Chartreux Cat Breed: One Of The Best Information

Chartreux is a rare breed of cat from France and is recognized by a number of registries worldwide. Chartreux is large and muscular with relatively short, fine-boned limbs and very quick reflexes. They are known for their double coats of blue water-resistant short hair that is often slightly thicker in texture and orange or copper-colored eyes.

Chartreux cats are also known for their “smiles”; Due to their head structure and their tapered muzzles, they are often seen smiling. Chartreux are exceptional hunters and are highly valued by farmers.

For every French cat with a pedigree, the first letter of the Chartreux cat’s official name encodes the year of its birth. The official names of all Chartreux born in the same year begin with the same letter. The code letters rotate through the alphabet each year, excluding the letters K, Q, W, X, Y, and Z. For example, a Chartreux born in 2021 will have an official name beginning with the letter S.

• Origin: France
• Weight: Up to 16 pounds
• Weight: 2.7 – 9kg
• Chartreux lifespan: 11 – 15 years
• Colors: Solid grey-blue

Breed Characteristics

With its calm but friendly disposition, the medium-sized Chartreux is a wonderful companion for individuals or families, but since the breed is rare in the United States, it can be difficult to find.

This cat is rarely vocal, but people familiar with the breed describe it as a charmingly excellent communicator. When he has something to say, Chartreux may chirp to get attention.

The Chartreux’s round face and pointed muzzle make it appear to smile, and owners of Chartreux cats who know the breed’s cheerful, friendly personality find it easy to believe this “smile.”

Chartreux kitten History

Although legend states that today’s Chartreux cats are descendants of cats originally imported to France by Carthusian monks, the monastic order states that no archives contain records of the historical use of cats like the Chartreux breed.

A separate legend states that Chartreux cats are descended from wild mountain cats that originated in Syria and were brought to France by the Crusaders in the 13th century. French naturalist Buffon officially described the species in the 18th century. Cats are renowned as excellent hunters and are highly valued by farmers for their rodent-catching skills.

Chartreux cats were almost exterminated during the First World War. By the end of World War II, the wild population had disappeared. At the same time, European breeders worked together to prevent total extinction, breeding with Persians, British Shorthairs, and Russian Blue cats that strengthened the breed.

Chartreux cats made their way to the United States in 1971. The breed was advanced to championship status in 1987 after being accepted by the Cat Fanciers Association. All cat fancy organizations recognize the Chartreux cat breed.

Appearance

The Cat Fanciers Association says the cat is often described as “potatoes on toothpicks” because of its strong body and short, thin legs. Here are more characteristics of this breed:

• Chartreux are similar in size to the larger Maine Coon breed. (Females average 7-10 pounds and males 12-16 pounds.)
  
• The coat usually clumps like a sheepskin. The undercoat is dense and the topcoat is long and protective.
  
• Their grey-blue coats are complimented by their beautiful round copper or golden-orange eyes.

Chartreux have short coats that do not require a great deal of maintenance. Some owners recommend that they run their fingers through the coat daily. Others warn owners that bathing these cats is difficult due to the texture and thickness of the fur.

Temperament

These cool cats are independent and somewhat different. They love you, but they are smart enough to entertain themselves. Following you from room to room or sleeping in your bed are a few ways they show their love without being too intimate (they’re not one for headbutts in your face). Chartreux will never demand your affection, but he will always appreciate your attention. He is also incredibly observant and likes to quietly watch from the sidelines.

In fact, this quiet breed rarely peeps. When the Chartreux pipes up, it’s more of a low chirp than an actual meow. Chartreux cats appear to use body language rather than vocalizations, giving the impression of mime. Although these stone-cold cats may seem serious, they can actually be quite silly – and smart enough to know when they’re being funny. Some Chartreux owners swear that these cats have a real sense of humor.

These gorgeous gray companions also have super-fast reflexes and are excellent mousers due to their silent and attentive nature.

Personality

Chartreux cats may have been invited by the monks to protect the monastery from rats. Today, however, Chartreux cats are popular because they make terrific companions. Who can resist a cat that greets you with a loud purr and an enigmatic smile? They are friendly, loyal, loving, and adaptable, and when you sit next to your Chartreux, you will always end up with an exquisitely soft lapful of loving blue cats.

Chartreux cats are fancy strong calm types; They keep their comments to themselves, even when standing next to an empty food dish. Chartreux can open his mouth like a meow, but no sound comes out. When they do vocalize, it’s usually accompanied by small chirps or trills—it’s amazing to hear the tiny chirps from those big, powerful bodies and strong jaws. However, they get excited especially when you are serving their favorite snack.

