Chartreux Cat Breed- All Information, Facts, Care and Price
There are a variety of dog breeds – called Chartreux (pronounced shär-true) – that have existed for centuries in France. It is known that these cats have a short, blue-gray coat and are known for their quiet demeanor.
There is something undemanding about this breed, which is calm, independent, and even silly at times. You will find the Chartreux a delightful companion if you enjoy the companionship of a sweetly silent animal-and if you are willing to interpret her mimed body language as she talks to you.
There are very few of these cats left in the world today. Consequently, Chartreux kittens usually cost $300-$800 on average, depending on the kitten’s age, pedigree, and any other factors that may affect the price.
There are several breeds of cats, but the Chartreaux is one of the most popular. In addition, she has heavy boning and is heavily muscled. The appearance of her is thick and round. The size of males is greater than that of females.
It is important for a cat to have a well-developed set of components since it is a powerful animal. Her chest is broad, she has a muscled neck, she has strong jaws, and she has a well-defined muzzle. It is relatively thin, but its legs are strong and long. There is no doubt that she is what it is supposed to be, a cat that is meant to keep rodents out of the barn and in the house.
Chartreaux have a thick, dense coat that makes them look elegant. There is a significant increase in the length and thickness of the hair during the winter months. Cats have relatively hard coats as part of their protection, which is why they are relatively hard in texture.
In spite of the fact that it is a French feline with a pleasant demeanor, the Chartreux cat is not only the unofficial cat of France, but it is a well loved pet abroad as well. The breed is characterized by its bold blue-gray coat with a soft-woolly texture and copper-colored eyes, which are characteristic of this breed.
This muscular and athletic Chartreux has small legs and fine bones for the size and shape of its body, which can give it the appearance of being a rather small dog compared to the size of its body. It has been said that Chartreux cats are mighty micers, and legend has it that French Carthusian monks used Chartreux cats to keep rodents under control in their monasteries.
The need-to-know
- Great for first-time cat owners
- Enjoys playing games and is active at home
- Playful and curious cat
- Sociable and dependent cat
- Quiet cat
- Average build cat breed
- Requires grooming once a week
- Needs extensive outdoor space
- Great family cat
- Can be left alone all day
- Great for a relaxed home
Chartreux Cat Breed
| ORIGIN | France |
| HEIGHT | 9–11 inches |
| WEIGHT | 6 – 12 pounds |
| LENGTH | Up to 15 inches |
| SIZE | Medium to Large |
| LIFE SPAN | 12 - 15 years |
| GOOD WITH | children seniors dogs cats families |
| TEMPERAMENT | sociable |
| INTELLIGENCE | high |
| SHEDDING AMOUNT | normal |
| PLAYFULNESS | medium |
| HYPOALLERGENIC | No |
| EYE COLOR | copper/orange |
| ACTIVITY LEVEL | calm |
| VOCALNESS | quiet |
| COAT LENGTH | short |
| COLORS | Gray |
| PATTERNS | solid |
| PERSONALITY | calm, friendly, docile |
| OTHER TRAITS | easy to train, easy to groom, friendly toward humans, friendly toward other pets, tolerates being alone, high prey drive, good for first-time pet owners, tolerates being picked up |
| PRICE | $1,000–$1,500 |
Chartreux Cat Overview
In addition to their calm demeanor, the Chartreux also has a great sense of humor, which makes them a popular breed for both solitary owners and even families. Be sure to teach your children or other pets to respect and treat the cat with gentleness and respect as well as to treat them gently. It’s also interesting to note that these cats are also known to be adaptable; they enjoy traveling with their owners on a regular basis.
Personality
The monastery of Chartreux may have been protected against rodents by the Chartreux cats which may have been invited in by monks. It is true that Chartreux cats make wonderful companions in the modern world, but they remain popular due to their good looks. When it comes to a cat, who can resist the enigmatic smile of a cat welcoming you with a mighty purr and a powerful purr? In addition to their amiability, loyalty, love, and adaptability, chartreuses are also incredibly friendly and you always end up with an exquisitely soft lap filled with adoration when you sit down next to one. Among the various types of cats in the cat fancy, the Chartreux is characterized by a strong, silent nature; even when standing beside an empty food dish, they keep their thoughts to themselves. It’s possible for Chartreux to open their mouths as if to meow, but there’s no sound coming out of them. If they do attempt to vocalize, it generally involves small chirps or trills – and it’s amazing to hear these tiny chirps coming out of the powerful jaws and large bodies of these creatures. It is true, nonetheless, that they purr with the greatest enthusiasm, especially when they are offered their favorite snack. Also, they are always happy when they are spending quality time with the people they like the most. It should be noted that Chartreux cats have a subtle but well-developed sense of humor, especially if it is at your expense, and enjoy a good joke as much as anyone else. Because of their strong hunting instincts and prowess when it comes to hunting, they love toys that move and are powered by human power if they can. Particularly popular among children are feathered toys that whirl through the air as they are being played with. Playing fetch with other cats and even agreeable dogs is an easy skill for them to learn and they enjoy frolicking with them, as well as their human friends.
