Chartreux Cat Breed Information

Group

Short Haired

Weight

4.1-6.3 kg

Length

22- 28 cm

Lifespan

11-15 years

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About the Chartreux Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Chartreux cats are a hunting breed by nature – the only thing they love more than their owner is scouting for rodents. These medium-sized cats were specifically bred to keep monasteries clear of mice and rats, and from this, they developed a strong affinity for their monk owners.

This connection is evident today in all adopted Chartreux cats, who display respect and affection for humans. However, they do not need attention all the time and like to play by themselves, too.

The Chartreux (shär-TRUE) are strong, agile, and extremely attractive with blue/grey hued coats and bright, golden eyes. They are noted for their calming demeanour and friendliness.

What Is the History & Origin of the Chartreux Cat?

The exact origin of the Chartreux remains undetermined, but it is generally believed that this beautiful blue cat has Syrian roots. It is thought that they were brought to France by crusaders returning from the middle east around the 15th century. As soon as they arrived in France, they were noted for their striking blue colour and pest control skills.

Legend has it that they were primarily adopted by Carthusian monks, who manned monasteries on the outskirts of Paris. They were later heralded by the 18th-century naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc to be the cat of France.

After becoming widespread throughout the country, a breeding program was adopted in 1920, which created the healthy shorthaired blue cat breed as they appear today. As a result of cross-breeding during World War 2, purebred Chartreux cats are a rarity today.

Today, the Chartreux has cat association recognition from the Cat Fanciers’ Association and TICA.

What Is a Chartreux Cat Breed?

Chartreux are a rare type of cat breed that can be very difficult to find today – even in France, where they were first actively bred. They are defined as working cats, having a particularly strong aptitude for hunting, and are still used by farmers for this purpose.

They are a shorthair cat breed, known for blue coat, strong build, and their calming personality traits.

Who Is a Chartreux Cat Best For?

Chartreux are often described as a pleasant companion cat, and are best suited for someone who is out working most of the day. They like attention but do not depend upon it, meaning that they can be left home alone for an extended time and be quite content.

For this reason, we’d particularly recommend Chartreux felines to single people who live alone. They make great companions and will give you a moderate level of attention when you are home. They are described as lap cats but are not as clingy as other breeds.

Alternatively, this breed is also great for families, being friendly in nature and big fans of play. They can also get along well with other pets.

What Does a Chartreux Cat Look Like?

A Chartreux is a muscular cat that is characterised by its shorthaired blue coat, fine bones, broad chest, well-developed muzzle, and rounded head.

These cats also feature deep, glowing eyes that are normally a copper, golden, or orange hue. Their eyes are well-rounded and wide open, giving them an alert expression. Chartreux are medium-sized cats and also feature medium-sized ears. Their full cheeks open to reveal an irresistible grinning expression.

These cats are both sturdy and flexible and can demonstrate fast agility. For being so muscular, they feature surprisingly short legs, which is where they get their not-so-affectionate ‘potato on toothpicks’ nickname from. Their tails could be described as restless and often sway depending on the activity they are doing.

Coat

The moderate coat of a Chartreux is noted for being woolly, thick, and dense. Although soft to the touch, the double coat acts as a hard protective layer for the cat.

The texture of the cat hair depends on the age and sex of the feline. Male Chartreux tend to have heavy coats, which may grow in density the older they get. Females, on the other hand, often have thinner coats that feature a silkier texture. Regardless of the sex, older cats will have thicker coats than kittens.

Colour

The colour of a Chartreux will always be a shade of blue-grey, ranging from ash to slate. The silver appearance of a Chartreux gives it an attractive iridescent quality. The most sought-after Chartreux pets are brighter in appearance.

Patterns

The fur of a Chartreux is uniform. This feline breed has a cohesive colour and does not feature any particular pattern.

Chartreux Cat Grooming & Shedding

The thick coat found on a Chartreux acts as a protective layer for them; it typically grows long in the winter and naturally sheds during the spring. Like a lot of cat breeds, Chartreux shed their undercoat twice a year, once in the spring to prepare for the summer heat, and once in the autumn to give them space to grow in their winter coat.

