The Chartreux is a French cat breed that dates back to the 18th century or earlier. A popular myth, now debunked, was that Carthusian monks bred these cats to keep monasteries free of rodents. Some now believe that they originated from feral mountain cats living in modern-day Syria.
It was not until 1931 that these cats debuted in European cat shows, and the United States had to wait until 1970 to import the first Chartreux. In 1987, the breed received recognition from the Cat Fanciers Association.
Breed Overview
Height
12–16 inches
Weight
9–11 pounds
Lifespan
11–15 years
Colors
Blue/silver-gray
Suitable for
Families with small children, single owners, anyone looking for a quiet cat
The Chartreux adores attention, and they will be all over you every time you sit down to relax. They are highly affectionate and love being around people and other pets. If you are contemplating getting this cat as an addition to your family, read on. We go over everything that you need to know about the breed.
Chartreux Cat Characteristics
Energy
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A high-energy cat needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep healthy and happy, while a low-energy cat needs minimal physical activity, but still needs mental stimulation. When choosing a cat, It’s important to ensure their energy levels match your lifestyle.
Trainability
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Cats that are easy-to-train are more willing and skilled at quickly learning prompts and actions with minimal training. Harder-to-train cats are usually more stubborn or aloof and require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
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Certain cat breeds are more prone to various genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every cat in those breeds will have these issues, but they do have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Lifespan
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Due to their size or potential genetic health issues of a specific breed, some cats have shorter lifespans than others. Proper nutrition, exercise, mental stimulation, and hygiene also play an important role in your cat’s lifespan and quality of life.
Sociability
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Some cat breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other cats and animals. Cats that are more social have a tendency to rub up on strangers for scratches or jump on laps for cuddles, while cats that are less social shy away, hide, are more cautious, and even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed or gender, it’s important to socialize your cat and expose them to many different situations.
Chartreux Kittens
Image By: Gosha Georgiev, Shutterstock
Chartreux kittens need the first 12 weeks after birth to grow, learn, and develop essential life skills. Do not purchase a kitten below that age. Apart from properly feeding their cats breed-specific food, the breeder must also keep proper health records from the time of birth. They should provide all immunization records and any other relevant papers you might require when purchasing a kitten. If such records are not available, do not engage the breeder.
Vets can recommend good breeders in your area. But do your due diligence before contacting anyone. It is also easy to find breeders online, but you should make sure they have great reviews. The most fulfilling option is adopting a cat from a rescue center or cat shelter. You may be lucky to find a Chartreux looking for a new home.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Chartreux
Image Credit: LucasBouillon, Pixabay
Intelligent and friendly are two traits that aptly describe these gentle animals. Chartreux cats easily get attached to their owners, and if you love to travel, they make perfect companions.
By nature, they are peaceful and easygoing. Unlike many cats, these felines have a soft and gentle ‘’meow.” Communication is usually by a simple chirrup. Despite their quiet nature, they are highly social and not easily aggrieved. They make perfect indoor buddies but enjoy an occasional bask in the sun. If you let them outdoors, you will likely find them exploring the shrubs in your yard. You should not worry, as their thick coat does not tangle and cleans rather easily.
Chartreux cats love to play. If you have only one cat, ensure that you provide plenty of toys to keep them engaged. For their physical well-being, you may get a cat tree for climbing and scratching. Cat dens will offer them spaces to hide and relax. A common trait with all cats is that they always choose a favorite place to snooze. Wherever it is, make it comfortable and snug for them to relax.
These cats are highly intelligent and will quickly learn their names and other basic commands. When you feed them well, keep their litter box clean, and give them a cozy bed to lie on, you will have a perfect feline companion that adores you and cheers you up with a smile.
You can’t always trust cats with kids, but you can trust them in the case of the Chartreux. These furballs tend to gravitate toward children more than adults. They are considered one of the gentlest breeds due to their compassion and tenderness toward kids.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽
When you already have a cat, the major concern for most people is whether they can get along with a dog. With a Chartreux, that should be the least of your worries. You will be surprised by how compatible this breed is with canines and even bigger animals. Thanks to their calm nature, they can deal with anyone who wants to pick a fight.
As with any other breed, it is important to understand the needs of this cat before adopting one. Here is everything that you need to know before becoming a Chartreux parent.
Food & Diet Requirements
The Chartreux has strict nutritional requirements. Like all felines, they’re obligate carnivores, so their diet should primarily consist of meat. These cats also tend to have sensitive stomachs, so plant-based protein sources should be avoided. Any cat food you purchase must at least contain meat-based protein. Proteins support the heart, fuel lean muscles, and keep weight in check.
Apart from proteins, vitamins and essential nutrients should feature in your cat’s diet. To avoid dehydration, include wet food in their diet to provide moisture. Feel free to consult a vet if you aren’t sure about the best cat food for your Chartreux.
Image Credit: Pixabay
Exercise 🐈
Cats require exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Luckily, it is easy to get Chartreux cats on their feet. They love to climb, play with dangling toys, chase laser points, and so on. They are intelligent cats and will also enjoy puzzle toys. For their climbing needs, consider cat shelves or cat trees.
Training 🧶
Chartreux cats are easy to train thanks to their intelligent nature. They will easily learn how to use a litter tray and cat flap and will come when requested. With time, they can also learn how to use a toilet bowl, jump through hoops, play fetch, and sit when requested.
Grooming ✂️
Image Credit: Irina Kozorog, Shutterstock
The Chartreux’s coat has a wooly texture that should be combed at least twice a week. Combing gets rid of all dead hair and maintains the coat’s health. It is also necessary to trim their nails.
While the cat can clean their ears independently, you should keep an eye on them. A damp cotton ball will do the job quickly if you are less than satisfied. Prevent gingivitis by cleaning their teeth often. A toothbrush with soft bristles and cat toothpaste is all you need.
Cats, just like humans, can develop genetic health problems and inherit diseases. Although the Chartreux is generally healthy, a recessive gene can be passed down that causes knee dislocation, a condition known as hereditary patellar luxation. Only engage a breeder who screens their cats for this condition and has records of doing so.
Male vs. Female
Both males and females show similar breed traits, and both are loving, kind, and affectionate. Males usually show higher energy levels than their female counterparts, which prefer to stay attached to their owners. But keep in mind that a cat’s breeding history and temperament are better considerations than sex when picking one out.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Chartreux Cat
1. Their hair is resistant to water.
It’s partly why their coat looks so thick and plush.
2. They are excellent mouse catchers.
Many people adopt these cats specifically for this ability.
3. They look like they’re constantly wearing a smile.
Their round face lends to this appearance, and given how friendly these cats are, it’s not entirely an illusion!
If you are a cat lover, this affectionate and smiling kitty will certainly suit you. But the Chartreux is a relatively rare breed, and you may have to dig a little deeper into your pocket to own one. But if your mind is settled, break the piggybank if you need to because this feline is worth every penny!
Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.