It has been said that cats are very intelligent animals; they learn their names very quickly and they can even be taught to come when you call, if they are in the mood, of course. If you like a good challenge, then you can teach them to react to your commands. You should adopt this adorable and sweet feline friend if you are looking for a constant companion to entertain, love, and cheer you up, and all you need to give them is a bowl of food, a clean litterbox, and a soft bed (yours) to sleep atop in return for a bowl of food, a clean litterbox, and a soft bed to sleep on (yours).
There is an independent quality to these cool cats, as well as some aloofness to them. You know they do love you, but they’re smart enough to entertain themselves even if you don’t allow them to. If you follow them from room to room or if they sleep in your bed, you can see how much they love you without being too intimate (they aren’t the type of dogs to headbutt you in the face with their affection). It is safe to say that the Chartreux will never demand your affection, but he will always be grateful for your attention. The man is also incredibly observant and prefers to observe the proceedings as silently as possible from the sidelines.
The quiet nature of this breed makes it virtually impossible for them to make a peep. It is more of a gentle chirp than a true meow that can be heard when the Chartreux begins to chirp. When it comes to Chartreux cats, it appears they use body language more often than sounds at times, creating the impression that they are miming. In spite of the fact that these stone-cold cats may appear serious on the surface, they can actually be quite silly to some people—and they are smart enough to recognize when they are being funny. The owners of Chartreux cats swear that these cats have an ability to have a sense of humor like no other.
They also have super-fast reflexes due to their quiet and observant nature, which makes them excellent mousers thanks to their excellent reflexes.
Living Needs
In order to live with a Chartreux, you’ll have to pay close attention to what your pet is doing. If things are bothering these soft-spoken kitties, pay close attention to their habits and temperament, as they are unlikely to make much noise if they are bothering them. Pay close attention to your cat’s habits and temperament whenever you notice changes. Do you notice that your cat isn’t drinking as much water as it used to? Does he sleep a lot more than he used to? In case you have any concerns, you should speak with a veterinarian.
There is nothing timid and shy about the cats, but they are certainly not outgoing and won’t go out of their way to make new friends. The calm and undemanding nature of Chartreux cats means that you can leave them alone at home for a while without worrying about them causing damage or wailing.
In terms of not wailing, this is a great breed if you are an apartment dweller, who is concerned about noise coming through thin walls and being heard by neighbors. There is no waking you up at night with loud meowing, as Chartreux cats prefer to mime their needs to their human companions and have no need to wake you up with their loud meowing.
This breed is known for its generally good nature and tolerance, which makes it a great fit for families with children and other pets as well as making it an excellent traveling companion as well. Although Charlieux cats are laid-back, there is a desire for stability, so it is a good idea to provide a certain element of routine to help them know what to expect.
Physical Attributes
Body
In terms of its physique, the Chartreux is a robust dog, with a medium length body that is broad at the shoulders and has a deep chest. There is a strong boning in this breed, and the muscle mass is solid and dense in this breed.
Head
There are several characteristics of the Chartreux including its rounded head, broad forehead, powerful jaw, and full cheeks. As a breed, the breed is defined by a high, softly contoured forehead and a straight, medium-sized nose. It has a slight stop at eye level and is medium in length and width. There is a relatively narrow muzzle for such a large animal. It is evident that this cat has a sweet smile on its face.
Ears
Height and width are about the same; the head is set high; the posture is very upright.
Eyes
There is an openness and roundedness, as well as an alertness and expressiveness. It is generally preferred to have a clear, deep, brilliant orange color, which ranges from copper to gold.
Legs & Paws
Legs are relatively short and fine-boned, whereas their bodies are straight and stable. The feet are round and medium sized; in comparison with the rest of the body, the feet may seem almost dainty.
Tail
The tail is moderately long, heavy at the base, and taper into an oval tip at the end. Lively and flexible.
Coat
A medium-length, slightly woolly coat that breaks like a sheep’skin at the neck and flanks; it should have a medium-to-long hair length. The undercoat is resilient and the topcoat is longer and more protective than the undercoat. The degree to which a coat is woolly depends on the individual’s age, sex, and habitat, in general mature males have the heaviest coats. Female cats and kittens under the age of two years old may have silkier, thinner coats.
