Description: Chartreux
The Chartreux is a historic breed of domestic cat from France, known for its sturdy, muscular build and beautiful woolly blue-gray coat. Distinguished by its orange or copper-colored eyes and a slightly smiling expression, the Chartreux is as amiable as it is beautiful. These cats are known for their quiet nature; they rarely meow and communicate more through their expressive eyes and body language. Chartreux cats are intelligent and playful, demonstrating both patience and independence, which makes them excellent companions. They adapt well to various living environments and are loyal to their family members, often forming a special bond with one person in particular.
Properties
The Chartreux, with its striking blue-grey coat and vibrant orange eyes, is a breed with a rich history and a personality that captures the hearts of cat enthusiasts around the world. Noted for its robust health and long lifespan, the Chartreux is a breed that combines a unique physical appearance with an equally charming disposition.
Originating from France, the Chartreux is often surrounded by tales of its past—from being kept by monks in monasteries to being a prized ratter in the homes and shops of Paris. What stands out most prominently in its physical characteristics is its dense, water-repellent woolly coat which is not only beautiful but also serves as protection. The color of this coat is typically a blue-gray shade, sometimes with a slight shimmering sheen under sunlight.
The body of the Chartreux is muscled and compact, exhibiting strength and agility. They have a broad chest and shoulders with fine boning which gives them a distinctive sturdy physicality. Their round head and full cheeks give them a jowly appearance, often referred to as a 'smile.' The ears are medium in size, set high on the head and rounded at the tips, complementing their bright, expressive eyes.
One of the most endearing qualities of the Chartreux is its temperament. Known for being exceptionally quiet, they often communicate with their owners through chirps and purrs rather than meows. They are intelligent and playful, but not overly demanding. This breed tends to form a close bond with their family, often showing particular loyalty to one person. They are known to be good with children and other pets, making them excellent family cats.
Chartreux are also known for their hunting prowess, a characteristic that has been honed over centuries. In a domestic setting, this trait translates to a love of play that involves pouncing and chasing. Despite their active nature, they are quite content to spend time cuddling up with their owners, embodying the perfect balance of a loving companion and an independent spirit.
In summary, the Chartreux is a breed celebrated not just for its striking appearance but also for its wonderful temperament and adaptability. Those looking for a quiet, affectionate, and playful cat would find a perfect companion in the Chartreux.
Appearance
The Chartreux is a distinguished French breed known for its robust health and striking appearance, often noted for its smile shaped by the structure of its head and its tapered muzzle. One of the most notable features is its dense, water-repellent coat which is blue-gray in color and has a unique woolly texture, reminiscent of a sheep’s wool. This double coat helps the Chartreux survive in cold climates and adds to the plush feel of its fur.
This breed is medium to large in size, with males often noticeably larger than females. Males typically weigh between 10 to 15 pounds, while females weigh less, usually under 10 pounds. The body is muscular and compact, giving the Chartreux a robust and rounded appearance but with surprising agility and athleticism. This muscular frame is complemented by relatively short, fine-boned limbs, contributing to the breed’s unique combination of power and grace.
The head is round and broad with full cheeks, topped with medium-sized ears set high on the head. The ears are slightly rounded at the tip, giving them a alert expression. The eyes are one of the most captivating features of the Chartreux; they are large and round, ranging in color from gold to copper, and express a sweet, smiling appearance.
Another distinctive characteristic is its quietness. Chartreux are known for being exceptionally quiet cats; they rarely meow and some are completely mute. Instead, they might chirp or make small noises when they do choose to vocalize. This breed tends to bond with one person in the household, showing loyalty and affection, though they're still friendly with others.
Overall, the Chartreux's striking blue coat, robust physique, and charming demeanor make it a beloved companion in many households. Their calm and easygoing nature combined with a playful curiosity makes them well-suited for families and single owners alike. The breed's history as a skilled hunter is manifested in its quick reflexes and keen observation skills, traits that add to its list of fascinating attributes.
History
The Chartreux, a French breed par excellence, boasts a rich and intriguing history that traces back several centuries. Renowned for its robust health, quiet voice, and gentle demeanor, the Chartreux is often considered one of the oldest natural French breeds. The origins of the Chartreux are somewhat mysterious and shrouded in legend, with several theories about how they came to be. One popular legend suggests that the Chartreux cats were originally owned by the Carthusian monks of France, living in their monasteries, particularly the Grande Chartreuse, located north of Grenoble. It's believed that the monks bred the cats for their rat-catching abilities, and their quiet nature was highly prized in the silent monasteries. However, no documented evidence substantiates this engaging story, and the monks themselves have denied this historical connection.
More likely, the breed's name is derived from the Spanish word 'Cartujo,' indicating a broader European lineage. The first documented mention of the term 'Chartreux' for these blue cats appears in the 18th century, and by the 19th century, they were well recognized in Europe. In literature, the French naturalist Buffon referred to these cats in the 18th century as the 'Cat of France.' During World War II, the breed almost faced extinction due to the severe conditions and upheaval. Post-war French breeders, particularly Simone Poirier, made significant efforts to revive the Chartreux by meticulous breeding practices, sometimes crossing them with British Blues to sustain genetic diversity.
By the 1970s, the Chartreux had made its way to the United States, where its distinctiveness and charming personality continued to win hearts. The breed was eventually recognized by major feline registries in North America. Chartreux cats are noted for their blue (gray) water-resistant short-haired coats, muscular build, and distinctive copper or gold eyes. Historically favored as hunters, their strong, agile bodies and quiet nature made them excellent at catching pests.
Today, Chartreux cats are cherished as gentle and affectionate companions, maintaining their reputation of being excellent hunters, while also fitting perfectly into domestic life. They are often described as 'dog-like' because of their tendency to follow their owners from room to room and their ease at being trained, which includes fetching items.