The Chartreux Cat

The Chartreux cat is a very old breed originating in France in the middle ages. They are believed to have been close companions of the monks of  the Grand Chartreuse monastery in the French Alps. The monks maintain an order of silence and, interestingly, the Chartreux is one of the quieter cat breeds with some individuals never meowing at all, just purring.  These  cats can be on the large side and take several years to mature. They are full-bodied and heavy boned with a dense and woolly coat of gorgeous blue fur. The head is broader than it is deep creating a cherubic expression. The eyes are gold or orange.

 Cool Cat Facts...
The top coat of the Chartreux cat has a unique,
woolly texture which, combined with the dense, plush undercoat creates a nearly waterproof cat!                                                             

Is A Chartreux Cat Right For You?

The Chartreux cat is recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), the world's largest cat organization. It is a somewhat rare pure-bred or "pedigreed" domestic cat breed. These cats are refined and well-mannered but do have some endearing, dog-like qualities like enjoying playing fetch and coming running at the call of their name. Grooming is not necessary but the double coat may require some brushing to control stray hairs. These are large-sized cats that have few breed-related health issues, although pattelar luxation occurs infrequently. Inquire on this point with your breeder. Because it is relatively active and enjoys interaction, the Chartreux is a nice family cat that does well with considerate children and forms strong bonds,  but does not impose itself and can be content with less attention.

Chartreux Cat Breed Standards

Head Shape: The head is large and broad, more wedge-shaped than round. The jaw is powerful and well developed with full cheeks, but muzzle is small in comparison to head size, without being pinched or snubbed. Ears are somewhat small with rounded tips and furnishings inside. Eyes are large and round with great expression and should always be in the yellow, gold, or copper range. Deep copper color is desireable.
Body and Tail: The body is large and full with a quality of mass. Full, muscular shoulders and hips. Short, strong, well-ruffed neck. The legs are short for the body and moderately boned with small round feet. Tail is medium size and tapered.
Coat: The coat should be plush and very dense, short to medium in length.
Pattern: The color is always solid blue with silver highlights. Some kittens and young adults have tail rings and faint striping, but this should fade by two years leaving a clear solid shade of blue over the entire body without markings or excessive shading.
Overall Appearance: This should be a large, full-bodied cat with smaller feet and limbs, clear, beautiful color and a bright, handsome, and expressive face. Can't be confused with the Russian Blue cat when seen in the flesh, quite a different cat both inside and out. Quite, affectionate, and easy to handle despite imposing size.

Inside Cat or Outside Cat?

Wondering if you should allow your cat to go outside unsupervised? Well there are definitely some pure breeds that should never be outside cats. Hairless breeds like the Sphynx are extremely vulnerable and should always be supervised outdoors. Docile breeds like the Burmese may not be able to defend themselves. All cats allowed outdoors are exposed to diseases and parasites that they would not otherwise encounter. Fred Flintstone put his saber-tooth out every night, but the cat jumped right back in the window - and he was a saber-tooth! Still, most of us feel a little envy when we see our domestic companion out on some high perch, sniffing the breeze of liberty, and there is no doubt that cats love their freedom. So what do YOU think ....Inside Cat or Outside Cat? Comment Here...

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