Color
From ash to slate, you will find a variety of shades of blue-gray with lightly brushed silver tips. It is important to focus on the clarity of the color and uniformity of it rather than the shade. This kind of blue tends to have a somewhat iridescent sheen to it as well as a bright, unblemished tone.
Chartreux Care
The Chartreux is a relatively easy dog to keep that is self-sufficient, but is quite game when it comes to playing. Children and other pets are welcome to spend time with it, but it does not need to be continually watched.
In addition to being highly intelligent, Chartreux cats are also very easy to train, so try learning tricks or solving treat puzzles as a challenge. The curious Chartreux cats have even been known to open cupboards, so be sure to store any kitty treats away and consider installing a toddler lock on the cabinet doors if you find yourself having problems with this.
Chartreux has a soft, woolly coat that makes it easy to take care of due to its softness and woolly nature. The texture of this hair is so unique that many experts warn against brushing it because of its unique texture, which is better suited to the action of a comb instead of a bristle brush. It is true that the Chartreux does a great job of grooming itself, but you will want to pay your cat extra attention in order to keep mats from forming on him and to provide you with some time for bonding with him.
Chartreux dogs shed their undercoat on a regular basis, usually several times a year. It might be a good idea to comb it every day during this period in order to keep the flying fur at bay during this time. As a result, you should not have to bathe your cat very often, as it will not get dirty.
Common Health Problems
There are not many health problems associated with the Chartreux and it is a robust, hearty breed. It is important to keep in mind that there are a few potential health concerns that may arise:
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Polycystic kidney disease: This is a condition in which fluid-filled cysts affect one or both kidneys, impairing the ability to function normally.
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Struvite crystals: The cat’s bladder can develop small stones because of inadequate hydration or a diet that is excessively alkaline, both of which lead to struvite crystal formation. The stones may cause irritation to the bladder, resulting in a blockage of the urethra, causing failure of the kidneys.
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Luxating patella: This breed of cat is susceptible to knee problems such as slipped kneecaps, which are extremely painful.
Appearance
There are two coats of the Chartreux: a solid blue-gray coat with a slight woolly texture, a copper-orange eye color, and a solid blue coat. With its muscular build, it may appear that the Chartreux has a short set of legs for its size, and its body length often exceeds the height of the animal. In spite of its disproportionate appearance at first glance, a cat’s amazing athletic ability really stands out to anyone who watches it play or hunt.
Diet and Nutrition
There is a need to take care not to overfeed the Chartreux and they should be fed a nutritious diet. It is vital that you work with your veterinarian if you have a tendency of your dog developing struvite crystals and that you choose a food that is not too alkaline (many plant-based foods contribute highly to high levels of alkalinity).
It is also important that you ensure that your cat has access to fresh drinking water at all times in order to prevent dehydration. There is a possibility that your cat will develop struvite crystals if he doesn’t drink enough water, and as a result, his urine becomes more concentrated. If this is the case with your cat, it might be a good idea to incorporate wet food into their diet in order to add moisture to the diet.
Where to Adopt or Buy a Chartreux
The task of finding a Chartreux cat to call your own may not be as easy as you might expect since there are very few Chartreux breeders in the United States. Nevertheless, if you would like to start your search for a cat breeder in your area, you may want to check out the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) Breeder Directory as well as the International Cat Association (TICA) Breeder Directory.
It is rare to find one of these cats in a shelter, due to the fact that these cats are such treasures. There are a lot of reasons why pet owners have to surrender their beloved companions, but it does happen.
Coat Color And Grooming
As a working cat, the Chartreux is characterized by the sturdy, strong body and the thick, short coat that repels water, giving it the appearance of a working cat. His most distinguishing feature is not only his beautiful fur, but also the deep orange color of his eyes, which are set into a broad, rounded head. There is a sweet smile on his face, and he has full cheeks. A medium-sized head sits on a medium-sized head with medium-sized ears.
This type of body is sometimes referred to as primitive, as he is husky and robust, with broad shoulders and a deep chest, just like the Native Americans. There is a rounded, medium-sized set of paws on the underside of his feet, which look almost dainty due to their short and fine bones. An oval-shaped tip is tapered down to a lively, flexible tail at the base, which is heavy at the base.
He may have an ample body and a solid mass of muscle, but don’t let that fool you. There is usually a range of 7 to 16 pounds in weight at maturity for this supple, agile feline. The weight of this man may surprise you when you pick him up. The chartreux grow slowly, and they usually take between four and five years for their full size to be reached, including the males.
