Chinchilla – Persians and British with a unique color

Chickhilla cats are renowned for their gorgeous, glittering coats and kind, loving dispositions. These felines are descended from two well-known breeds: British Shorthair and Persian, which are both prized for their endearing personalities and distinctive looks.

These cats stand out from other breeds thanks to their distinctive chinchilla color, which gives them a shimmering, silvery, or golden hue. Strict breeding has produced this uncommon color pattern, which increases their appeal and renown among feline enthusiasts.

Chinchilla cats are unique, regardless of whether you prefer the fluffy Persian or the more robust British Shorthair breeds. Their refined appearance paired with their serene, endearing disposition makes them ideal housemates.

History of origin

Great Britain is where the Chinchilla breed first appeared. Sheena, the first Persian cat of an uncommon color, was born there. When the baby was noticed by breeders in 1882, breeding efforts got underway.

The cat that Sheena’s owner chose for her pet was a good color match. Two litters of silver kittens were born from these matings. They did not produce any children, at least not that we know of, despite being quite successfully exhibited. Chinchilla, the first cat to be registered formally, was the offspring of Betty and a smoky male cat.

Breeding went on. Owing to the small number of individuals of this variety, crosses between purebred British and the descendants of the first Chinchilla started. Tabby blood was added to correct the eyes’ vivid green hue. The kittens were initially dark and more like gray-blue British cats. Pearlescent was eventually achieved by breeders.

At first, having a color like this was thought to be exclusive to long-haired cats with noticeable Persian ancestry. British and some other cat breeds started to take this fur color into consideration by the 1970s.

Whether to classify the chinchilla as a distinct breed or as a subspecies of Persians is still up for debate among experts. Either way, this color was the first to be chosen specifically. Breeders fixed it, but they did so without any qualifications.

Breed description

There may be differences in standardization when it comes to the inclusion of cats of different breeds in the chinchilla category. All varieties are united by certain general indicators.

Standard

According to the CFA standard, chinchillas are medium-sized cats with thick, dense fur that gives them the appearance of being much larger. A cat typically weighs between 5 and 7 kg. A cat weighs 3 to 5 kg, which is somewhat less.

A chinchilla that is purebred needs to have the following traits:

• Body: compact with wide bones, straight back, short, powerful legs with round pads, thick tail, proportionate to the body.
• Head: rounded with a small chin, wide jaws, massive neck, wide, short nose with a snub nose;
• Eyes: widely spaced, large, bright, with a dark edging. Color green or gray-blue.
• Ears: small with rounded tips, low and wide set, tilted forward.
• Coat: thick, with a dense undercoat, tufts of hair are visible between the toes. Longhaired and shorthaired varieties of the breed are acceptable. The fur of these cats has a lighter shade at the roots and gradually darkens towards the tips.

There are recognized color variations of the following:

• golden;
• silver;
• silver shaded.

Breed flaws consist of:

• white spots (stars or medallions);
• tail kinks;
• extra toes, or lack thereof;
• strabismus;
• for the colorpoint variety, white toes and any eye color except blue are considered a defect.

Health

Chinchillas typically live between 12 and 15 years. Assuming the kitten is free of any inherited illnesses.

Chinchillas are resilient and in good health. However, this variety is characterized by several illnesses that they inherited from their British and Persian ancestors.

Chinchillas could suffer from:

• hypertrophic cardiomyopathy;
• retinal atrophy;
• polycystic kidney disease.

Take note! These cats’ weak point is their teeth. You should get in touch with a veterinarian as soon as you suspect dental caries!

With prompt vaccination, a cat can be shielded from the most serious acquired diseases.

A 6–8 week old kitten needs to be vaccinated against:

• rabies;
• distemper;
• calicivirus;
• rhinotracheitis.

Complex products containing pathogen strains from all of the aforementioned infections are used by veterinarians. The cat is vaccinated again at 12 months of age and then once a year after that.

Animals can effectively and well tolerate modern medications. Making contact with an accredited veterinary clinic is crucial.

Character

Magnificent royal chinchillas are acknowledged as the nobility of the feline kingdom. This is a universal trait shared by all cats of this hue. Persians and British chinchillas are two bright breed representatives that have somewhat different temperaments.

When compared to the native of foggy Albion, the Persian chinchilla is more lively and inquisitive.

