The York Chocolate, an elegant and affectionate cat with a unique coat.
The York Chocolate, a Sweet Treat
The York Chocolate is a relatively new cat breed, originating from the United States, famous for its chocolate brown or lavender-colored coat, often with lighter shadings. Its coat is medium-long, soft, and silky, and its silhouette is elegant and muscular. It is the result of natural selection of farm cats and was not created by deliberate crossbreeding with other cat breeds.
This feline is appreciated for its gentle, affectionate, intelligent, and playful temperament. It is very sociable and loves human companionship, adapting well to family life and proving to be very devoted.
Our Feline Specialist's Advice
By the CatName.com team, published on October 15, 2025.
My personal tip : The York Chocolate's medium-long coat is relatively easy to maintain; brushing two to three times a week is sufficient to prevent tangles and maintain its shine. This is an intelligent and active cat that needs a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Offer interactive toys, cat trees for climbing, and regular play sessions. The York Chocolate is very social and does not tolerate loneliness well; make sure it receives plenty of attention and affection. It is also known to be vocal and may enjoy 'talking' with its owners.
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Identifying the York Chocolate: Characteristics of its Brown Coat
The chocolate brown coat of the York Chocolate is its hallmark, soft and lustrous.
The York Chocolate is a medium to large-sized cat, with an elegant, well-muscled, and proportionate body.
Size: Medium to large-sized cat, with an elegant and muscular body.
Coat: Medium-long, fine, soft, and silky, with a moderate undercoat. Accepted colors are solid chocolate brown, lavender (diluted chocolate), or a combination of both (bi-color, tri-color). Tabby patterns may also be present.
Head: Modified wedge shape, with a slightly rounded skull and a soft muzzle.
Eyes: Large, almond-shaped, expressive. Eye color is usually green or gold.
Ears: Large, broad at the base, slightly pointed, and well-spaced.
Tail: Long, well-plumed, carried elegantly.
Dimensions and Key Information (York Chocolate)
Characteristic
Male
Female
Average
Size (at shoulder)
25 – 35 cm
20 – 30 cm
20 – 35 cm
Weight
4 – 8 kg
3 – 6 kg
3 – 8 kg
Life Expectancy
13 – 16 years
13 – 16 years
13 – 16 years
Diet
Strict carnivore
Strict carnivore
High-quality kibble and wet food
Litter Size (kittens)
-
Variable
Generally 3-5
These figures indicate that the York Chocolate is a medium to large-sized cat, and its growth is completed around 1 year of age.
Behavior: Affectionate, Playful, and Curious
The York Chocolate is a cat breed known for its magnificent long, silky chocolate (or lavender) colored coat, and its incredibly affectionate and playful temperament. Originating from New York State, it is an intelligent and curious cat that deeply bonds with its family, constantly seeking company and interaction. Its elegant appearance is associated with a warm and engaging personality.
Deeply attached to their owners, York Chocolates are devoted companions who love to follow their humans everywhere in the house, actively participating in family life. They are known for their gentle nature and patience, making them excellent pets for families with children and other animals. They enjoy interactive games and toys that stimulate their minds, retaining a kitten-like spirit throughout their lives. Their brown coat is reminiscent of the Havana Brown, although the York Chocolate is long-haired.
The York Chocolate is a relatively vocal cat, using a variety of soft meows to communicate its needs and express its affection. Its grooming requires regular brushing to maintain the beauty of its coat. If you are drawn to a long-haired, elegant, affectionate, and interactive cat, the York Chocolate is an excellent choice. For gentle and sociable temperaments, the Burmese and the Tonkinese are other charming breeds. For elegant and playful long-haired cats, the Turkish Angora is an excellent alternative. Finally, the Oriental offers remarkable intelligence and communicativeness in a more svelte form.
Origin and History
The history of the York Chocolate began in 1983 on a farm in New York State, USA. Janet Chiefari, the founding breeder, discovered kittens with an unusual chocolate brown coat in a litter of farm cats. She decided to selectively breed these cats to create a new breed with this distinctive color.
The name 'York Chocolate' refers to New York State and the chocolate color of its coat. The breed was officially recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) in 1990 and by TICA. Although still a relatively rare breed, the York Chocolate is appreciated for its unique appearance and its sweet and loving temperament.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the York Chocolate
What is unique about the York Chocolate's coat?
The York Chocolate is famous for its medium-long, soft, and silky coat, which is solid chocolate brown, lavender, or a combination of both. Tabby patterns may also be present.
What is the temperament of the York Chocolate?
It is a gentle, affectionate, intelligent, playful, and very sociable cat. It loves human companionship, is devoted to its family, and gets along well with children and other pets.
Is the York Chocolate easy to groom?
Yes, its medium-long coat does not tangle easily, and brushing two to three times a week is sufficient to keep it in good condition.
Is the York Chocolate vocal?
Yes, the York Chocolate is often described as a chatty cat, using soft meows to communicate with its owners and express its needs or affection.
Is the York Chocolate an ancient breed?
No, the York Chocolate is a relatively new breed, discovered in the 1980s and officially recognized in the 1990s. It originated from farm cats with a natural color mutation.
