Chartreux

Things you Should Know about the Chartreux

The Chartreux (pronounced shar-true) is one of the most well known French cat breeds around for quite some time now, over several centuries. These cats are known for their quiet demeanor and their short, blue-gray coats. 

They are generally fairly calm and independent, and they don’t demand much to be satisfied. Chartreux breed is silent and makes for a good companion for people that do not wish to play around a lot with their pets. 

All you need to do is learn how to interpret their mimed body language.

The Chartreux is quite rare nowadays, and this is the main reason why they can be expensive. Chartreux kittens can cost up to $1,500, but it depends on several factors, including age and pedigree.

Appearance Matters. What does a Chartreux look like?

The Chartreux’s are cute grey cats, although they have powerful bodies wrapped in a short, thick coat. Their fur is gorgeous, but what truly sets them apart are their orange eyes. 

The heads are round with full cheeks and an expression that makes it seem as if they were always smiling. Chartreux cats have medium-size ears that go perfectly with the rounded head.

Some would describe their body type as primitive since they are robust, have broad shoulders, and a deep chest. Their legs are a bit on the short side, with delicate bones and medium-size paws.

They have a flexible tail that is constantly moving around, and it is heavier at the base, with a rounded tip.

These cute grey cats are agile and supple and typically weigh from 7lbs to 16lbs when fully mature. Many people get surprised when they pick this cat up since it is heavier than expected. 

Chartreux cats grow slowly, and males usually reach their full size when they are 4 or 5 years old.

The Chartreux Coat

The texture of their coat is wooly, and it is of medium-short length. However, the wooliness may vary according to the cat’s age and gender and the climate it lives in. 

Mature male Chartreux cats have the heaviest coats in general, and females usually have a thinner coat.

The coat of the Chartreux is usually in a shade of blue-gray. The tips of their fur almost look like they have been dipped in silver. It gives them a unique look.

Chartreux kittens can have faint tabby markings that will disappear with age. Once they are old enough, they should have an even tone of fur.

What colors do the Chartreux cats come in?

Chartreux cats can only come in one color, and that color is blue. 

The exact shade can vary anywhere between:

• Light toned silvery ash
• Light grey
• Deep, dark gray

These cats are typically covered in a uniform shade of blue once they reach adulthood. Kittens under the age of two can sometimes have slight tabby markings, but these vanish entirely once they grow up.

What is the difference between a Russian Blue and a Chartreux?

The Chartreux is often compared to Russian Blues because they have a similar appearance. However, there are some differences between these cat breeds.

The Russian Blue has more silver-tipped hair than the Chartreux. They also have a short and dense coat, while the Chartreux sports a medium-short wooly coat. 

However, the Russian Blue is not the only breed that gets compared to these french blue cats. 

The Chartreux and the British Shorthair are similar, and mixing them up is not an uncommon occurrence. However, the British Shorthair is much larger and can come in various colors.

It's all Personal. The Chartreux Temperament

The Chartreux cat personality is often described as being cool and aloof. These cats like to be independent.

While they do love their owners, they can have fun all by themselves. They do like to show affection by following you around or sleeping in your bed. 

These cats are also highly observant. You can catch them watching everything that is going on in your household silently from the sidelines. Once they do decide to speak up, it will probably sound like a small chirp. 

Chartreux uses body language instead of sounds, which is why they are often compared to mimes. However, do not think for a second that these cats are serious if they prefer silence. 

They can be quite silly, and many owners believe that they actually have a sense of humor.

It is worth mentioning that these unusual cats have extremely fast reflexes and will catch any mice without a problem. 

Are Chartreux cats friendly?

Chartreux cats are some of the most sociable, friendliest, and loyal cat breeds in existence. They can be your friends and are a great fit for families with children.

If they don’t like how you are handling them, they typically won’t scratch you. Instead, they will just walk away.

Still, if you have younger children, you should always supervise them while playing with their pets. This way, you can make sure they aren’t mistreating the cat. Chartreux cats can also live with friendly dogs without a problem. 

Caring for your Chartreux

It is quite easy to take care of Chartreux cats in general. 

They have a short, thick coat that can be kept up simply by brushing it once or twice a week. They do shed a bit more during spring, so you might need to brush them more often. 

There is no need to bathe them frequently; just remember that their coat is water-repellent. This means it might take more time and work to get wet completely.

Since they do shed, they are not a hypoallergenic breed, so keep that in mind.

The Health and Happiness of your Chartreux

Chartreux cats are generally healthy and have a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years. However, they can be prone to polycystic kidney disease and can develop struvite stones in their urinary tracts. 

Most breeders will test the kittens for any genetic health issues. Still, you should always take your pet cat to the veterinarian regularly and listen to their advice. As with most cats, health issues can pop up once they get older.

How Much Money Does a Chartreux Cost?

These French cats are great companions due to their calm demeanor and their love of silence. Since they have been around for quite some time it is not hard to find one with a good pedigree.

Expect the price of Chartreux kittens for sale to range anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000 depending on the breeder you get them from. IN rare cases the price may shoot up to $2,500 but it won’t get higher than that usually.

These higher prices are for excellent pedigree kittens that are almost show-quality. If you are just looking for a pet you really don’t need to look into the more expensive ones.

Feline History. Where does the Chartreux come from?

These French cats are believed to date back to the 18th century. There are many tales of their origin, but one of the more famous ones is that Carthusian monks bred them. This was probably done so they would keep their monasteries free of rats.

Many records show that these cats were used for catching rats in homes or shops in France, back in the 1700s. However, they were also prized by certain furriers for their gorgeous coats. 

This breed of cat was mostly running freely in packs up until the early 20th century. They started to show up in breed shows all over Europe in the 1930s.

These cats were imported to the United States for the first time in 1970. The Cat fanciers’ Association recognized them in 1987.