The British one has a different color and a calm, loving personality, which sets it apart from its peers. They exude refinement and manners. They will gladly accept the owner’s gentle pats, but they won’t submit to being squeezed and mixed.

Take note! You must engage in chinchilla play. Pets who don’t get enough exercise suffer from poor health!

What all chinchillas have in common is:

• high level of intellectual development;
• lack of aggression;
• cleanliness;
• ability to quickly master the basics of training. It is quite easy to accustom such cats to the litter box and other rules of behavior in the apartment;
• intelligence.

Chinchillas are not hostile to small family members and are neutral toward children, but they won’t play rough or enjoyable games with them. It’s unlikely that the cat will become friends with other animals. This breed is extremely self-assured, intolerant of rivalry, and relentless in establishing its superiority.

Possible problems

Chinchillas are good for outgoing, upbeat individuals who have plenty of free time to dedicate to their companion.

This beauty requires a lot of hair, so anyone considering owning one should be aware that it may not be the best choice for someone with allergies.

Remember that it takes the animal at least 20 minutes a day to maintain its appearance.

Photos of chinchillas

Breed card

Cat characteristics		Notes
General information	Aristocratic cats with a specially bred color of wool. British, Persians and Siamese breeds participated in the selection	The breed is registered as a separate variety, but does not have a classification
Character	British chinchillas are calm and lazy. Persian – more active and inquisitive	Loves to be in the spotlight
Appearance	Dense, thick hair of pearl, silver or gold color, large green eyes, rounded head with cheeks and small ears
House behavior	Chinchillas will not tolerate gross games and perseverance from young children. There may be problems with joint living with other pets	A child under 6 years old is not recommended to leave for a long time alone with a cat
Care	The thick hair of chinchillas requires special care. It is necessary to comb your pet at least 2-3 times a week (or better yet, daily) and bathe it once every 1-2 months	Insufficient care will lead to the formation of tangles. Poor quality food can cause yellowing of the coat
Health problems	Genetic predisposition to heart disease and a tendency to tooth decay	British chinchillas do not tolerate anesthesia well

Care

Although they don’t require much upkeep, chichillas do require attention to keep their external beauty. particularly if you plan to shine at exhibitions with your favorite.

Wool

The cat’s fur is the biggest challenge in caring for a chinchilla. Taking care of it entails the following adjustments:

• combing the cat should be at least twice a week (preferably every day). Go through the fur with a comb with rare teeth, then with frequent ones, to remove fallen hairs. After this, comb the animal with a brush with hard bristles, first along the hairline, then against it;
• if tangles still form, they must be carefully cut out;
• do not forget to comb the areas between the toes. The chinchilla has a short tongue, so it is difficult to take care of its fur;
• You need to bathe the cat regularly, using a special shampoo. Make sure that the foam does not get into the eyes and ears. After washing, the animal must be dried with a hairdryer and wrapped in a warm towel.

A light-colored chinchilla is cleaned four to five days prior to the exhibition, and it is then dusted with talcum powder or another type of powder.

A dark-colored cat’s fur is "fluffed up" the day before the event and the cat is rinsed with cherry laurel water.

An appropriately chosen diet is crucial to the proper upkeep of a chinchilla.

Ears, eyes and claws

A chinchilla needs to be raised with hygiene practices starting in early life.

• The eyes of these cats are prone to tearing, so they should be wiped every day with a soft cloth soaked in warm boiled water or a weak infusion of chamomile;
• Inspect ears regularly, clean with a cotton pad once a week;
• claws should be trimmed once a month if the pet has a special "scratching post" from a pet store. If there is no such device, the procedure will have to be carried out once every two weeks.
• It is very important to teach the kitten to brush its teeth, this should be done 2-3 times a week, since chinchillas" teeth are prone to caries. Dry food helps get rid of the formation of stones and plaque.

Nutrition

Any cat’s owner can choose to feed their pet natural food or industrial food. Bear in mind that chinchillas are large, inactive, and prone to obesity if you choose to stop at the first option. The diet should be low in calories, well-balanced, and rich in vitamins and microelements, particularly calcium and biotin.

Avoid feeding your pet foods high in vitamin A as this will cause their white fur to turn yellow. For cats with long hair, premium and super-premium products work well.

Don’t ever give an animal grocery store food!

Suggested brands:

For a few days prior to the show, you can feed your kitten food high in proteins and fats to help rebuild the strength in its torso.

