- Breed name: Chartreux
- Origin: France
- Size: Medium to large cat
- Average life expectancy: 11-15 years
The Chartreux is the national cat of France. She is recognisable by her beautiful gray (blue) fur and almost orange eyes. She has calm character, loves children, and extremely rarely meows.
ORIGIN
According to one of the legends, these cats first appeared in France in the 16th century, where they were kept the Carthusian monks company, after whom they got their name. In addition, the cats naturally helped them by catching rodents in their monasteries. In their native France, these cats were originally used to protect large households and barns, as hunters of mice and rats. Unfortunately, due to their specific and beautiful fur, it was not a rare case that these cats were hunted and killed. In the period after the First World War, a group of breeders managed to save this cat from extinction.
In the period from 1928 to 1931, these cats began to appear at European exhibitions, and the first specimens arrived in the United States in 1870. The breed standard was set in 1939. Outside of France, these cats are still very rare today, and in their native France they are very popular and are considered the national cat of France. French President Charles de Gaulle as well as the famous poet Charles Pierre Baudelaire, owned a cat of this breed.
APPEARANCE
The Chartreux has a large and very strong body. Its two most recognisable characteristics are beautiful gray (blue) fur and very pronounced eyes that are almost orange. This cat has a round and large head with plump cheeks, and always looks like it has a smile on its face. The ears are set high, their shoulders and chest are as strong as the rest of their body. These cats grow slowly, the male will reach his full size and weight at around the fourth year of life. These kittens are always in some variations of gray-blue colour, other colours are not allowed. The average weight of this kitten is between 3 and 7 kg.
CHARACTER
This cat is above all an excellent hunter with a very pronounced predatory instinct. She misses nothing, be it a mouse, a ball or a stick with a feather. She also enjoys cuddling with her owner and napping. The Chartreux is considered an obedient cat, loves it’s routine and rarely meows. It gets along well with children and other animals. She will almost never scratch you if something is not to her liking, but she will simply walk away. She is intelligent and remains playful even in old age.
HEALTH AND CARE
Their coat is easy to maintain. It needs to be brushed once a week for it to be shiny and healthy. In the spring, when this cat is moulting season, it is necessary to do it more often. This cat maintains its hygiene on its own, so it is almost not necessary for it to bathe. Also, it is important to note that the coat hardly absorbs water, which can make bathing more difficult.
They are considered a generally healthy breed, but may be prone to patellar luxation (dislocation of the patella).
Statistics
(on a scale of 1 to 5)
- Energy level: 4/5
- Level of playfulness: 4/5
- Relationship to other pets: 4/5
- Attitude towards children: 4/5
- Maintenance required: 2/5
- Independence: 3/5