Besides, quality time with the people of his choice always makes him smile. However, Chartreux cats have a quiet but well-developed sense of humor, and enjoy a good joke, especially if it’s at your expense. Known for their hunting prowess and their strong hunting instincts, they prefer toys that surpass human strength. A particular favorite is the feathered toys that float in the air. They learn to play easily

They are very intelligent cats; They quickly learn their names and if you like a good challenge you can even teach them to come when you call – if they’re in the mood, of course. This cat is the perfect feline friend; In exchange for a food bowl, a clean litter box, and a soft bed to sleep on, you get a constant companion who entertains, loves, and cheers you up with his angelic smile and sweet devotion.

Health

Chartreux have relatively few health problems and are a hearty, robust breed. However, there are some potential health concerns to watch out for:

• Polycystic kidney disease: In this condition, fluid-filled cysts impair the normal function of one or both kidneys.
  
• Struvite crystals: Small stones can form in a cat’s bladder as a result of too little hydration or an overly alkaline diet. Stones can irritate the bladder, blocking the ureter, and resulting in kidney failure.
  
• Luxating Patella: Slipped kneecaps are a problem that can plague this cat breed.

Care

Chartreux’s short, thick coat is generally easy to care for. Weekly brushing usually does the trick, but these cats are known to shed more in the spring and need more brushing to get rid of loose hair during that time. Bathing needs are infrequent, but when you bathe them, remember that their water-repellent coat needs some work to get completely wet.

These cats don’t need any special exercise – like most cats, they will use up a lot of energy on their own. One thing your pet Chartreux will definitely appreciate is being left with toys to play with and even having daily playtime with their pet parents.

“[They] have historically been known as fine mousers with strong hunting instincts,” Venator says. “The Chartreux enjoys moving toys.”

Because these cats are intelligent and generally enjoy following rules, litter box training should be relatively easy. Make sure to keep their potty clean!

The Chartreux is not a super social pet, but it does appreciate the company of humans. His biggest socialization needs are a relatively stable schedule at home and a pet parent who is willing to spend time introducing affection and warming these French cats to new faces.

Feed your Chartreux a high-quality cat food and monitor food intake to help prevent obesity. Check with your veterinarian to determine how much and how often to feed your individual cat. And, like all cats, be sure to trim his paws so his paws are comfortable and so they don’t hurt if he makes a biscuit on your lap.

Best Food For

• Hill’s Prescription Diet y/d with Chicken Wet Cat Food
• Hill’s Prescription Diet y/d Chicken Flavor Dry Cat Food
• Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken Recipe Cat Food
• Hill’s Science Diet Adult Ocean Fish Entrée Cat Food

Feeding

Every state is different and everyone has their own likes, dislikes, and requirements when it comes to food. However, humans are omnivorous and each person gets 41 different specific nutrients from their diet. The amount of this coat varies with play, lifestyle, and overall symbol of authority, so it’s not surprising that a growing, energetic pup needs a different amount of nutrients in its diet than a less active one.

Chart-rich food or food is useful for many people, so it is advisable to consult your veterinarian to choose the right quality food. Consider that as they are belligerent fans who do not have the activeness of markings and can suffer from sedation if overfed.

Keep in mind that other content includes feeding the right foods to maintain ‘ideal conditions and also the choice of wet or dry foods to meet individual preferences.

Grooming

A weekly combing, do not brush this woolly coat, is sufficient to remove dead coat and check for scratches or scrapes. Chartreux must take care of their own grooming the rest of the time. Bathing this breed is rarely necessary, however, if they do need to be bathed, remember that it may take time to sufficiently wet their water-repellent coat to reap the benefits of good hygiene.

Chartreux are known to shed more in the spring and require more brushing during that time to get rid of loose hair.

Remember that a greasy coat can be evidence that your cat is no longer trying to groom itself, which can be an indicator of poor or failing health or being overweight. Like all cats, Chartreux benefit from regular vaccinations, parasite control, and annual veterinary health checks.

Exercise

While the Chartreux cat enjoys playing with toys and climbing cat trees, this breed is not very active as a rule. You want to encourage play to prevent obesity, but Chartreux cats aren’t prone to hyperactivity when playtime is missed.

Adopt Charter / Chartreux adoption

Chartreux kittens for sale

Finding a Chartreux cat to call your own may not be easy as breeders in the United States are few and far between. However, the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) Breeder Directory and the International Cat Association (TICA) Breeder Directory are good places to start your search.

Because these cats are such treasures, it’s rare to find one in a shelter. However, it happens – owners abandon beloved pets for many reasons.

Chartreux Video

See More Cat Breeds For Further Research

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• Himalayan cat

Chartreux FAQS