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Chartreux

Origin: France

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Origin:

France

Coat:

Short, plush, dense and glossy.

Colors:

Gray-blue.

Special considerations:

The Chartreux is a typical European-style breed, with a large, well-muscled, robust body, shorter legs and a sweet, smiling expression.

History:

In the 1970s, the quest to have the Chartreux recognized as an official breed set off a debate among cat fanciers. The crux of the argument stemmed from the breed's origins - whether it was an old natural breed from France, as its devotees insisted, or a hybrid of French street cats crossed with British Blues. The decision would affect whether the Chartreux would be accepted as a separate breed or whether it would be put into a class of 'exotics' or classified as a variant of British Blues. Research eventually proved that the Chartreux is a truly French breed, as blue-colored cats were referenced as far back as the 1700s by French naturalists. The Chartreux was first imported into the United States in 1970 and was recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1987.

Personality:

The Chartreux is a quiet, amiable and sweet-natured breed. Playful yet placid in nature, they are happy, hardy cats who enjoy human companionship. Their kind, stable temperaments make them excellent family companions. They tend to bond strongly with one member of the household and will follow that person around but will be affectionate with the rest of the family as well.

At home:

Chartreux are curious cats who love to explore their environment. They are gentle and tend not to overuse their claws. They have a soft voice that is rarely heard, and when they do speak, it's usually a chirp and not a meow. They do have a deep, audible purr. Chartreux are not destructive and usually remain calm inside the home.

Feeding:

The Chartreux is a healthy eater who needs a high-quality diet.

Compatibility:

Chartreux get along well with children, dogs and other cats.

Health:

The average life span of the Chartreux is 12 to 15 years. The breed is generally healthy, although some suffer from patellar luxation.

Fun fact:

Legend has it that the name Chartreux came from an order of Carthusian monks who named the cat after their mother house, Le Grand Chartreux.

Grooming blurb:

Chartreux have double coats and should be groomed weekly. However, a brush could damage their beautiful coat. Use a steel comb instead, or some breeders even recommend running your fingers over the coat daily to remove excess hair.

Disclaimer:

This document has been published with the intent to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter within. While every reasonable precaution has been taken in preparation of this document, the author and publisher expressly disclaim responsibility for any errors, omissions, or adverse effects arising from the use or application of the information contained herein. The techniques and suggestions are used at the reader's discretion.