Chantilly-Tiffany vs York Chocolate

Verdict

These two are close. Both are very rare North American breeds with a semi-long, silky coat, neither is recognised by the CFA, and neither has an active breeder to point to. The one thing that decides it is the history you want to read about. The Chantilly-Tiffany is medium, rates 2 for grooming, and no breeding programme is known to remain. The York Chocolate comes from Grafton, New York, rates 3 for grooming, and has no known active breeder. Treat both as breed history rather than a buying choice.

Choose the Chantilly-Tiffany if

• You are curious about the history of North American cat breeds.
• You like a silky coat with no undercoat and light grooming needs.
• You want a cat of about 5.5 to 11 lb.
• You will ask for registry papers and be cautious if a seller offers a kitten.

Choose the York Chocolate if

• You are interested in the history of American rare breeds.
• You like a semi-long, glossy coat with a non-woolly undercoat.
• You accept a bit more grooming, rated 3 against 2.
• You understand that cats are unlikely to be available.

Where they are alike

Both cats are friendly, with affection at 4, children at 4 and other pets at 4. Each has a calm, quiet nature, with voice at 2, and neither has a known health watch-list.