York Chocolate Cat vs Selkirk Rex - Breed Comparison

The York Chocolate cat is often referred to simply as the York. The cat was developed in New York in 1983 by breeder Janet Chiefari. The American breed of cat came about by selecting certain colors for breeding.

The breed isn’t recognized by cat registries, however, in March 1990, the Cat Fanciers’ Federation of the New England area recognized York Chocolates as an experimental cat breed.

By 2016 no registry carried its breed standard and it looks as though the cat is now extinct. Later is was also established that the International York Chocolate Federation was founded in 2003 but that the site seems to be archived.

The Selkirk Rex originated in the USA in 1987. A host of cats have been used to develop this cat breed – Persians, British Shorthairs, Himalayans, American Shorthairs, Exotic Shorthairs, and others.

There was a litter of kittens and the odd one out, one with an unusual coat – was placed with the breeder, Jeri Newman, who bred the cat with a black Persian.

Three Selkirk Rex kittens were born as well as three straight-haired kittens. The cat has been developed with either long- or short coats. The Selkirk Rex cat breed is recognized by various cat associations such as the International Cat Association, the American Cat Fanciers Association in the 1990s as well as the Cat Fanciers Association in 2000.

Today the breed is still under development and in the experimental stages. It is a medium to large cat, both robust, sturdy, and muscular.

He can weigh up to 7 or 8 kg. The head is medium-sized with a rounded muzzle and the ears fairly large, pointed and tufted and broad at the base.

The eyes are medium in size, almond-shaped, and slanted slightly. The color of the eyes is a striking gold, green, or hazel.

The legs are also medium to long in length and well-muscled with the hind legs being a bit longer than the forelegs. The coat is medium to long, smooth and glossy with no undercoat. Color of the coat is mainly a rich chocolate color or silver, black and white.

Temperament:

The York Chocolate is a loyal and friendly cat. He is independent and although he loves his human family, he is perfectly happy on his own as well. They make wonderful pets as they get on well with children and also with other pets in the home.

They’re even-tempered and adapt well to all kinds of lifestyles. What is notable about this cat is that even if you tend to ignore him, he wants to lavish you with his attention. He is a cat that just loves to spend time with his human family.

The Selkirk Rex is a medium- to large-sized cat that will weigh between 3 to 6kg. He is a well-built cat of which you get a short- and long coat variety. The coat is available in all colors. The coat has a soft, woolly look to it with some curls.

With the long-haired variety, the cat has a well-plumed tail. One drawback perhaps is that the cat is a fairly heavy shedder, and perhaps wouldn’t be a good choice for those with allergies.

Temperament:

This is a lively, playful, energetic cat with a friendly temperament. Cat experts will tell you that it is the Persian and British Shorthair ancestors that have given him his placid, lovable nature. He is, however, more active than those cat breeds and loves to play.

Tolerant and affectionate, the Selkirk isn't a lap cat. Because he has a sociable nature, he dislikes being left alone for long periods of time.

The Selkirk Rex fits in well with households where there are well-behaved children and other pets. He is such a loving cat and loves to be in the company of his human companions. He isn’t demanding and likes to talk to you in a quiet voice.

The York Chocolate is an ideal breed for families but he will get along well with single people too who are willing to make a fuss of him.

He is the kind of cat that makes himself at home indoors or outdoors. He has such an amicable nature and wants to be your friend. In return for this friendship, he needs to be given a whole lot of love and attention.

When you welcome a Selkirk Rex cat into your home, you’ll have a loving friend and companion.

They love to bask in the attention they get as they’re quite unusual with their wavy to curly coats. People are always wanting to touch it.

The Selkirk Rex cat is an active, playful cat and has a whole lot of love to offer you.

York Chocolates are generally considered to be healthy cats, but always schedule regular wellness visits with the vet if you suspect even the smallest illness.

The insides of the cat’s ears should be examined regularly for signs of dirt and wax build-up that can lead to an infection.

The trend these days is to brush your cat’s teeth. This can absolutely traumatize your cat. When you take your cat for a check-up he will in any case look inside your cat’s mouth to make sure there aren't any bad teeth.

As a cat owner, it is a good idea to recognize the signs and symptoms of common illnesses in your cat. Cancer

Cats can get different kinds of cancer – where cells grow uncontrollably and spread to all parts of the body.

When a cat doesn't produce insulin, his blood sugar levels elevate and this can result in hyperglycemia.

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It's a deadly disease that can be prevented by vaccination.

Spread by infected mosquitoes, heartworm causes lung disease in cats.

Vomiting is a common problem with cats with many different causes. The danger with vomiting is that it can lead to dehydration,

A cat’s upper respiratory tract is susceptible to infections caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria.

The Selkirk Rex cat, if looked after well and given excellent food can live to be 15, 16, or 17 years of age. Some of these cats can suffer from hair loss. Remember, that every cat will require vaccinations and de-worming.

Kidney Disease:

Chronic kidney failure usually develops over a number of months. Chronic kidney failure in cats is a progressive illness but if you get your cat to the vet it can be managed. The vet will want a sample of your cat's urine and possibly a blood test.

The coat of the York Chocolate is fairly short and it doesn't shed heavily. A weekly brush will suffice to help remove dirt and loose hairs as well as to maintain the coat’s sheen.

The nails need to be trimmed.

A high-quality diet high in protein and animal meat must be provided for your cat Cats are carnivores and are not plant eaters.

Your Selkirk Rex will need to have his fur brushed. You don’t want to brush him too hard every week as this can cause the curls to frizz. Rather use a spray bottle with some cat conditioner and lightly spray the curls and use your fingers to ‘comb’ his hair.

Provide your cat with well-balanced meals. Your Selkirk Rex is a carnivore and you have to ensure that his food is made up of meat. The best commercially manufactured cat foods know how to correctly balance your cat’s food so that it gets the perfect blend of vitamins and minerals. Always choose a good brand of cat food that will meet your cat's nutritional needs. If you’re unsure, you can always ask your vet for suggestions about good quality food that will help towards ensuring good health for your cat.

The cheaper, unknown brands may not have the best ingredients to keep your cat happy and healthy. Remember to read the labels as a growing kitten will require different food to a senior cat.

Provide your Selkirk Rex with a litter box, scratching post, and a climbing tree.

Your kitten will need to be vaccinated to protect him from some of the life-threatening diseases cats can get. Most of the vets these days recommend a combined vaccine, starting at about 8 weeks of age. These vaccines will protect your kitten from Feline Leukaemia Virus, Feline Parovirus, and cat flu.