Welcome to our Chartreux Cats page! Here you will find everything you could ever want to know about Chartreux cats and a complete list of all the Chartreux catteries we have located in the USA.

The Chartreux is an elegant, sophisticated cat breed with brilliant golden eyes and a silver-blue double coat. This friendly, historic French cat loves peaceful homes, and is a welcome addition to any family.

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Chartreux

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Chartreux Cat Breed Information

General Information:

Height/Length: about 9 to 11 inches
Weight: about 9 to 12 pounds
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Coloring:   Blue-gray with silvery-colored tips
Area of Origin:  France, Syria
Similar Breeds:  Persian, Balinese, Singapura

Breed History and Origins:

The Chartreux is a beautiful cat with a charming name, rich history and friendly personality. It is often called the smiling cat of France, and it is one of the oldest natural breeds recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association in 1987. The Chartreux cat has many interesting legends about its origin.

One legend says that the Chartreux was bred by monks at Le Grand Chartreux monastery in the French Alps, but there are no evidences to confirm this story. However, this rare breed has been mentioned in several writings and poems throughout the centuries. During World War II, the breed was nearly brought to extinction, but devoted breeders worked hard to reestablish the breed. The remaining Chartreux cats were mixed with other blue cats, including British Shorthairs, Persians, and Russian Blues.

Another story says that the Chartreux cat was found in the mountains of Syria and brought to France, suggesting that the “Cat of Syria” was probably its ancestor.

The Chartreux finally arrived in the United States in 1970 when Helen Gamon of La Jolla brought back a male Chartreux from Madame Bastide, a reputable breeder in France.  Whatever its origins, this adorable cat is well known and popular worldwide and it has Championship status in all associations.

Size and Physical Characteristics:

The Chartreux is a medium to large cat with a robust, strong, muscular body. Females tend to weigh between 6 and 9 pounds and males average between 10 and 14 pounds. Typically, males are much larger than females. Females are smaller, but still very muscular.

Chartreux are very elegant cats. They have broad shoulders and deep chests, their wide heads set on a short and heavy neck. The forehead should be high. Despite their chubby look, Chartreux cats are very energetic and agile. The ears should be medium to small and set high on the head. Males tend to have chubby cheeks and strong, well developed jaws. The muzzle is long, narrow, and tapered. Due to their prominent whisker pads, they have lovely, smiling expressions on their faces.

One of the main characteristics which sets this breed apart is its brilliant eye color. The Chartreux has very distinctive, charismatic eyes, which are large and round. The eye color can range from copper to gold. Their eyes should be wide, expressive, and gently rounded. The nose is medium-length and straight.

Another unique feature of the Chartreux is its water-resistant, plush, medium-length, double top coat. The coat looks like it has silver highlights, and it is very similar to the Russian Blue. It is also a bit wooly in texture and soft to the touch. The woolliness depends on the cat’s age and sex and the climate.

The Chartreux come in only one color, blue-gray with silvery-colored tips, although any shade from ash to slate is acceptable. Kittens may have faint tabby markings that disappear gradually. Their legs are slightly shorter in proportion to their bodies. Their paws should be small and round. The tail is medium size, long and tapering at the tip. Overall, this is a beautiful, self-confident, unique cat.

Personality and Temperament:

The Chartreux cat is one of the most enchanting and stunning cat breeds. Like every cat, it requires plenty of love and attention.

The Chartreux has a particularly awesome personality. The Chartreux cat is a very tolerant breed.  They are independent and dominant cats, but at the same time they are very affectionate and devoted to their loved ones. These cats are extremely smart and curious. They enjoy various family activities.

Their gentle personality makes them especially good with children and other pets. They are very gentle and tolerant with their owners. The Chartreux is an easygoing cat to have as a companion. They will most likely follow you around like a dog. These cats tend to be interested in everything and very affectionate toward their loved ones. They tend to bond with one particular person in the family, but they will be very friendly and open to other members of the household.