In terms of grooming, even this shorthair cat requires regular combing – not brushing – to keep its coat tidy from all the shedding. Depending on the rate at which the cat sheds, this could be a daily requirement. However, given how short the cat’s hair is, this procedure should be effortless, which is why we still regard this breed to be low maintenance.

How Do Chartreux Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

As a pet, this pleasant cat can be extremely amiable when it wants to but doesn’t require your undivided attention 24/7. A Chartreux will come to you if they want attention, and normally with a cat toy in its mouth. As much as they like to socialise and play, they can go without and are quite content to play one-player.

However, they don’t mind having their time interrupted, and you can give them attention whenever you like!

This loving cat enjoys watching their owners and will involve themselves whenever they see fit. You can expect a Chartreux to crawl up and lie in your lap from time to time.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of Chartreux Cats?

Chartreux is a highly intelligent cat breed and like puzzle solving and hunting games.

Habits

Instead of meowing, a Chartreux will take to miming what they’re looking for. They don’t normally form habits of waking their owners up in the middle of the night.

They can, however, be curious cats and form habits of exploring uncharted territory in your home. Pet parents should keep kitchen cupboards closed and harmful substances out of reach.

Activity

In terms of games, cat toys that move are preferred by Chartreux. They generally won’t form exercise habits themselves and will require you to keep them active through problem-solving games.

Are Chartreux Cats Vocal?

The Chartreux breed is not a particularly outspoken bunch: they will rarely complain through speech. As part of their placid personality, they don’t see the need to be constantly vocalising how they are feeling. They will purr from pleasure but will rarely make a negative noise. At most, you may hear a small chirp out them.

Even if they want something or notice that their food bowl is empty – they won’t bug you with persistent meowing, or any meowing at all, in fact. You may notice them open their mouth from time to time, but they regularly think better of the idea and close their mouths again. For this reason, they’re often described as quiet cats.

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of a Chartreux Cat?

Interestingly, Chartreux cats are noted for their slow growth rate and generally don’t reach their total height and size until they are around 5 years of age. Once fully grown, this medium-sized cat will have an average weight and height of:

Weight

A Female Chartreux weighs around 4kg, while a male has a healthy weight of up to 6.35kg.

Height

Chartreux felines have a height of between 22 to 28 centimetres.

Are Chartreux Cats Easy to Train?

Chartreux kittens require standard cat training. Thanks to their high intelligence, they are quick learners and will get in the habit of using their litter tray in no time at all.

Does the Chartreux Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

Chartreux are a generally healthy breed, with a healthy immune system and no prominent health concerns. They may suffer from genetic health problems, such as patellar luxation, but these can easily be solved with surgery. They may also suffer from struvite crystals as a result of a poor diet. Others may develop oral squamous cell carcinoma depending on their living environment.

What Is the Lifespan of a Chartreux Cat?

The average lifespan of the Chartreux cat breed is between 11 and 15 years.

How Much Does a Chartreux Cat Need to Be Fed?

Chartreux felines love meat and prefer products that are above 40% protein. Other than that, they also eat vegetables and fruit – they’re not too picky. Like all cats, a Chartreux should be fed twice a day and be kept from over-eating.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a Chartreux Cat in Australia?

Being a rare breed, this shorthair cat typically sells for around $1,300 to $2,000.

Chartreux Cat FAQs

Are Chartreux cats friendly?

Chartreux cats are extremely friendly, especially with humans but also with other animals.

How can you tell a Chartreux cat?

You can identify a Chartreux by its blue-silver fur and wide, golden eyes.

Do Chartreux cats purr?

Chartreux cays purr when they are happy, particularly when their owner returns home or when they’re anticipating food.

What’s the difference between a British Shorthair and a Chartreux?

A British Shorthair has a chubbier face than a Chartreux and also lacks an undercoat. Chartreux cats are fluffier than a British Shorthair. Plus, British Shorthairs come in a variety of colours and patterns.