Chinchilla Cat: Info, Pictures, Care & Traits

A Chinchilla cat is not a separate cat breed or an unlikely mix. Instead, this term refers to a specific coat type of the Persian cat.

Persians are known for their long, luxurious fur, which Chinchilla cats also have. Their fluffy coat is short and dense, like a Chinchilla’s, so this term does make some sense. However, what really sets this breed apart is its silvery-white coat with very subtle tipping.

Breed Overview

Chinchilla cats almost exclusively have emerald eyes. Their eyes are also pretty round and green, making them stand out.

While these cats tend to be pretty healthy, they are prone to some health issues. Their shortened snouts make them brachycephalic, which means that they have some trouble breathing. That’s one reason they tend to be less hyperactive. They become out of breath faster than other cats. Some have more extreme versions of this condition than others.

These felines also require grooming to keep their fluffy, poofy coat unmatted. Otherwise, they can be prone to mats and sores.

Chinchilla Cat Characteristics

Chinchilla Kittens

Chinchilla kittens are bundles of fluffy fur. They’re exceptionally cute and love to play, even though they tend to calm down rather quickly. They do have luxurious fur at this age, but it tends to be shorter. It takes a few months to grow out, though it’s still important to start grooming right away. Getting your cat used to grooming sessions now will make your life much easier later.

Finding one of these cats can be a bit of a challenge. They are a very particular color of a more common breed, so you may have to wait around for a kitten if you’re set on this color in particular. You won’t find these cats hanging about your average shelter, so working with a breeder is a must. You’ll probably have to find one that specializes in this coloration particularly.

Of course, be sure you also prioritize ethical breeding practices—not just the appearance of a kitten. Health testing and socialization are important.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Chinchilla Cat

Chinchilla cats tend to be pretty calm and quiet. They have quiet meows and don’t tend to do it often. They’re much less boisterous than other breeds, making them better suited for seniors and those who have a more peaceful household.

While these cats are pretty laidback cats, they’re still cats. They tend to be pretty clever, for instance. They’re capable of learning tricks if you can motivate them enough. However, the issue is that motivating them is often a challenge, as they are very laid back. It takes a lot to make them engage.

These cats often work best in pretty peaceful homes. They can be prone to stress and anxiety if things are too loud and active. After all, they thrive on routine and predictability. Homes with toddlers and regular schedule changes probably won’t be the best homes for these felines.

Despite being very laid back, they are not aloof. They’re fairly people-oriented, bonding deeply with their families. They don’t tend to be very friendly with strangers, though. They prefer those that they know, and they may hide when strangers come into the home.

Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪

These cats can be good for the right family. Homes with older children are best, as they can be easily overwhelmed by the antics of a toddler. They are very cuddly and prefer more laidback playtimes, so they’re best for those who want a lap cat. Don’t expect them to be very active. Of course, this also makes them good for small homes, as they don’t need tons of space.

These cats also aren’t noisy, which is always a plus. They don’t usually do well in homes that tend to be loud or frantic. They’re more sensitive to loudness than other breeds. Consider the ages of your children and any other pets you may have. A loud, yappy dog may not be a good companion for this feline.

Of course, you also have to consider their grooming needs. These cats do need quite a bit of grooming, which does take time out of your daily schedule.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

If the other pets are calm and introduced properly, Chinchilla cats tend to get along with them just fine. Gentle, well-socialized dogs are best, especially if they share a similar temperament to Chinchilla cats. Older, calmer cats are also a good choice. Other Persians can make great companions for these felines, but you may want to avoid more active cats.

Some small pets, like rabbits, may also be suitable. Of course, you’ll have to always supervise these two animals together, but Chinchillas do tend to have a lower prey drive than other cats.

Any type of loud, boisterous animal can upset a Chinchilla cat. These felines were just not made for that level of excitement. They can easily become stressed by loud, yappy dogs, for instance. Large dogs and playful cats can quickly become too much for Chinchilla cats to handle.

Things to Know When Owning a Chinchilla Cat

Food & Diet Requirements 🐡

Chinchilla Persian cats require a high-quality diet. However, they typically do well on any high-quality cat food and rarely need a special diet. Look for foods that are meat-based and designed for your cat’s life stage.

Kittens should consume a formula designed for kittens. Once your Persian stops growing, you can switch to an adult food. You don’t necessarily have to switch to a senior food at any point. However, it can be helpful for cats that have age-related health problems, like arthritis. We recommend looking for a formula with added omega fatty acids, as these can help promote a healthy skin and shiny coat. Many vets also recommend supplementing with wet food, at least to increase your cat’s hydration. Many felines are prone to dehydration, which can cause UTIs and similar problems.

Ensure that your cat always has access to fresh water. You may need to use a water fountain to make the water move, as some cats are very picky about the freshness of the water. Chinchilla cats are prone to obesity, as they tend to be rather lazy. Be sure to give your cat appropriate portions and consider switching to a diet food if your cat is still overweight. Obesity can cause many health issues, so it’s important to avoid it.

These felines can also be prone to hairballs thanks to their long fur. Proper grooming can help prevent this, as it can remove some of the excess fur. However, you may need to switch to a hairball-control formula if your cat is particularly prone to hairballs.

Exercise 🐈

Chinchilla cats are not high-energy athletes. However, they still need exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Most will move around by themselves, but others may need some encouragement. Interactive toys like feather teasers can help spark your cat’s playful side and encourage running around. You probably won’t need to play for more than 5 to 10 minutes, as they tend to tire quickly. That said, aim to encourage play at least twice a day, though your cat may not always take you up on that offer.

