Expert: Marcia Owen - 3/9/2010

Question
Mrs. Owens I would appreciate it if you could answer this question for me I have an 8 month old male Persian the lady that sold him to me says that he is chinchilla but I am confused because his coat does not seem to be remotely turning at all. I have looked at the hair shafts on his back and tail and some of the hair is turning a coppery color as well as remaining silver and black, he looks like(when the sky is cloudy when it is going to rain) I don't know exactly where on the hair I should look to see if it is trying to turn but for the most part he has remained the same color as when I got him except for the copper, he did not have that when i first received him. I really don't know what to do can you please help me, any and all information you can share with me will be deeply appreciated.  Thank you so much:

Answer
Hi Lolita

I have to admit to not having had a lot to do with Chinchillas.  However I wonder if your cat is actually a Golden Chinchilla which would account for his colour remaining golden.

I would suggest that you try to contact a local breeder or even his own breeder, to have a look at him to decide what colour he is.

Regards

Marcia