Chartreux Cat Breed

Body Size - Medium
Coat Length - Short
Life Span - 15 years

Chartreux Description

This is a sturdily built cat with a round head. They have a plush coat with a thick undercoat. The accepted color is blue, varying in shade from a mid-blue to plum blue, and the hairs should be tipped in silver. The eyes are copper to orange.

Chartreux History

This breed of cat arose in France. Legend holds that they were originally raised by the Carthusian monks at the monastery of LaGrande Chartreux near Grenoble, makers of Chartreux liqueur. Other sources claim that the breed name is a reflection of their woolly coat, which resembles a Spanish wool of the same name that was well known in Europe in the 18th century. The Chartreux breed of cat had almost disappeared by the 20th century. In the 1920's, two sisters found cats of this breed on the grounds of the hospital at Belle-Ile-sur-Mer in France, and established a breeding program.

Chartreux Traits

Chartreux are agile, active cats that are playful and intelligent. They may be taught to fetch, and may learn to come to their names when called.

Chartreux Health

No Chartreux breed specific health risks have been identified.

Chartreux Summary

Chartreux kittens are born with blue eyes that slowly change to a brownish-grey before achieving the copper to orange coloration of the adult cat. The dense coat of the Chartreux should not be brushed, but instead should be rubbed by hand and/or with a chamois. The Chartreux is a sturdy French breed coveted since antiquity for its hunting prowess and its dense, water repellent fur. Its husky, robust type is sometimes termed primitive. Though amply built, Chartreux are extremely supple and agile cats; refined, never coarse nor clumsy. Males are much larger than females and slower to mature. Coat texture, coat color and eye color are affected by sex, age and natural factors which should not penalize. The qualities of strength, intelligence and amenability, which have enabled the Chartreux to survive the centuries unaided, should be evident in all exhibition animals and preserved through careful selection.