What is NY11 & NY12 British Shorthair? Decoding Golden Coats
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British Shorthairs come in a variety of stunning coat colours and patterns, but two rare classifications – NY11 and NY12 – stand out for their striking golden appearance. These terms refer to the extent of black tipping on the hair shaft, which creates their shimmering effect.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between NY11 and NY12, explain their breed standards, and answer common questions about these sought-after British Shorthairs.
What Does “NY” Mean?
The “NY” prefix in NY11 and NY12 stands for black golden, indicating that the cat has a warm golden undercoat with black tipping. This colour group is part of the shaded or tipped series, where only the ends of the hair shafts are pigmented, creating a luminous effect.
What is NY11 British Shorthair?
NY11 refers to golden shaded British Shorthairs. In this pattern:
- Undercoat: Warm golden apricot colour.
- Tipping: Black tipping covers approximately 1/3 of the length of each hair shaft, giving the coat a darker overall appearance compared to NY12.
- Distribution: Tipping is evenly spread across the back, flanks, head, ears, and tail, while areas like the chin, stomach, chest, and under the tail remain free from tipping.
NY11 cats typically have striking green or blue-green eyes outlined with black pigmentation, enhancing their expressive look. This pattern is more common than NY12 and widely recognised in breed standards.
What is NY12 British Shorthair?
NY12 refers to golden tipped British Shorthairs. In this pattern:
- Undercoat: Same warm golden apricot colour as NY11.
- Tipping: Black tipping is lighter, covering less than 1/8 of the hair shaft length. This results in a brighter and more luminous appearance compared to NY11 cats.
- Distribution: Like NY11, tipping is evenly spread across key areas but appears subtler and less pronounced.
NY12 cats are rarer than NY11 and often considered more valuable due to their lighter coat appearance.
Key Differences Between NY11 and NY12
| Feature | NY11 (Golden Shaded) | NY12 (Golden Tipped) |
|---|---|---|
| Undercoat Colour | Warm golden apricot | Warm golden apricot |
| Tipping Coverage | Approximately 1/3 of hair length | Less than 1/8 of hair length |
| Overall Appearance | Darker and richer | Lighter and brighter |
| Rarity | More common | Rarer |
Eye Colour Detail
One defining feature of both NY11 and NY12 British Shorthairs is their eye colour:
- Typically green or blue-green with vivid clarity.
- Eyes are outlined with dark pigmentation (“eyeliner effect”), enhancing their brightness against the golden coat.
- The intensity of green varies but is preferred to be deep and vibrant in show standards.
Breed Standards Clarity
While some registries like GCCF recognise both patterns under broader categories (e.g., “golden shaded”), others do not formally distinguish between NY11 and NY12 in their codes. For example:
- FIFe does not recognise “NY12” as a separate EMS code; instead, it groups both under “NY11”.
- Breeders may use “NY12” informally to denote lighter-tipped cats for clarity among enthusiasts.
For those interested in show standards or breeding details, visiting official documents like GCCF Standards provides deeper insights into acceptable colours and patterns.
Regional Popularity
Golden British Shorthairs (both NY11 and NY12) are particularly popular in Europe, especially in countries like Russia and the UK where breeders have focused on refining these stunning coat patterns. They remain relatively rare in North America but are gaining interest among enthusiasts due to their striking appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are NY11 or NY12 recognised as separate colours?
While some breeders distinguish between them informally for clarity, registries like FIFe group them under “golden shaded” (NY11). GCCF recognises both patterns within broader golden categories.
Which is more valuable – NY11 or NY12?
NY12 cats are generally considered more valuable due to their rarity and lighter appearance.
How can I tell if my cat is NY11 or NY12?
The difference lies in the extent of tipping:
If approximately 1/3 of each hair shaft is tipped with black pigment, your cat is likely NY11.
If less than 1/8 of each hair shaft is tipped, your cat falls into the NY12 category.
What defines their eye colour?
Green or blue-green eyes outlined with dark pigmentation are characteristic features that complement their shimmering coats.
Conclusion
NY11 (golden shaded) and NY12 (golden tipped) British Shorthairs represent two exquisite variations within the black golden colour group. Whether you prefer the darker richness of NY11 or the luminous brightness of NY12, both classifications showcase the beauty that makes British Shorthairs such beloved companions.
Which type do you prefer – NY11 or NY12? Let us know in the comments!