The Chartreux loves peaceful and stable environments. If you don’t have enough time to play with your cat, you should invest in some tools. Just like humans, cats don’t like to be bored. Yes, cats can get bored. Make sure that your cat has a few interactive toys that she can entertain herself with. A scratching post is also an essential for every cat owner.

The Chartreux cat is generally very friendly, quiet, fun, and intelligent.  He has a very sweet and friendly personality. The Chartreux is not particularly sociable, but is not shy either. It has a perfect balance between sociability and shyness. Like every cat, the Chartreux loves to jump, climb and play. The Chartreux is well suited to any home and environment as he is a highly adaptable cat.

Chartreux cats are not known for meowing, and are much less talkative than other cat breeds. However, they do purr when they are satisfied. They are usually not aggressive. Chartreux cats are highly intelligent, but they learn slowly, so be patient. If you are looking for a cat who is extremely intelligent and loves to play, this breed might be for you. They are ideal companions for singles, first time cat owners, and families with children.

Nutritional and Exercise Needs:

The Chartreux is a medium-sized cat compared to other breeds. Females usually weigh between 6 and 9 pounds and males average between 10 and 14 pounds. Exercise is very important in achieving and maintaining a good weight. You can keep your Chartreux in shape through exercising. This breed can easily become overweight. It is best to measure food portions, as they love to eat. A balanced diet is essential to keeping your Chartreux healthy and happy. Obesity in cats is a very serious condition that can lead to all kinds of health issues. The Chartreux will require approximately 80 Kcals per kg of bodyweight per day of food. It is also highly important that your Chartreux drinks good amounts of water. Make sure there is plenty of fresh water available at all times.

Nutrition is one of the most important keys to your cat’s happiness and health. Your Chartreux needs a diet with a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. This is one of the largest cat breeds and they are much heavier than they look. Make sure you feed your Chartreux a high-quality food. The most important thing you can do to prevent obesity, is to make sure that your furry friend gets plenty of daily activity. A healthy exercise plan will burn some calories and improve your cat’s muscle tone.

Like almost every pet, your Chartreux needs daily routine and play sessions. The best way to exercise your cat daily is by playing games with him. You can use a wide variety of cat toys to help your cat stay entertained and well-exercised. Buy some fun toys, including balls, feathers and corks. Playing with your cat with a laser pen is a great way to keep them interested. It is also a good idea to invest in a cat exercise wheel. All cats love jumping, climbing, and scratching, so you could invest in a scratching post and cat climbing tree.

Chartreux cats are very clean and they will need a clean, fresh litter box.  Their food bowls, toys and scratching posts should be cleaned and disinfected frequently.

Grooming and Upkeep:

Grooming your cat is an essential part of cat health care. You will have to spend a few hours each month maintaining the cat’s appearance through brushing and grooming, but all cats benefit greatly from regular grooming. As part of your weekly grooming routine, check your cat’s nails, ears, and eyes.

Chartreux cats are generally easy to care for and have minimal grooming requirements. Proper weekly combing is required, but frequent brushing is actually not recommended. Running your fingers through their soft coat or simply using a grooming glove is all that is required to keep their coat in great condition. However, owners may wish to comb their cats with a steel comb more often to get rid of dead hairs during the shedding season.

Bathing these cats can be tricky and you must be extremely patient because of the fur’s texture and thickness. It can be a very stressful activity for your cat, so be gentle. Use a shampoo specially designed for felines. Drying can also be difficult because the coat retains the water for a long time.

These cats are not a great choice for allergy sufferers. They are not hypoallergenic, and they may cause a reaction in those who have cat allergies.  Chartreux cats are not demanding. Brush their teeth at least twice a week. You should also check their ears at least once a week for any signs of redness or infection. Clean them only when it is really necessary.

Regular nail trimming is an essential part of grooming a cat and very important for your cat’s health. The trimming can be uncomfortable for your cat, so do not try to do all the claws at once, it is almost impossible. There are several nail trimmers available, never use scissors. If you begin early, your cat will get used to it.