Include climbing structures in your home, like cat towers and scratching posts. These encourage movement and exercise without requiring any effort on your part. Even if your cat doesn’t like to play, they may like to climb to the top of the tower for a nap.

Respect their limits, as these cats just aren’t built for rigorous play. You should encourage them to move, but don’t be surprised if they only pounce a few times before tiring. These are not very active cats, and it’s often pretty obvious during these play sessions.  Don’t forget to include mental stimulation, too. These felines do well with food puzzles and treat-dispensing toys. Be careful not to overfeed them, though. Any calories added through these toys should be subtracted from their food.

Training 🧶

Persian cats are not the most trainable felines out there. However, they are decently intelligent. It’s mostly about catching their interest and holding their attention for a long enough time to teach them anything.

Don’t scold or punish your feline for behaving badly, as this only encourages them to ignore you more. Instead, use positive reinforcement to reward any sort of positive behavior. You should start very small and keep sessions very short. Often, Chinchilla cats can only focus their attention for 5–10 minutes at a time.

Patience is exceptionally important with these cats. They aren’t going to learn anything overnight. It’s important to keep training fun and use healthy treats to motivate them. They’re often very food-driven, which can be helpful.

Consistency is more important than longer sessions. If you do several shorter sessions throughout the day, your cat will learn far more.

Grooming ✂️

Chinchilla cats are one of the few out there that require a lot of grooming. You’ll need to use a slicker brush and metal comb to work through their coat daily. Otherwise, they may be prone to matting and tangling. This isn’t just a matter of aesthetics, as mats and tangles can lead to sores and other issues.

Regular brushing also helps keep their fur clean, removing dirt and debris. Luckily, these cats are pretty good at grooming themselves. Therefore, you won’t have to deal with baths, especially if you stay on top of their brushing needs.

Occasionally, you may also want to trim their paws. This fur can get particularly dirty and is prone to getting tangled in their claws. Keeping it neat and groomed can help make the rest of your grooming session easier. These cats often need their faces cleaned, too. We recommend investing in some quality cat wipes and using them to clean your feline’s face as needed. They tend to get food stuck around their mouths, which they can have a hard time cleaning.

Of course, you should also brush their teeth to prevent dental issues. Cats are sadly very prone to teeth problems, which can be very serious. Brushing is an easy way to prevent this problem.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Chinchilla Persian cats are generally pretty healthy. However, they are prone to a few health conditions.

Due to their flat faces, these cats often have difficulty breathing. Often, this is most obvious in hot weather or during playtime. You may notice that these cats snort regularly and may get labored breathing easier than other cats. Typically, this isn’t anything to be worried about. However, it does make these cats more prone to heat stroke and similar conditions.

These felines are also prone to polycystic kidney disease. This inherited condition causes cysts to form in the kidneys and is eventually deadly. It’s completely genetic, and health testing will prevent kittens from developing it. That’s one reason why going through a quality breeder is so important.

Their prominent eyes are also prone to corneal ulcers and other issues. They stick out a bit, which makes them more likely to hit something. Luckily, most cats do just fine, but you may end up at the vet for eye issues more often.

Often, Persian cats end up with dental issues due to too much crowding in their mouths. They tend to get misaligned teeth due to their shortened snouts, and bacteria have an easier time setting up in these areas. They’re at an increased risk of gum disease, so at-home dental care is even more important.

Male vs. Female

There aren’t any major differences between male and female Chinchilla Persian cats besides the obvious reproductive differences. Females can get pregnant, and males cannot. There are many differences surrounding these reproductive differences, though. For instance, females will go into heat and deal with all the hormonal changes that go along with that.

However, there are no size differences or temperament differences between males and females.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Chinchilla Cat

1. It isn’t a separate cat breed.

The Chinchilla cat isn’t a separate breed of cat. Instead, it’s just a variant of the Persian cat. Besides their silvery coat, they look and act exactly like other Persians.

2. Some of them love water!

Surprisingly, some Persian cats actually like water. They may enjoy splashing in a shallow bath or playing with dripping faucets. Kittens that are introduced to water early often prefer it more than older cats, who are less used to the wetness.

3. They’re pretty quiet.

If you don’t want a cat that follows you around the house yelling (we’re looking at you, Siamese), then this breed is often a perfect choice. They do meow, but they tend to do so rather quietly.

Final Thoughts

Chinchilla cats are a specific color variant of the Persian. They tend to be rather laidback and affectionate, preferring to spend time lying around on their owner’s laps. They will be active and playful, especially when younger. However, most tend to prefer sunbathing to most other activities!

These felines work best in equally laidback homes. Too much hustle and bustle can irritate them and cause anxiety. For this reason, they often don’t do well with small children or yappy dogs. Older children and more peaceful households may find them to be the perfect pet, though.

Finding this particular coat coloration can be a challenge. You’ll probably have to spend some time on a breeder’s waiting list, especially if you want a particular gender as well. If you want to get a kitten faster, you may have to open your heart up to other coat colors.

See also:

• How to Choose Cat Food: 10 Vet-Approved Tips & Tricks
• Can Cats Get Razor Burn? Vet-Reviewed Care Facts

Featured Image Credit: OksanaSusoeva, Shutterstock