Felis catus
York Chocolate
Featured photoyork-chocolate.jpgThe York Chocolate is a semi-long-haired chocolate-coated breed developed by Janet Chiefari of Yorkshire, New York beginning in 1983. The breed was founded on a chocolate longhair kitten produced from two random-bred farm cats and developed through selective breeding for the chocolate colour. The American Cat Fanciers' Association (ACFA) recognized the breed in 1990 and the World Cat Federation in 2002. CFA, TICA, and GCCF have not published York Chocolate standards. The breed remains rare.
Quick facts
- Origin country
- United States (Yorkshire, New York)
- Origin period
- Founded by Janet Chiefari in Yorkshire, New York, 1983; ACFA recognition 1990
- Coat type
- Long
- Coat colors
- Solid Chocolate, Solid Lavender (lilac), Chocolate and White, Lavender and White
- Size category
- Medium
- Average lifespan
- 13-15 years
- Recognition
- —
Origin
In 1983 Janet Chiefari of Yorkshire, New York acquired a chocolate longhair female kitten produced unexpectedly from two random-bred farm cats. The chocolate kitten became the foundation for a deliberate breeding programme aimed at a consistent chocolate-coated semi-longhaired breed. Chiefari named the breed York Chocolate after Yorkshire (the New York town where she lived) and the foundation kitten's coat colour.
Recognition
The American Cat Fanciers' Association (ACFA) recognized the York Chocolate in 1990. The World Cat Federation recognized the breed in 2002. CFA, TICA, GCCF, and FIFe have not published York Chocolate standards. The breed remains rare with limited worldwide distribution and is shown primarily through ACFA and WCF affiliates in North America.
Standard
The ACFA standard describes a medium-sized, well-muscled cat with a moderately long body and a moderately rounded head. The defining characteristic is the coat: medium-long, fine, and silky in solid chocolate or lavender (lilac) colour, with optional white markings. The breed is recognized in four colour classes: solid chocolate, solid lavender, chocolate and white, and lavender and white. Pointed and tabby patterns are not accepted. The eyes are golden to green.
Sources & further reading (3)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-04-30
- registry-standard — accessed 2026-04-30
- registry-standard — accessed 2026-04-30
Frequently asked questions
Where does the York Chocolate come from?
The York Chocolate was developed by Janet Chiefari of Yorkshire, New York beginning in 1983. The breed was founded on a chocolate longhair female kitten produced unexpectedly from two random-bred farm cats. The breed name combines the New York town of Yorkshire and the foundation cat's chocolate coat colour.
When was the York Chocolate recognized?
The American Cat Fanciers' Association (ACFA) recognized the York Chocolate in 1990. The World Cat Federation recognized the breed in 2002. CFA, TICA, GCCF, and FIFe have not published York Chocolate standards.
What colours are recognized for the York Chocolate?
The ACFA recognizes four colour classes: solid chocolate, solid lavender (lilac), chocolate and white, and lavender and white. Pointed and tabby patterns are not accepted. The breed is by definition a chocolate or lavender (dilute chocolate) breed; other colours are not accepted.
