Chinchilla

The Chinchilla breed, also known as the Silver Persian, is a member of the Persian breed, though some argue it is a distinct breed in its own right. It was first seen in Mrs. Vallence's cattery in England around 140 years ago, making it one of the oldest man-made breeds. The Chinchilla cat gets its name from its fur, which is similar to that of the South American rodent.

Chinchilla

Length:

14 - 18 in

Chinchilla

Weight:

7 - 12 lb

Chinchilla

Origin:

Mesopotamia (Persia)

Chinchilla

Life Expectancy:

10-15 years

Breed History

It's impossible to discuss the history of the Chinchilla breed without mentioning the history of the Persian. These cats evolved in Mesopotamia, the birthplace of civilization. After Mesopotamia, the region was known as Persia, and it is now known as Iran. As a result, the Persian is an ancient breed. They were unknown in Europe until the middle of the 17th century when they were introduced to Italy by an Italian nobleman named Pietro Della Valle. It took nearly two centuries for Persians to cross the Atlantic and enter the United States. They were first introduced to American cat enthusiasts in the late 1800s. Its endearing appearance helped it become quite popular. It supplanted the Maine Coon as the preferred longhaired breed among American pet owners.

Cat Breed Characteristics

Energy Level
Amount of Shedding
Social Needs
Affection Level
Playfulness
Kid Friendly
Pet Friendly
General Health

One of the first things you'll notice about the Chinchilla breed is its fantastic qualities. They have an amazing coat in a one-of-a-kind color. The following are the breed's most important characteristics.

Coat

The Chinchilla has a long, thick, and shiny fine-textured double coat. They have a ruffled neck, long tufts on the ears and toes, and a deep frill between the front legs.

Coat color

They have a silvery coat with a distinctive sparkle from the black or silver tips on their luxurious white hair. The kittens are born almost entirely black with heavy tabby markings that fade as they grow, revealing the pure white coat color.

Size

Chinchilla is classified as a medium-sized breed. These cats should weigh 7 to 16 pounds and measure 14 to 18 inches without the tail. Because of their thick coats, they often appear larger than they actually are.

Chinchilla

Temperament

Chinchillas are peaceful and quiet cats. They have pretty musical voices and the ability to adapt to any new environment. They are affectionate and enjoy being the center of attention. They are better suited to mature families without children because they can become quite attached to their owners and require a lot of grooming.

Health

Whatever type of cat you have at home, they may be prone to health problems. Because the Chinchilla has a flatter face, it is more prone to respiratory problems. Some of the most common health issues observed by cat owners and veterinarians are as follows:

  • Excessive tearing
  • Cherry eye
  • Entropion
  • Polycystic kidney disease
  • Seborrhea oleosa
  • Prone to ringworms
  • Constricted nostrils
  • Dental malocclusions

World Cat Finder Team

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Updated at14.03.2022.

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