Asian Longhair Cat Breed

Registration: GCCF, TICA, CFA, FIFe
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Hypoallergenic: No
Size: Medium
Coat: Long
Colours: Various, Shaded or Tipped topcoat with a basecoat of either pure silver-white or non-silver (known as Standard), which is beige or ivory
Temperament: Friendly, affectionate, devoted, curious, playful, outgoing, gentle

History

The Tiffanie breed first appeared in the mid 1980s in England as the result of the mating of a Burmese and a Persian Chinchilla cat. The litter of kittens contained both long-haired and short-haired individuals. The short-haired type became known as the Burmilla, whereas the long-haired variety became the Tiffanie. Further breeding between Burmilla's and other long-haired breeds refined the breed to the Tiffanie we know and love today.

Initially, Tiffanie cats were not seen as a separate breed; they were simply sold as Burmilla's. But, thanks to the dedication of a few passionate breeders, the breed began to gain traction in the early 1990s.

In 1991, the Tiffanie breed was recognised by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF). They didn’t receive full championship status until 2003. These cats, sometimes referred to as the long-haired Burmilla, remain relatively rare around the world, with some breeders preferring to keep them more closely related to the Burmilla to keep the gene pool healthy.

Appearance

The Tiffanie is a medium-sized breed, with males weighing 5.4-6.3kg (females slightly less). They are very elegant looking felines with a wedge-shaped head and a blunt muzzle. Their ears are set well apart on the head, medium to large in size, with slightly rounded tips. Their large, oval eyes are perhaps one of the most striking features of this breed, giving them a unique expression that’s only seen in Asian and Burmese breeds. The eyes are usually gold, but they can be any colour from yellow through to green. These cats also have a distinct mascara-like outline around their eyes, thanks to their Chinchilla heritage.

The Tiffanie is slender but muscular. So, they weigh more than you would expect at first glance. Their back legs are slightly longer than the front, with neat, oval-shaped paws. The tail is medium to long and fans out into an impressive plume.

When it comes to the coat, Tiffanies have a medium to long silky, fine coat that tends to be shorter around the shoulders. It should lie flat against the body with a glossy sheen. These cats often have frills of fur along the lower edges of the body and a distinct ruff of fur around the neck.

These cats come in a wide range of patterns and colours, including

Tabby (spotted, mackerel, ticked, or classic)
Smoke
Black
Blue
Chocolate
Cinnamon
Fawn
Silver
Apricot
Caramel
Black tortie
Lilac
Red
Cream

Personality

The Tiffanie is highly social. They love nothing more than to be around their owners, lapping up all the attention they can get! While they do display some of the more outgoing characteristics of the Burmese, they also have a gentle, laid-back temperament. They are generally not very vocal, but they might entertain you with soft chirps as they follow you from room to room looking for affection.

These cats love to play, so make sure you have a good variety of toys to entertain them with. It’s also advisable to get one or two cat trees. These cats can have a mischievous streak, especially as kittens. They particularly like to ‘steal’ items from around the home, which just adds to their delightful, curious natures.

These cats are best suited to homes where someone is around for most of the day because they are prone to developing separation anxiety. Many people also claim that the Tiffanie is highly receptive to its owners' moods, often trying to console you if you’re feeling a bit blue. They enjoy an active life; however, they are better around older children who will treat them with respect. These are proper lap cats that will shower you with affection! You will generally find them waiting patiently by the door for you to get home.

Trainability

Tiffanie cats are very intelligent, curious, and incredibly human-orientated. So, they generally take very well to positive reinforcement training. Offer regular training sessions and a variety of fun games to keep their minds and bodies active. Because of their laid-back natures, these cats are prone to weight gain. Therefore, keeping them active and engaged is important for overall health.

When introducing new activities, remember to start slow and simple so your cat understands the process. Then you can build up to more complicated puzzles and tricks. Tiffanie cats particularly seem to enjoy playing games like fetch.

Never use any sort of negative reinforcement because this is likely to cause confusion and frustration. Positive rewards such as a tasty treat or a bit of fuss are always the best options.

Coat & Care

The Tiffanie breed is a unique member of the Asian group because of its medium-long coat of fine, silky hair. This is particularly thick around the neck and on the tail so it’s a good idea to get into a regular grooming routine to prevent mats and tangles. Introduce grooming to your cat from a young age to ensure they get used to it and find it a more enjoyable bonding experience rather than something stressful. The good news is that these cats tend to enjoy the experience, especially if it's with their favourite human! These cats don’t shed heavily however, you might want to brush them more often in the Spring and Autumn months (shedding seasons).

You should aim to brush your cats' teeth daily if possible. However, 2-3 times a week is sufficient enough to prevent excessive tartar build up. Use a vet approved toothpaste specifically designed for cats and an appropriate toothbrush. Many owners find that finger brushes make the job much easier. And always remember to offer rewards for good behaviour, such as treats or a bit of fuss.

Trim your cats' nails once a month or so to keep them in good condition. Overgrown nails can be painful and uncomfortable for your kitty. If you’re unsure how to do this, then you can get advice from your vet or a local groomer. Their ears will also need to be checked and cleaned once a week to prevent the development of any ear infections. Common symptoms to look out for include redness, swelling, excessive wax, unusual discharge, a foul odour, or behavioural changes such as head tilting or shaking. Remember to get your cat to a vet as soon as possible if you notice any of these warning signs because ear infections can be difficult to treat if they have been left to fester.

Health

The Tiffanie is a relatively health, long-lived breed. However, they remain fairly rare. So, do your research on local breeders and feel free to ask as many questions as you need to. A good breeder will be happy to answer any queries and will perform DNA tests on your new kitten to check for any underlying health issues. It’s important to note that inherited disorders in this breed are not yet well known because of their rarity. So, if you are in any doubt, it’s always best to seek advice from your vet. In general, pedigree breeds with a smaller gene pool are more likely to suffer from hereditary conditions.

That said, here are some of the health conditions that have been known to affect the Tiffanie breed:

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) – An inherited condition that causes cysts to form in the kidneys. This affects kidney function and can lead to kidney failure in serious cases. Symptoms include lethargy, excessive thirst, vomiting, poor coat condition, and weight loss.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy – This is the most common feline heart disease. It causes the heart walls to thicken, leading to reduced blood flow. Cats with this disease typically don’t show many symptoms but in the later stages it can cause breathing difficulties and lethargy.

Children & Other Pets

Tiffanie cats are very social, so they tend to get on well with children. However, they are a better fit for older children because they may not tolerate rough handling from young children. They are best suited to quieter homes where someone is around for most of the day. They are generally indoor cats but do appreciate a wander around an enclosed garden or catio. Because of their high energy levels, it’s important to ensure that you can give these cats all the physical and mental stimulation they need.

When it comes to other animals, Tiffanie cats do enjoy having a companion around, whether it's another cat or a cat-friendly dog. However, it’s best to introduce them when they are young because these cats can get jealous of other animals, especially if they are receiving more attention!

In the right environment, these cats will thrive. They quickly become very devoted to their owners, so you are guaranteed to have years of laughter and affection from your Tiffanie companion.