Chinchilla Cat Breed Information

Group

Long Haired

Weight

4-5.5 kg

Length

20-30 cm

Lifespan

12-14 years

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About the Chinchilla Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Chinchilla cats are instantly recognisable for their beautiful, dense fur, and they achieved worldwide fame for being the classic James Bond villain cat that has been parodied countless times.

This post will give you all the information you need to know about the chinchilla cat breed, whether you already own one or are thinking about getting one.

What Is the History & Origin of the Chinchilla Cat?

The chinchilla cat can be traced back to 1882 when they were bred from a silver Persian named Chinnie. Chinnie descended from a blue Persian and an unknown stray.

Initial Chinchilla cat breed standards were set by the Chinchilla, Silver and Smoke Cat Society that was started at the time. Since the 1920s, the breed has remained relatively similar.

They take their name from the soft and cuddly South American rodent that is famous for its beautiful, dense fur.

What Is a Chinchilla Cat Breed?

Chinchilla cats are long-haired cats that are descended from Persian Cats and are known for their striking, beautiful look. There is still some dispute with some classing Chinchilla cats as a subset of the Persian breed, with others considering them a breed of their own.

They are known for having softer features than traditional Persians and have round heads with adorably small ears.

Who Is a Chinchilla Cat Best For?

Chinchilla cats are quiet, gentle cats that form close bonds with their owners. They aren’t particularly keen on young children, so they may be better for families with older children or just adults.

Despite their villainous associations, they are known to be good-natured and get on well with other animals like cats and dogs, making them the ideal pet for animal lovers.

What Does a Chinchilla Cat Look Like?

Chinchilla cats are best known for their beautiful appearance and tend to have either blue or green eyes. They have large shoulders, chest, and rump with short but sturdy legs and large paws.

The pads on Chinchilla cat paws are black, and their tail is relatively short but well proportioned to the body. Their eyes, lips and noses have a black or dark blue outline depending on the colour of the coat.

Coat

Chinchilla cats have a luxuriously long coat with a pure white undercoat that is tipped in black or blue. It’s this plush, fluffy coat that makes them so distinctive.

Colour

Depending on how the fur is tipped, chinchilla cats can be silver or gold in colour. Either way, they are prized for their beauty.

Patterns

Chinchilla’s hair is ticked, meaning it has two or more colours on it. Impressively, the Chinchilla cat coat is regarded as one of the rarest coat colours and patterns for a cat to have.

Chinchilla Cat Grooming & Shedding

Compared to the aloof cat stereotype, the Chinchilla cat is pretty easy-going. This is particularly lucky since you should be aware that the grooming necessary for a cat like this is quite intensive.

The Chinchilla’s coat requires daily brushing and getting a routine that suits you and your cat is essential. Grooming should start with Chinchilla kittens, allowing you to grow familiar with the coat’s texture and letting the new kitten get used to the routine.

Daily grooming is an excellent opportunity to give your cat a once over and check for any potential problems with their coat or overall health. Using a comb that can easily get through the hair is important, and Teflon covered combs can be ideal. You should also ensure the comb is not too sharp, which could harm that cat’s skin.

Daily combing should help to minimise the risk of knots. You can use a small amount of baby powder once a week, which will act as a dry shampoo and help to ensure your cat stays nice and fluffy with separated hair.

The cat should be brushed all over, but if you find a particularly difficult clump of hair, you might want to carefully remove it with scissors or speak with a professional cat groomer.

During cat grooming, you should also take the time to wipe the cats’ eyes to avoid staining.

How Do Chinchilla Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

As mentioned, the Chinchilla cat is an easy-going cat that is great for owners that want a pet that is happy to relax around the house. Because of this, they are more suited to quiet households. If you’ve got younger children, for example, it might not be the right cat breed for you.

They are affectionate cats that forge close bonds with their owners and they shouldn’t be left alone for too long as they can get lonely.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of Chinchilla Cats?

Chinchilla cats are low energy breeds and are happy to relax in your home. They do enjoy going outside but are more suited to the indoors, so cat-proofing your garden to prevent them from wandering too far can help.

Their luxuriant fur can get quite dirty if they go outside though, and because it’s so dense, any fleas or ticks that find their way in can be challenging to treat.

Are Chinchilla Cats Vocal?

Cats tend to have their own unique personalities, as any cat owner will be more than happy to tell you! Because of this, you might find that your cat is quite vocal in terms of letting you know when they want to go outside or when it’s time for them to be fed.

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of a Chinchilla Cat?

Knowing the size your cat will grow to might not be as important as knowing a dog’s breed size, but it is still important information that will help you decide which breed is best for you.

Weight

The average weight for a chinchilla cat is between 4-5.5 kg.

Height

The average height for a chinchilla cat is between 20-30 cm.

Size

Though they are reasonably compact cats, they are slightly above the average size of a domestic cat. When you add the thick fur, they can look even bigger.

Are Chinchilla Cats Easy to Train?

If you had hopes of training your cat to do tricks, you might struggle as all cats are very independent. You will still be able to train them in terms of behaviours though. Toilet training your cat and stopping them scratching can often be a case of perseverance.

Well placed litter trays and scratch posts will help your cat develop the right habits. Cats tend to scratch after sleeping, so if your cat has a preferred spot they sleep in often, placing a scratch post nearby can help to save furniture and curtains.

Does the Chinchilla Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

Ensuring your cat stays healthy is one of the main reasons daily grooming occurs. Grooming helps to keep your cat clean and lets you notice any issues.

Clipping nails and cleaning the cats’ eyes while grooming will also help the cat stay on top of its hygiene.

Generally speaking, the Chinchilla cat is quite healthy and doesn’t suffer from hereditary illnesses. They have a delicate digestive system when they are young, so you should speak to the breeder and your vet regarding their diet.

Despite being relatively healthy breeds, there are some conditions that are more common, including:

PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) – PKD can cause cysts in the kidneys, and symptoms include excessive drinking, vomiting, regularly urinating, a poor appetite, and lethargy.
Furballs – Furballs can be common in the Chinchilla cat breed because of their thick fur. It is not usually an issue but can cause blockages. Giving your cat a good diet will help to minimise any risk posed by furballs.
Blocked tear ducts – Wiping your cats’ eyes when grooming will help avoid this. Blocked tear ducts can result in watery eyes that stain the fur below the eye.
Ringworm – Ringworm is a fungal skin condition that is more common among long-haired cats. A good grooming routine will help to minimise the risk of this.

What Is the Lifespan of a Chinchilla Cat?

The average lifespan of a chinchilla cat is between 12 and 14 years. Ensuring your cat is well-groomed, has a healthy diet, and gets regular vet check-ups can help to ensure a longer, healthier life for your cat.

How Much Does a Chinchilla Cat Need to Be Fed?

Your cat’s diet will have a huge impact on its coat, behaviour, and overall health. Speaking with the breeder to find the best food is advisable, as is communicating with your vet who will be able to let you know what your cat should be eating, how often, and how much.

Roughly half the calories consumed in your cats’ diet should be protein-rich dietary sources, one-third should be fat, and one-eighth carbs.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a Chinchilla Cat in Australia?

You should be able to find Chinchilla kittens from around $600 to $900, depending on the breeder and bloodline. It is essential that you find a reputable breeder to ensure the health and safety of the kittens.