History:  

The Chartreux cat breed has a religious history. The attractive bluish cat was brought from the Middle East once upon a time in the 1500s. Carthusian monks actively bred this cat breed near the capital of France as working cats. 

Later in the 1920s, there was a strategic program to breed Chartreux, leading to healthy, strong, short-haired blue cats with powerful bodies and elegant faces. Then, this cat breed was imported to the British region to develop its own breed and enhance the coat type, body, and coat colour of the short-haired the British. 

This cat breed was almost lost during the Second World War. However, with the constant effort of dedicated breeders, the breed survived, but still on a smaller scale.

Height: 22-25 cm

Weight: 2-5 kg

Size: Medium to Large

Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years

Breed Appearance:  

This cat features a round, sweet face, gray and blue coats, and glimmering copper-colored eyes. Moreover, the breed has muscular and large bodies with slight and short limbs. Also, they can be considered potatoes on toothpicks. Usually, these cats stand around 9-11 inches tall and can grow with a weight range of 6-12 pounds. 

As per the statement by Kurt Venator, this cat breed takes more time to reach adulthood, with a slow maturity rate. 

The solid blue-grey body coat of this cat is a defining trait. However, these cats can have light tabby spots on their bodies with age. Their water-repelling and silky coats also change their texture to woolly as they grow. Unfortunately, in the spring season, these cats lose their hair. 

Appearance-wise, the cat has been compared to Russian blues and British shorthairs. However, there are more ways to tell these grey felines apart. British Shorthairs are larger breeds with wider heads. At the same time, Russian blues have more plus and dense coats with silver-looking hairs compared to Chartreux. 

Health & Care:

This is one of the healthiest cat breeds with an average lifespan of around 12 to 16 years. However, they may face a few health issues, like kidney disease, urinary tract infections, etc. 

Responsible cat breeders will perform various tests to check genetic issues. However, it is crucial to schedule vet appointments for these cats often and seek advice. 

Living Conditions:

If you have a Chartreux cat at your home, consider it your pet. This breed is soft-spoken and not likely to make noise if anything bothers it. However, please take care of its health, behaviour, and changes in lifestyle. If you find anything bothering you about this cat's health, please consult a nearby veterinarian. 

This breed doesn't want to go out of its way to create a new friend circle; it is far from timid. Its undemanding and calm nature can help you to leave it at home alone if you go out. 

If you worry about noisy cat pets, you should think about this breed with a calm nature. Besides, the breed doesn't want to wake you with noisy meowing during the nighttime. 

Due to its good nature and tolerance, this is the right fit cat breed for families with other pets and kids. Moreover, it is a great travel companion. Please ensure that you offer it some routine elements and stability. 

Grooming: 

We would suggest you comb this cat weekly. However, to remove the wooly coat, please don't brush. Before that, check for scratches. 

Otherwise, scrapes will suffice. Primarily, the cat takes care of its own grooming in its free time. Interestingly, bathing this cat is a rare requirement. However, if needed, it takes more time to wet the coat since it is water-repellent. 

This cat is prone to shed in the spring and needs brushing to remove loose hairs. 

Please note that the greasy coat may prevent the cat from grooming itself. It may be due to extra weight or any health issue. Consider health care for this breed as the grooming practice, with parasite control, regular vaccination, and annual health checkups. 

Advantages:

• Affectionate but not clingy – enjoys companionship while respecting space

• Quiet and gentle – known for being nearly silent

• Intelligent and observant – learns routines and may even play fetch

• Adaptable to various home environments, including apartments

• Low-maintenance coat – short, dense, and rarely mats

• Generally gets along well with children and other pets

• Loyal and bonds deeply with their chosen humans

Disadvantages:

• Can be reserved or shy with strangers

• Needs regular play and stimulation to stay mentally engaged

• Rare breed – may be difficult and expensive to acquire

• Can be prone to obesity if not exercised and fed properly

• Some lines may be prone to hereditary health issues like patellar luxation

• May not satisfy owners looking for a very vocal or overtly affectionate cat