its people.1

Coat and looks how to spot one

semi-long, silky single coat without undercoat

A medium, semi-foreign cat with a softly wedge-shaped head and almond eyes in yellow to gold, sometimes ringed with green around the pupil. The semi-long coat is silky and smooth with no woolly undercoat, and the original colour was a warm chocolate.2

Colourschocolatebluelilaccinnamonfawnsolid, mackerel, ticked and spotted tabby2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Chantilly-Tiffany. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery 2 days
  • Deshedding springBrush more while sheddingevery day
  • Nail trimevery 3 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • Litter scoopevery day
  • Litter changeevery week
  • PlayDaily playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate.1

Company who they like around

Formed strong bonds with its owners.1

The story where it all began

Jennie Robinson of New York bought two chocolate longhaired cats, Thomas and Shirley, at an estate sale in 1967, and their first litter in 1969 started the line. Florida breeder Sigyn Lund carried the work on and called the cats Tiffany, later renamed Chantilly in the 1990s to avoid a mix-up with the British Tiffanie. The breed stayed tiny and the last known line ended around 2015.2

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The first litter, born in May 1969, was six chocolate kittens.2

  2. 2

    The Tiffany name was borrowed from an elegant 1920s Los Angeles theatre studio.2

  3. 3

    One of the last Chantillys, Frosty, appeared on Animal Planet's Cats 101.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed was originally called 'Foreign Longhair' and later 'Tiffany' by breeder Sigyn Lund, after a Los Angeles theatre, to convey elegance. In 1992, Canadian breeders renamed it 'Chantilly' to avoid confusion with the British 'Tiffanie' breed, preserving the elegance the name represented.4

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

AmberBiscuitChestnutCloverCopperHazelMapleMochaPumpkinRustySableSienna

A day in the life told by a Chantilly-Tiffany

I wake gently, stretching my long fur across the windowsill where the morning light warms me. I meow a soft good morning to my human, then follow her to the kitchen, winding around her ankles. After a bit of breakfast, I find a cozy spot on the armchair and watch the birds outside, my tail flicking slowly. When my human settles to read, I hop onto her lap and purr, occasionally touching her cheek with a paw. We chat, she talks, I answer with a trill. In the afternoon, I explore a cardboard box, then curl up for a long nap. At night, I sleep at the foot of the bed, a silent guardian.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

TICA
Held new/experimental breed status; only 15 cats ever registered by 20092
ACFA / CCA-AFC
Experimental or new breed status2
ACA
Registered as Foreign Longhairs in the early 1970s2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Cat-Friendly Pancakes

A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
  • 1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)

How

  1. Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
  2. Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
  4. Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
  5. Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
  6. Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.

How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Tuna Biscuits for Cats

These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
  • Extra water as needed

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
  4. Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
  5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
  8. Allow to cool completely before storing.

How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Chantilly-Tiffany, and at what times?

Feeding schedules vary by age and preference. Pet Wiki suggests following the food label's guidance and asking your vet for a routine that suits your cat's needs.

What should a Chantilly-Tiffany eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a balanced cat food as recommended by your vet. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol, as noted by ASPCA.5

Does a Chantilly-Tiffany need baths?

Baths are rarely needed for this breed. Only bathe if your cat is very dirty or sticky, as per general cat care guidance.6

How often does a Chantilly-Tiffany need brushing?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every two days, and more often during shedding. This keeps the silky coat smooth and tangle-free.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Chantilly-Tiffany's claws, and how often?

Trim claws every three weeks per Pet Wiki's plan. Start with one or two claws per session, and ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does a Chantilly-Tiffany need?

This breed has moderate activity needs. Pet Wiki suggests daily play to keep your cat happy and healthy.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Chantilly-Tiffany's teeth and ears?

Pet Wiki recommends brushing teeth every two days, with daily brushing being ideal. For ears, ask your vet for a safe cleaning routine. Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Chantilly-Tiffany live?

This breed typically lives between 13 and 17 years, bringing you many years of companionship.1

Is a Chantilly-Tiffany good with children and other pets?

Yes, this breed is described as balanced, gentle yet lively, and forms strong bonds with its people. They can be good with children and other pets when properly introduced.1

Can a Chantilly-Tiffany be left alone?

This breed forms strong bonds with its owners and may not enjoy long periods alone. It's best to provide companionship or enrichment if you're away.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Zoetis Petcare - Chantilly-Tiffany zoetispetcare.comused for lifespan, temperament, activity
  2. Wikipedia - Chantilly-Tiffany en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, recognition, weight, coat, colours, fun facts
  3. Wikipedia - List of cat breeds en.wikipedia.orgused for extinct status
  4. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.