Chinchilla Persians
Colour
The effect of a Chinchilla's colouring is white, but when it is
placed next to a White Persian there is a marked difference.
Under a microscope, a strand of hair appears tubular. Whereas a
White's hair is solidly filled with white pigment, the Silver's
hair shaft is nearly empty. The silver-coloured effect results
from light reflecting off each translucent hair.
Characteristics of Chinchillas
The brick-red centre of the nose is a characteristic Silver
beauty mark. It should be a deep brick-red colour to contrast
with the very light-coloured muzzle and chin fur; it should be
black-edged. The Silver coat is of a much lighter and finer
texture than most of the other colours. The hair grows in
"angel tuft," or "horns," springing from the
top head. These start up alongside the ears, to stand up,
sometimes above the ears themselves. Many Chinchilla's also have
long feathery hairs that curl out and around, starting from the
inside front edge of the ears. The whole coat, being light in
weight and finely textured, can be combed and groomed to stand
away from the body in a cloud effect, giving an ethereal look. To
live up to their full potential of beauty, the Chinchilla's must
have, to a marked degree, the extremely sweet
"babyface" expression that is desirable in all colors.
The smiling mouth, the made-up face of a coquette, and all the
frills of their fancy coat have earned them the title "The
Cadillac of Cats."
Click here for a larger picture
All Silver kittens are born speckled or patterned, some to a greater degree than others. Many have complete tabby markings of black or gray on white or are quite dark on their backs and tails. Those with the least colouring do not necessarily turn into Chinchillas as they grow up. In some families, they dl; in others, they don't . Usually, though not always, the kittens having little or no markings on their heads, faces, and legs will be the Chinchilla's, and vice versa. Fur often is quite short on the newborn, so that all you see are the very tips of the top coat. As the kittens grow older, they get lighter day by day, and the pattern diffuses or spreads out as the top coat grows longer and the undercoat comes in. The definite marking usually fairly well disappear by four to six weeks, starting at the head, the rings on the tail being the last to go. By that time, the kittens have a fluffy coat and are very attractive, as are Persian kittens of any color! Scampering about, they look so cute from the rear, with their fur chaps and Christmas-tree tails.
Click here for a larger picture
The skin of a Chinchilla is tender and delicate. Guard against any skin irritation which might cause the coat to come out by the handful. Also, the undercoat tangles and mats easily, so particular care must be taken to keep it from felting. This is accomplished by daily combing. At times, when a Chinchilla's coat is in the process of shedding, he may look darker than a Chinchilla. Closer inspection will reveal that the dark effect is from the tips of the dead, or dying, guard hairs. These may be stripped out by hand to hasten the procedure. When they are ready to come out, they well do so easily. The Chinchillas, also may have their dead hair stripped out to good advantage.
Click here for a larger picture
Th Chinchilla personality is one of the most interesting of all the varieties of Persians, differing in a way difficult to describe. They can be quite demanding, temperamental, and independent. On the other hand many are extremely affectionate, and demonstrate it by hugging, head-butting, and holding you with their paws. Quite a few of them are very talkative. Chinchillas are particularly given to developing little daily routines of their own. Most persons who have known and once succumbed to the charm and beauty of a Chinchilla cannot imagine ever not having one of their own to enjoy.
Click here for a larger picture
The first thing you notice about a Chinchilla is his eyes. They are characterizes particularly by a rim of dark pigment on the edge of the eyelids. A heavy smudge, or streak of black tipping, immediately bellow the eyes gives the impression that the cat is wearing eye makeup and that the mascara has smudged. The eye colour itself is outstandingly beautiful. It ranges from emerald green to turquoise blue of intense shades. The deeper the colour the better, for a good show specimen. The eyes are extremely large and round, and set wide apart. Chinchillas and Silver Tabbies are the only Persians who have green or blue-green eyes. The nose and mouth are also edged in black. The white whiskers often are darak-shafted just where they start from the muzzle. These facial marking enable one to see every play of expression. In fact, the whole face looks as if it were embroidered with black silk on silvery white velvet.