York Chocolate Cat
New York's native son — a rich, chocolate-brown, longhaired farm cat that became one of America's few naturally developed breeds. That deep, warm brown coat (or lavender/lilac variant). Complete guide: began with a single litter of brown kittens on a New York farm in 1983. Very rare — one of the least numerous registered breeds.
📋 Breed Overview
📖 About the York Chocolate
The York Chocolate began in 1983 when Janet Chiefari noticed her black-and-white farm cat had produced rich chocolate-brown kittens on her upstate New York farm. She selectively bred for this warm brown color and semi-longhaired coat. Recognized by the Canadian Cat Association in 1995. Remains very rare — primarily found in northeastern US and Canada. Two colors: solid chocolate brown (original) and lavender/lilac (diluted). Golden or green eyes. Very healthy — natural farm-cat genetics with good diversity. No known breed-specific diseases. Moderate grooming: semi-long coat needs brushing 2-3× weekly.