There is a medium-short double coat that is slightly woolly in texture, and the density of the woolly coat varies from cat to cat, depending on the cat’s age and gender, as well as the climate where he lives. The coats of mature male cats tend to be the heaviest, while young cats or female cats may have a thinner, silkier coat or coats that feel softer to the touch.
Blue-gray is a color that can be used for the coat in any shade. This fur has been lightly brushed with silver at the tips as if there had been a light dusting of silver on it. The kittens might have faint imprints of tabby markings (called ghost barring) or tail rings when they are young, but by the time the kittens mature, their coats should have a bright, even tone to them. There is also slate-gray leather on the nose, blue lips, and rose-taupe pads on the paw pads to complete the look.
Children And Other Pets
Having a Chartreux in a family with children is the perfect fit as it is both tolerant and gentle. Generally speaking, if he does not like the way he is being treated, he will walk away rather than scratch if it does not suit his needs. Children should always be supervised by their parents when they interact with cats, so that the cat is not mistreated by them.
His agreeable disposition also makes him a good match for living with cats and dogs that are friendly to cats. To ensure that pets can learn to get along one another, it is important to introduce them slowly and under controlled circumstances.
Suitability for Family Life
For a quiet and steady family with older children who understand how to respect a cat’s space and needs for uninterrupted naps, the Chartreux makes an excellent family cat. It would be ideal for those who travel a lot and stay at second homes or cottages where pets are allowed, which a lot of cats would not be able to tolerate. Additionally, they are able to function well on their own while the owners are away all day working at their jobs.
There is also no issue with living with cats or dogs that are friendly to cats, because the Chartreux is known for its amiable disposition. For positive interactions to occur, pets should be introduced slowly, under controlled conditions and in a controlled environment.
History
A true blue cat with the smile of a Mona Lisa and a temperament that is pleasing to the eye, the Chartreux (pronounced shär-TRUE) represents the best of French cat breeding. Since the Chartreux has existed for a long time, it is hard to be certain when and where it first developed, since it has existed for so many centuries. In the same way that most breeds with a long history are the stuff of legends, the Chartreux is no exception. As a matter of fact, the Chartreux is believed to have been bred by monks from the Grande Chartreuse Monastery, the main monastery of the order of the Carthusian monks located in southern France north of Grenoble.
There is a legend that the monks of the Carthusian order who lived at the monastery bred Chartreux cats in their spare time between praying and making liqueurs, forging weapons, and praying that they would develop their world-famous yellow and green Chartreuse liqueurs with the same skill and dedication they put into designing the liqueurs. In order to avoid disturbing the monks while they meditate, it is alleged that they selectively bred the cats to have quiet voices. The story is a lovely, romantic one. Unfortunately, it may only be a story, since there is no mention of cats, blue or any other color in the monastery’s records. However, a reference to the Chartreux breed was found in Comte de Buffon’s 1749 36-volume Natural History (Histoire Naturelle), which listed four types of cat breeds which were common in Europe at the time, namely Domestic, Angora, Spanish, and Chartreux .
A definitive book on the Chartreux cat was published in 1980 by Jean Simonnet, who suggested that the cat originated in the Near East, and its ancestor was the cat described as the Cat of Syria by the Italian naturalist Ulisse Aldrovandi (1522–1605). According to the illustration of the Cat of Syria in Jean Simonnet’s book, the cat is stocky and has a deep blue hue with a hint of an almond-shaped copper eye that is surrounded by a bright white fur. In front of the cat lies a brown mouse huddled together, a demonstration of the Chartreux’s keen hunting instincts, one of the reasons this breed was so highly respected at the time. After being brought to Europe on merchant ships from Near Eastern countries, the Chartreux became an established breed in the south of France by the end of the 19th century. Since for many centuries members of the Chartreux breed haven’t been treated with the type of kindness and love they now expect, it’s a testament to their endurance and flexibility that the breed has survived at all.
Their primary purpose was to catch rats and for a time, their luxurious pelts were a sign of their worth, and they were prized for their prowess at catching them. In his book, Jean Simonnet writes, “It is true that the Chartreux cats which are beloved by us formerly did not have the best of times with the people around us.” A colony of plush, short-haired blue cats that lived on Belle Ile Island near the coast of Brittany in northwest of France began to exist in the 1920’s when Christine and Suzanne Leger discovered the colony in their home town of Le Palais. It is believed that these cats lived free-roaming on the grounds of a hospital and that they were similar in appearance to the Chartreux cats. In coincidence, a religious order was running the hospital at the time.
