Introducing Narnia: The Extraordinary “Chimera” Feline with a Flawlessly Divided Visage
Photos with credit to Stéphanie Jiminez
Narnia came into this world with striking electric blue eyes and a perfectly divided face, with one side gray and the other black. This unique 5-year-old British Shorthair cat might potentially possess a rare genetic anomaly known as chimerism.
Stéphanie Jiminez, the proud owner of Narnia, informs us that they are currently undergoing tests to confirm if Narnia is indeed a chimera cat. Feline chimeras occur when two kittens merge in the early stages of their mother’s pregnancy, resulting in each chimera possessing their own DNA as well as that of their fused twin. Essentially, these kittens are their own version of fraternal twins.
Born on March 28, 2017, at the Chatterie de la Grâce, a cozy and cage-free cattery in Paris, France, Narnia captured Stéphanie’s heart. It was in 2010 when she first encountered British Shorthair and British Longhair cats and instantly fell in love. Describing them as resembling adorable little bears, Stéphanie emphasizes their gentle nature, kindness, and remarkable intelligence.
Narnia, the offspring of Muscari D’Aerlin, a long-haired red tabby cat with mismatched eyes, and Jeen, a blue British Shorthair cat from Chatterie de Virvarnon, holds a unique and striking ancestry. Stéphanie, Narnia’s owner, shares that in that particular year, feline names were required to commence with the letter “N”. Inspired by her admiration for C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, Stéphanie christened him Narnia.
This distinctive two-faced cat was deliberately bred as a component of the British Celestia (Céleste) initiative. The endeavor was initiated by Sophie Guittonneau, the founder of the Aerlin Cattery, who obtained the necessary permissions from the LOOF (Official Book of Feline Origins), the sole recognized cat registry in France. The primary objective of the British Celestia project was to produce British Shorthairs with enchanting blue eyes.
Recognizing Narnia’s extraordinary beauty, Stéphanie felt compelled to showcase his magnificence to a wider audience. Thus, in June of 2016, she took the initiative to create an Instagram page dedicated to him. Stéphanie often receives inquiries about whether Narnia’s appearance is a result of photo manipulation or artistic paintwork, but she assures everyone that what they see is indeed real. The initial reaction people have when encountering Narnia for the first time is one of awe and disbelief, exclaiming, “Oh my goodness, he is truly remarkable!”
In addition to being a beloved pet, Narnia is also a seasoned professional in the cat show circuit, having partaken in numerous competitions across France, Belgium, and Switzerland. As a testament to his popularity, he won a prestigious World Bloggers Award in 2019. Despite his remarkable achievements, Narnia remains a gentle and approachable feline. He possesses a captivating softness that instantly endears him to anyone lucky enough to encounter him. However, when faced with unfamiliar surroundings, Narnia can become quite timid and hesitant. Thankfully, Stéphanie and Narnia share an unbreakable bond, as she affectionately refers to him as her cherished little baby.
When Narnia is not playing with catnip toys or sneaking some mashed potatoes, he enjoys spending time with his beloved wife, Bella. Bella, a beautiful gray and gold British Shorthair with stunning brownish-gold eyes, has been a wonderful companion to Narnia. Together, they have been blessed with the joy of parenthood, with nine adorable kittens. While not all of their kittens inherit Narnia’s unique two-toned face, many of them share his captivating round blue eyes and charming white markings. Furthermore, Narnia and Bella have also been blessed with ten precious grandchildren.
Interestingly, Narnia’s household is not limited to just his feline family. He also shares his home with a delightful mini Lop Plush rabbit named Peluche. Initially, Narnia was a bit apprehensive about Peluche, but they have now become the best of friends, much to the joy of their owner, Stéphanie. Additionally, Narnia has found a loyal companion in Aslan, a long-haired Chihuahua who is aptly named after the iconic talking lion from The Chronicles of Narnia series.
If you’re curious to learn more about the British Shorthair breed, we have a comprehensive and informative infographic dedicated to this majestic cat breed. Feel free to explore it below and discover fascinating facts about the British Shorthair.