Take note! It is not advisable to switch food brands quickly because the chinchilla might experience an allergic reaction that causes it to itch in its ears!

If you choose to prepare meals for your pet on your own, you must add the following to the cat’s diet:

• boiled chicken without skin;
• beef;
• cottage cheese;
• rabbit meat;
• ground bones;
• eggs (no more than twice a week);
• offal;
• fermented milk products;
• boiled sea fish without bones and skin.

You are unable to provide your feline:

• river fish;
• sausage;
• milk;
• smoked meats;
• fatty and fried food from the table.

Food for chinchillas shouldn’t be tough because of their unique muzzle structure. After being stored in the freezer for approximately five days, meat and offal should be given to the cat cut up to prevent helminth infection.

It is preferable to avoid feeding adult animals prepared food in addition to their natural diet. For instance, it is worthwhile to stop at one item for the morning’s "dry food" and the evening’s homemade meal.

Walking the pet

A chinchilla doesn’t need to walk frequently, but it also won’t be unnecessary. If the cat is kept in a private residence, it may be allowed outside for a walk in the yard as long as no potentially harmful items are present.

An apartment cat in the city needs to be taken outside wearing a harness. Remember to wear a collar to protect yourself from parasites.

Persian and British chicks are distinguished by their gorgeous fur with a silver tip that gives them a shimmering, one-of-a-kind look. Their gentle disposition and expressive eyes, along with their uncommon color, make them extremely desirable to feline enthusiasts. While British Shorthairs are more energetic and lively, Persians are recognized for their opulent long coats and serene dispositions. These two breeds have different qualities. Still, they stand out as a very unique variety in the world of cats because they share the same chinchilla color.

How to choose a kitten

Consider all the advantages and disadvantages carefully before deciding to get a chinchilla kitten. After visiting a cat show and getting to know the breeders, if you are certain you can give the baby everything it needs, go ahead and adopt a new family member.

Purchase a kitten from a reputable nursery or from individuals who appreciate their reputation. I have to take you to the baby’s residence. This will enable you to examine the parents and evaluate the conditions of keeping.

The chinchilla’s coat color varies greatly; two parents with the same coat color will produce the desired silver or golden pet. When the little pet is three months old, it is advised to remove it from its mother. You can already assess its primary attributes at this age.

Pointers for a kitten in good health:

• activity, curiosity;
• cool nose;
• clean, bright eyes;
• no discharge from the nose and mouth;
• anus without signs of inflammation;
• strong, powerful limbs;
• short and dense body;
• tail without knots;
• fur thick, shiny.

Take note! Even after eating, a healthy kitten should have a soft stomach. A firmly packed belly indicates worms in the baby!

A chinchilla typically costs between $400 and $600, but champion parents may request a higher price for a kitten. A baby should never be purchased for less than the lower limit. It is possible to get a sick or defective person.

Verify that you possess the required paperwork, which includes a pedigree and a veterinary passport bearing vaccination marks.

Breeding

There are certain challenges associated with breeding chinchillas in Russia. There aren’t many specialist nurseries because of the challenges of maintaining the coat’s color and care.

Although they can breed, British silver or golden cats have a difficult time selecting a mate for their pet.

Prepare your cat or cats for mating if a partner is found. Verify with a veterinarian to ensure the wellbeing of both animals. Perform a deworming process. By taking these steps, the likelihood of sick or unusual offspring will be reduced.

Chinchilla Persian	Chinchilla British
Long, fluffy coat	Short, dense coat
Green or blue-green eyes	Emerald green eyes
Soft silver-tipped fur	Distinct silver-shaded coat
Calm and affectionate	Playful but calm
Needs regular grooming	Low grooming needs
Sweet, quiet nature	Loyal and easy-going

Chinchilla cats are distinguished not only by their exquisite and unique color but also by their kind, loving disposition. Persian and British cats are well-known for their serene personalities, which makes them an excellent option for households or single people looking for a calm and affectionate friend.

They have an opulent appearance that is frequently compared to the sheen of precious metals because of their distinctive silver or golden-tipped fur. They stand out from other cats thanks to this characteristic, which makes them a well-liked option for cat lovers.

For those who enjoy spending time with their pets, the effort of regularly grooming them is well worth it, even though they need it to maintain their gorgeous coats. Chicks are a valued addition to any home because of their unique blend of grace, beauty, and affectionate nature.

Video on the topic

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Chinchilla cat – breed description

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