As laid-back and serene as they are witty and amiable, chartreux cats are. Study up on this entertaining French breed.
French dogs of the Chartreux (pronounced shar-true) breed date back hundreds of years. These cats are distinguished by their quiet personalities and short, blue-gray coats.
This laid-back breed is peaceful, self-reliant, and occasionally comical. The Chartreux is a great pet if you would enjoy having a sweetly silent friend and you’re willing to read her nonverbal cues.
These days, these cats are a bit uncommon. This is why the average cost of a Chartreux kitten, depending on age, pedigree, and other considerations, is between $1,000 and $1,500.
APPEARANCE
Short gray coats, charming round cheeks, and shimmering copper-colored eyes are characteristics of chartreux. These cats have been affectionately dubbed a “potato on toothpicks” because to their huge, muscular body and short, weak limbs. These cats are usually 9–11 inches tall and weigh 6–12 pounds.
“This is a slow-maturing breed that reaches adulthood in three to five years,” the doctor explains. A distinguishing characteristic of the Chartreux breed is its solid blue-gray coats, though young kittens may have light tabby spots or patterns that fade with time. These animals’ silky, water-repellent coats get fuzzier and more woolly as they age. Do you dislike shedding? Warning: There are a lot of loose hairs left behind by Chartreux, especially in the spring.
How and Why Cats Shed Can Take Action to Control the Mess
Although the appearance of the Chartreux has been likened to that of Russian blues and British shorthairs, there are methods to distinguish between these three gray cats. British shorthairs have bigger heads and are often an even larger breed than Russian blues, who have more hair that resembles silver and more dense, plush coats than Chartreux.
CHARACTERISTICS
These stylish felines are self-reliant and a little distant. They know how to have fun on their own, but they still love you. They can express their affection in subtle ways, such as by staying in your bed or accompanying you from room to room—they’re not into headbutts that are too close to the bone. Although the Chartreux will never ask for your love, he will always value your time spent with him. In addition, he is quite perceptive and likes to observe silently from the sides.
Actually, this silent breed hardly ever cries. The Chartreux rarely meows; when it does, it’s more like a little chirp. Sometimes it seems that Chartreux cats mime instead of using sounds to communicate. However, despite the fact that these icy cats appear severe, they can actually be quite silly—and they’re smart enough to know when they’re being funny. Some Chartreux owners swear these cats have a real sense of humor.
Silent and perceptive, these stunning gray companions make superb mousers with lightning fast reactions.
ESSENTIALS OF LIFE
You will probably need to exercise the same caution when living with a Chartreux as your pet. Pay special attention to these gentle cats’ routines and temperament and note any changes, as they are unlikely to express their displeasure by loud noises. Does your cat drink less water now? Does he sleep longer than normal? If you have any worries, consult a veterinarian.
Although these cats are not timid or shy in the slightest, they also don’t actively seek out new acquaintances. Chartreux cats are content to be left alone at home for a short while because of their peaceful, undemanding disposition; they won’t knock over your belongings or scream in disapproval.
Speaking of not crying, this breed is excellent for those who live in apartments and are concerned about their noisy dogs coming through the thin walls. Chartreux cats never wake you up in the middle of the night with loud meowing; instead, they prefer to mimic their requirements to their human friends.
Due to its overall amiability and tolerance, this breed makes excellent travel companions as well as a wonderful fit for households with children and other pets. Although Chartreux cats are easygoing, they do want consistency, so be sure to provide them with some form of schedule so they know what to anticipate.
Typical Health Issues
The Chartreux is a sturdy, healthy breed with comparatively few health issues. Nonetheless, there are a few possible health issues to be aware of:
• Polycystic kidney disease: This illness affects one or both kidneys, preventing them from functioning normally due to fluid-filled cysts.
• Struvite crystals: An overly alkaline diet or dehydration can cause small stones to grow in a cat’s bladder.
• Kidney failure may ensue from the stones irritating the bladder and obstructing the urethra.
• Luxating patella: This cat breed is susceptible to kneecap slippage.
TAKE CARE
The thick, short coat of the Chartreux is usually easy to maintain. Weekly brushing should suffice, but as these cats shed more in the spring, extra brushing will be needed to help them get rid of any stray hairs during that season. Although they don’t often need to be bathed, keep in mind that it takes some effort for their water-repellent coat to become completely wet.
These kitties don’t require any particular workout regimens—like most cats, they’ll work out a lot of energy themselves. One thing your pet Chartreux would certainly appreciate is toys left out to play with and daily playtime with their pet parents, too.
“[They are] historically known as fine mousers with strong hunting instincts,” Venator says. “The Chartreux enjoys toys that move.”
Training these cats to use a litter box should be very simple because they are intelligent and often love following rules. Keep their potty clean, please!
Although the Chartreux isn’t a particularly gregarious pet, he does enjoy human interaction. His primary requirements for socializing are somewhat regular routines at home and pet parents who are prepared to show affection and allow these French cats some time to get used to new people.
To help avoid obesity, feed your Chartreux premium cat food and keep an eye on their intake. To find out how much and how often to feed your specific cat, speak with your veterinarian. Like with all cats, you should also clip his nails to keep his paws comfy (and to prevent pain if he eats biscuits in your lap).
Nutrition and Diet
A balanced meal should be given to the Chartreux, and caution should be exercised to avoid overfeeding. Make sure you work with your veterinarian to select a meal that isn’t very alkaline if your pet has a propensity to generate struvite crystals (many plant-based feeds lead to high levels of alkalinity).
Additionally, make sure your cat always has easy access to clean drinking water. Your cat may produce struvite crystals and more concentrated urine if they don’t drink enough water. In order to increase moisture to your cat’s diet, you might want to think about adding wet food to the mix.
WELL-BEING
The Chartreux is a fairly healthy pet with a 12- to 15-year lifespan anticipated. Nevertheless, these felines are vulnerable to certain medical conditions like kidney disease and urinary tract infections.
Though it’s crucial to adhere to your cat’s veterinarian’s advise and make regularly scheduled vet appointments, ethical Chartreux breeders will test kittens for genetic health risks. All cats may experience health problems in their latter years.
HISTORY
The monks of the Carthusian order, who originated in the French Valley of Chartreuse, are referred to as Chartreux. According to certain traditions, these French cats might have been the monks’ companions, but it’s impossible to know for sure, says the Chartreux Cat Club U.K. Maybe the comparison came from the silky gray cloaks or the monk-like stillness of the Chartreux.
Whatever their relationship to the Carthusian brothers, records of the Chartreux family date back to the eighteenth century. These cats served as rats in French stables, stores, and residences. Sadly, furriers occasionally appreciated their gorgeous blue-gray coats. Up until the 1900s, this breed lived in packs and was presented in European breed shows 1930s.
After World War II, the wild Chartreux was no longer found roaming in groups through France. Luckily, the work of breeders in the early 20th century helped preserve the Chartreux, although the breed remains rather uncommon today.
INTERESTING FACTS
• France’s national cat is the Chartreux.One of the earliest natural cat breeds is the Chartreux, which dates to the early 1700s and possibly much earlier.
• “Magdaleine Pinceloup de la Grange,” a 1747 picture by Jean-Baptiste Perronneau, features a Chartreux as a pet in the subject’s arms. At the time, it was rather unusual to display a cat in this manner.
• According to the Chartreux Cat Club U.K., French President Charles de Gaulle was one of the most well-known historical breeders of this cat, despite the fact that there are relatively few Chartreux breeders now.
• If these gorgeous silver women’s eye candy isn’t enough for you, follow us for more interesting facts.