British Shorthair Blues and Silver Chinchillas are two distinct breeds within the British Shorthair category. When they are bred together, the resulting kittens are considered mixed-breed or ‘crossbreeds’, which typically have a lower value. These kittens often exhibit undesirable traits such as tabby markings (also known as "fishbone" patterns), which are not consistent with the British Shorthair breed standard. Consequently, they might only sell for around $50 to $100.
Although both Blue and Silver Chinchilla cats are within the British Shorthair family, they are genetically distinct. Breeding them together produces crossbreed kittens that lack the value of purebreds. High prices are usually commanded only by kittens from parents with a documented lineage, even if the parents have excellent pedigrees; mixed-breed kittens are generally less valuable. Furthermore, pairing a British Shorthair Silver Chinchilla with a British Shorthair Blue may result in offspring with tabby patterns (fishbone markings). Since a solid, consistent coat color is a hallmark of the British Shorthair standard, these markings further reduce their market value to around $50-$100 at most. It is also generally not recommended to breed cats from different breeds, as this can lead to unpredictable traits and potential health issues in the offspring.
Why Crossbreeding is Discouraged
Kittens inherit genes from both parents. To ensure consistent development and preservation of breed characteristics, it's best to breed cats that are purebred and of the same breed. Breeding different breeds results in unpredictable traits, and the kittens may not meet aesthetic standards, which can lead to abandonment and increase the population of stray cats.
Crossbreeding can also compromise the health of the cats. Crossbreed cats often have weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible to illness. Some cats may carry recessive genetic diseases that could be passed on to their offspring, causing more health problems within the population.