York Chocolate
Cat breed
York Chocolate cats are known to be true lap cats with a sweet temperament. They love to be cuddled and petted. Their curious nature makes them follow you all the time and participate in almost everything you do, even if it's related to water: unlike many other cats, York Chocolates love it.
More about the York Chocolate
The York Chocolate is a rare pedigreed breed of domestic cat originating in the United States. It has a long, fluffy coat and a tapered tail. The coat is predominantly or completely solid chocolate, or its dilute form, known as solid lilac. The breed was named after the US-state of New York, where it was established in 1983. This breed was created by selectively breeding domestic long-haired cats of non-pedigree ancestry. The breed is not widely recognised by the major cat registries, except for the WCF. As of 2026, the breed is either in critically low numbers, or extinct.
Living with a York Chocolate
A rare, chocolate-coated charmer who'd rather be in your lap, or your bathtub, than anywhere else.
Personality & fit
Sweet, social, and endlessly curious, the York Chocolate wants to be wherever you are, doing whatever you're doing. They're affectionate lap cats that do well with kids, other pets, and even dogs, making them a great fit for busy, people-filled households.
Exercise & energy
Energetic and playful, this breed needs daily interactive play to stay satisfied, think wand toys, puzzle feeders, and climbing space. Their curiosity means they'll happily entertain themselves too, especially if there's water involved.
Grooming & coat
That long, silky coat needs a brush two to three times a week to prevent mats and manage moderate shedding. Their fondness for water can actually make bath time easier than with most cats.
Training
Highly intelligent and eager to engage, York Chocolates pick up on routines, tricks, and even leash walking with patience and positive reinforcement. They're vocal and will happily tell you what they think along the way.
Health to watch
This is generally a hardy breed with few known genetic issues, but because it's so rare, long-term health data is limited. Regular vet checkups are still the best way to catch anything early.
Good to know
This is an extremely rare breed, possibly down to critically low numbers, so finding one may take patience and searching. If you do find one, expect a devoted, water-loving shadow who wants to be part of everything you do.
General guidance to help you get to know the breed, not veterinary advice. Always consult your vet for your own pet.
🏠 Adoptable near you
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Personality
At a glance
Traits at a glance
More filled dots = more of that trait (out of 5).
Breed traits from The Cat API · summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA). General guidance only, every individual pet is unique.