STERLING

The Sterling originated in the United Kingdom, as a man-made breed known as the Chinchilla Longhair. A show cat of the late 1800's had a chance mating with an unknown male, resulting in "Chinnie," the mother of Chinchillas. "Pale, lavender" kittens were the result. From that point on, these cats were selectively colorbred. Colorbred Persians of the United States and Colorbred Chinchilla Longhairs of the United Kingdom are the foundation of the Sterling, which has green or blue-green eyes.

The breed concept was created and developed by Jeannie Johnson, Ivyleague Sterlings. Through the efforts of Save Our Silvers Foundation, Inc., founded by Mrs Johnson in 1990, cats were selectively colorbred in the states, with imports from England and New Zealand utilized in the program. Membership was worldwide. A veterinarian, specializing in genetics at Cornell University, wrote a hearty letter of support, after presentation to Cornell Feline Health Center. The United Kingdom's top winning, Chinchilla cattery, Lynchard, cooperated in a culteral, goodwill-oriented endeavor, in order to assist the process.

Bloodlines trace back to early, turn of the century, Chinchilla Longhair heritage. The accepted color is chinchilla and desired eye color is ideally blue-green. The breed is the first companion animal in the United States, with its own veterinary guidelines, to insure quality of health, structure, and well-being. Credit for veterinary concept is given to the Governing Council of Cat Fancy.

The Sterling was accepted under new breed status by The International Cat Association (TICA), in the early 1990's. From that point, the breed was accepted by International Cat Exhibitors (ICE) for championship status in 1998, having completed all requirements under new breed status. Ivyleague Turbo, a male, chinchilla bred by Mrs. Johnson, received Best International New Breed (Provisional) in 1998 and 1997. Ivyleague Princess Nina, described as "a Christmas angel", heralded championship for the Sterling.

Information about the breed has been published internationally and well-received. Registry of original bloodlines is recorded by The International Sterling Society. The Sterling endeavor is linked with humanitarian, wholistic, and environmental efforts. Examples of the breed are on exhibit at selective, public exhibitions.

Profile submitted by Jeannie Johnson, Ivyleague Sterlings