- Breed Size:
- Height: 22-27 cm
- Weight: 6-5 kg
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Learning Rate: Medium
- Country of Origin: France
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A rare breed of cat, the Chartreux is a poised, silent, and sometimes silly cat known for their greyish coat. This cat breed is coveted for their skill in hunting and agility. Even though labeled as quiet cats, Chartreux are communicative, mainly using their eyes to plant directions. So if you plan to have a Chartreux, you will be well versed in signs and actions in less time.
The rare greyish-blue coat easily recognizes Chartreux. Unlike most cats, this breed reaches adulthood in three to five years. One fantastic thing about their coat is that it is water repellent. The soft to feel coat becomes wooly over time as the Chartreux age. For Chartreux kittens, the body will have tiny markings of light tabby shade, which disappear as they grow up.
This rare breed of cat has a muscular body with a round head and copper-colored glimmering eyes. They have short and robust limbs as compared to their body. You can compare the Chartreux with the British blues and Russian shorthair and see several familiarities in their features and appearance. While their looks remained unchallenged, this cool breed is somewhat aloof and independent of nature. The Chartreux enjoys attention but will never demand your affection. It means they are less clingy and would love your attention without being too demanding. Irrespective of this behavior, their love for their humans is just pure. They love to sleep on the same bed or the same room as their owners and observe them closely.
These small grey balls of fur are pretty expert in making body language. Since they are mostly silent, they’ll communicate via body language. Their calm nature is the best thing to have, and they do not mind staying alone. However, it is never recommended to keep them alone for long. They are pretty gentle to kids and friendly towards other pets and cats. Provided, if they are introduced well and grow up together, they can become best friends.
The origin of the Chartreux took place in the Valley of Chartreuse in France, somewhat related to the Carthusian order of monks. Legends say that the Chartreux cats have been companions to the monks and that the cats’ monk-like silence led to the comparison. Despite the comparison and the suspected linkage with the Carthusian monks, the origin of this cat breed dates back to the 1700s.
Back then, this cat breed was an expert killer of rodents in France’s homes, shops, and stables. Until World War II, this breed was found to have roamed about in groups and appeared in cat shows. Post-war, they were ceased in numbers and were no longer seen in groups. But the 20th-century breeders successfully preserved this rare breed of cat, and today it is one of the valued cat breeds.
Health
The Chartreux is overall a healthy cat breed. But like any other cat breed, they can be prone to health-related issues such as kidney diseases, urinary tract infections, and patellar luxation. Other health-related problems such as allergies, knee dysplasia, hip dysplasia, eye infections, and dental issues such as tartar buildup, teeth, and gum infections are common in Chartreux. If overfed, this cat breed can also become obese. Regular vet visits and periodic vaccination are a must to have the cat live a healthy and long life.
Exercise
Chartreux are poised by nature, but they often love being all by themselves. Since the cat breed is not so much of a seeking attention type, you can bring them some pretty cat toys to play with them. If you have another cat, sure, they both can engage in several fun games. Spend time with your kitty and involve them in mind-stimulating games such as feathered bands or flashing a torch on the wall and letting them catch the light. You can also encourage them to find the hidden treats. Another thing you can bring home for them to play with is a cat tower.
Feeding
Like any other feline, Chartreux needs a fair amount of protein in their food. You can use both dry and wet cat food for the cat, divided into two meals a day. Contact us to find the best variety of dry and wet food for your Chartreux. For Chartreux kitten, make sure to choose what is for a kitten and then serve them 3-4 meals a day.
Grooming
Due to the short coat, the Chartreux is easy to groom. However, they shed moderately more during spring. Brushing them regularly help in keeping loose hair away from their body and distribute the natural oils evenly on the body. They are clean by nature and would not require frequent bathing. Bathing them once a month is sufficient, but when you bathe them make sure the coat is thoroughly wet as their water repellent coat needs some hard work. Cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth regularly is a must, keeping in mind their overall health. You should also trim their nails whenever you feel there is a need.