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Burmilla vs Chantilly-Tiffany
The Burmilla is a living, recognised, rare breed; the Chantilly-Tiffany is a very rare North American breed with no known breeding programme.
Verdict
Both are affectionate, quiet, easy-care cats that score 4 for children and other pets. The one thing that decides it is whether you can get one. The Burmilla is rare but real, recognised as a championship breed by the CFA since 2014, with a shaded or tipped short coat. The Chantilly-Tiffany is very rare, not recognised by the CFA, and no breeding programme is known to remain. Choose the Burmilla if you want a kitten, and read about the Chantilly-Tiffany as a piece of breed history.
Choose the Burmilla if
- You want a cat you can find from a breeder, even if you must wait.
- You want a short, fine coat that is shaded or tipped over a silver or golden undercoat.
- You want a more playful cat, with play at 4 against 3.
- You want a breed recognised by the CFA.
Choose the Chantilly-Tiffany if
- You are curious about the history of North American cat breeds and not buying a kitten.
- You like a semi-long, silky coat with no undercoat.
- You want a medium cat of about 5.5 to 11 lb.
- You will ask for registry papers and be cautious if a seller offers a kitten.
Where they are alike
Both cats rate 4 for affection, 2 for voice, 2 for grooming and 2 for shedding. Each is a calm, adaptable indoor companion that suits a small home, with apartment living at 4.
Side by side
| Burmilla | Chantilly-Tiffany | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Longhair and semi-longhair |
| Origin | United Kingdom | North America |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 7-13 lb (3-6 kg) | 5.5-11 lb (2.5-5 kg) |
| Coat length | Short | Medium |
| Coat | Short, fine coat that is shaded or tipped with colour over a silver or golden undercoat; a semi-long version exists | Semi-long, silky, soft coat with no undercoat |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 2014 | Not recognised by the CFA |
| How common | Rare | Very rare |
| Affection | 4 | 4 |
| Energy | 3 | 3 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 3 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 2 |
| Shedding | 2 | 2 |
| Good with children | 4 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 3 | 3 |
| Trainability | 4 | 3 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The fine, short coat sheds lightly, but people who react to cats may still react to a Burmilla. | — |
| Suits | A household that wants an affectionate, playful cat with a striking coat and moderate grooming needs. | A reader curious about the history of North American cat breeds, rather than a buyer. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants a cat that is easy to find, or a very quiet, sedentary pet. | Anyone hoping to find a kitten, because no breeding programme is known to remain. |
| Registries that recognise it |
| — |
Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026