Characteristics Unique to the Breed:

Undoubtedly, the Chartreux is a unique breed of cat. These cats are known for their smile. Because of their tapered muzzle they look as if they’re constantly smiling. Their name is pronounced “shar-true”. The things they most enjoy are cuddles and food.

There are some key personality traits that make the Chartreux breed unique and special. The Chartreux is highly devoted to his owners and need companionship. This cat doesn’t like to be left alone for long periods of time. It is probably not a good choice of pet for owners with a busy work schedule. The Chartreux is highly affectionate and will follow you from room to room, just like a dog. Chartreux cats are very playful, even in their old age. They especially love to play fetch. You should provide your cat with a wide variety of toys. It will allow the cat to express his hunting instinct.

Chartreux cats are extremely gentle and good with children and other animals. They love dogs and are extremely tolerant of strangers.  Chartreux are wonderful companions for every cat lover.  Although these cats love cuddling with their owner, they need some personal space. They are exceptional hunters with quick reflexes, and they love eating, sleeping, and relaxing.

Chartreux cats are very beautiful. They give the impression of great strength, but at the same time they are very elegant. The important distinguishing features of the Chartreux are his eyes and the texture of the coat. Their eyes are large, very striking and expressive. Their medium length, double coat sets the Chartreux breed apart from all other breeds. It can withstand harsh weather conditions.

Chartreux cats are extremely intelligent, which does not necessarily mean that they are easy to train. However, with enough patience you will be able to teach your Chartreux many fun tricks. The Chartreux may have a favorite human, but they are usually very affectionate towards all members of the household. These characteristics make them ideal companions.

This cat is perfect for those who want an interactive pet, and a calm and friendly companion. Owners that are looking for a unique and rare pet will love this breed. Chartreux cats are adorable and sometimes mischievous pets that will bring much joy to your life.

Health and Wellness:

Chartreux cats are generally very healthy with very good appetites, but like almost all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues. Annual exams for your Chartreux are extremely important. The Chartreux cat is genetically prone to patellar luxation, also known as slipping kneecaps, and hip dysplasia.

Chartreux cats are also prone to various dental problems, including gingivitis. A cat with bad breath may have some health issue. Regular teeth brushing is a must.  You can use special toothpaste for cats. If you neglect to care for their teeth, they are more susceptible to illness. A cat with a dental disease will avoid food. This can be very dangerous, because the cat may develop infections. Proper dental care is extremely important, so check your cat’s teeth frequently.

Some owners have stated that this cat is prone to certain eye problems. A regular wellness exam is the best way to prevent any health issues. Depending on your cat’s history and age, semi-annual exams are also recommended. The Chartreux requires a veterinary examination at least once a year. Like most cats, these cats tend to hide their illnesses, so physical examination by your veterinarian is necessary. It is also important to vaccinate your cat against feline diseases.

The first sign that your cat is sick may be a change in its behavior. Even the smallest change can indicate a serious health problem. Preventive care is extremely important to keeping your cat healthy. Like most other breeds, this breed may suffer from vomiting. There are really many causes of cat vomiting. However, vomiting may indicate may some serious cat disorders. If your cat appears sick, call your veterinarian immediately. Do not give your cat any medications.

You can help keep your cat from developing any infections by checking her weekly. If you notice any changes in your cat’s eating habits, you should immediately consult your veterinarian. It is highly recommended that you take your cat to your veterinarian for regular exams.

Interesting Facts about the Chartreux:

• Chartreux cats are known as great hunters and mousers.
• The Chartreux is one of the oldest cat breeds in the world.
• The Chartreux is an extremely rare breed.
• These cats don’t reach full size until they are three years old.
• The Chartreux is often described as a “potato on toothpicks,” due to its unusual appearance.
• The Chartreux require little maintenance.
• These cats are great travelers.
• Chartreux cats have a very dog-like temperament and are very affectionate toward their loved ones.
• Chartreux cats are well known for double-coated fur.