Origin
France
Lifespan
12–15 years
Weight
3–7 kg
Group
Shorthair
Personality
Colors & Patterns
Blue (Grey)
Chartreux
About This Breed
The Chartreux is a breed of domestic cat from France and is recognised by a number of registries around the world. The Chartreux is known for its dense, water-repellent blue-grey fur and orange or copper-coloured eyes. Their muted smiling expression is due to the structure of their head and jaw, not emotion. They have been called 'potatoes on toothpicks' due to their rounded body and fine boned legs. Chartreux cats are quiet, calm, and deeply loyal to their families.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Chartreux
Origin
| Origin | France |
| Group | Shorthair |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 3–7 kg |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Colors & Patterns | Blue (Grey) |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Gentle · Calm · Affectionate · Quiet · Loyal |
Often enjoys a mix of activity and rest.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Usually needs relatively little coat care. Brush as needed for its coat and shedding.
Some shedding is expected, and it may change with the season.
Living together
Often adjusts to changes fairly well, though a gradual introduction still helps.
Often gets along with children, but an adult should still supervise their time together.
Often gets along with other pets. Introduce them gradually rather than assuming they will be friends.
Health and lifespan
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
Offer places to climb, hide, scratch, and rest. Try different toys to see what your cat enjoys.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
About the Breed
A popular legend tells us these majestic blue cats once lived in French monasteries and took a vow of silence like their hosts, the monks. While the notion of felines taking such a vow is clearly a charming myth, it is nevertheless true that Chartreux are quieter than most breeds and possess a calm, cheerful dignity that would not be out of place in a religious retreat. Don’t take this to mean that they are not playful, though—toss a toy in the direction of a Chartreux and you are likely to find yourself engaged in interactive play that will continue until the cat’s energy flags. Loyal, loving, and adaptable, the Chartreux is a French treasure that brings a touch of joie de vivre everywhere it goes.
Breed History
References to the blue cats of France appear in literature as early as the 16th century. The breed’s name was once thought to be derived from the Carthusian monks, but may in fact stem from a type of Spanish wool that was well known to traders and was reminiscent of the wooly quality of the cat’s blue fur. Selective breeding of Chartreux in France began in the 1920s , with the foundation drawn from natural colonies of French blue cats that demonstrated consistent type. Early breeders praised these cats for their mild temperament and robust health, despite harsh natural conditions. Chartreux were first imported to North America in 1970 and have remained relatively unchanged since then, due to the efforts of breeders focused on preservation. Breeders in North America follow the French naming tradition, in which kittens born in a given year are named beginning with a specific letter. By tradition, breeders use only 20 letters, omitting K, Q, W, X, Y and Z.
Character & Temperament
Chartreux are intelligent cats with lightning-fast reflexes. Known for their dog-like behavior, some Chartreux enjoy walks on leash or retrieve toys, and many will learn to respond to their names. They enjoy close, affectionate relationships with their owners, yet they are polite and not demanding. They are creatures of habit and develop rituals and routines that they enjoy with their human family members, often following their owners from room to room. Many Chartreux have a tiny voice that they use only rarely, while others are mute, yet they are expert communicators, using murmurs and chirps, expressive eyes and subtle body language. A Chartreux might use a paw touch as a request to get into your lap, or ask for play time by bringing you a toy. Treat these gentle cats with kindness and patience and they will reward you with loyal affection.
Physical Appearance
The broad-shouldered, powerful body of the Chartreux contrasts with relatively fine-boned legs and feet. The broad, rounded head tapers to a narrow muzzle with whisker pads that give the cat a hint of a smile. The erect, medium-sized ears are set high on the head and the rounded, expressive eyes, which range from gold to copper, take in everything in sight. The dense, woolly coat is somewhat water-resistant and has an insulating undercoat to help protect the cat from cold winter weather. Chartreux take between three and five years to reach maturity, when males may weigh as much as 14 pounds; females may be significantly smaller.
Grooming
These cats are seasonal shedders who need more frequent grooming in fall and spring, when shedding is heaviest. Occasional combing with a wide-spaced metal comb can stop mats before they form, prevent hairballs, and reduce the amount of hair in your home atmosphere. Most Chartreux do not require regular bathing. If you do plan to bathe your cat, consult your breeder for instructions as it will be challenging to completely wet this water-resistant coat. Due to the abundance of woolly undercoat hairs, Chartreux are not recommended for allergy sufferers.
Life at home
Generally a healthy breed, weight gain can be a problem for some mature Chartreux. Although this is naturally a massive breed, a Chartreux should have a solid and muscular body feel. Ask your cat’s breeder for diet recommendations if your cat has trouble maintaining a healthy body condition. Patellar luxation, a heritable condition that can affect mobility, has also been seen in some Chartreux. Kittens and cats can be screened by a vet; those with mild patellar luxation are unlikely to develop mobility issues, but should not be used for breeding. Breeders in the United States strive to maintain a diverse gene pool, often exchanging cats with other breeders worldwide.
Breed Overview
Meet the Chartreux (pronunciation, “shaar-troos”): A gray-blue cat of French origin with a soft, wooly coat rivaling the luxurious Spanish wool called la pile des Chartreux, which is said to have inspired their name. The Chartreux cat’s unique color comes from a genetic dilution of black pigment. Beneath that plush blue fur, Chartreux cats are surprisingly muscular with a sturdy build. Standing 9–11 inches tall, the Chartreux cat breed can weigh 6–12 pounds. Caring for a Chartreux Out of the 40-plus recognized cat breeds, the Chartreux is one of a few natural cat breeds, meaning the breed developed without intentional breeding by humans.
Care Guide
Out of the 40-plus recognized cat breeds, the Chartreux is one of a few natural cat breeds, meaning the breed developed without intentional breeding by humans. Their au naturel blue coat and eyes, which range from copper to gold, have charmed cat-lovers for centuries. Plus, these beauties don't require high-maintenance grooming. The Chartreux cat’s calm demeanor and quiet nature make them one of the sweetest short-haired breeds, ideal buddies for all sorts of companions (young, old, or furry). Their past as mousers suggests a playful side that might just go wild with interactive toys and plenty of cat furniture to scale.