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Chartreux

Chartreux Cat Breed Profile

Weight 8.8-15 lbs (4-7 kg)
Origin France
Color Blue-gray
Fur Medium, woolly
Lifespan 12-15 years
Personality Full of energy, agile, loyal, sometimes silly
Energy
Playful
Independent
Meowing
Shedding

Chartreux Photo: Margarita Khamidulina/Shutterstock

Breed Characteristics

The Chartreux is one of the friendliest cat breeds in the world! They’re especially joyful and have a great sense of humor. Sometimes, they can be downright goofy. They often make their owners laugh with their funny antics. For example, when you throw a ball for them or dangle a ribbon toy in front of them. That’s when they really show off their acrobatic skills. They like challenging games and can even learn tricks.

Personality and Temperament

Despite its silly nature, the Chartreux is also a very calm and polite cat. They mostly watch what their humans are doing with their full attention and curiosity. Chartreux cats also get used to new surroundings more quickly than other cat breeds.

Chartreux Photo: Giorgio F/Shutterstock


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Keeping Them Happy

The Chartreux cat also loves sitting on a human’s lap. You hardly have enough time to sit on a chair before they jump up onto your legs to get close to you. They’re also the ultimate movie night cat. They love cuddling up and there’s nothing they love more than scratches under the chin and between the ears.

For a Chartreux, there’s nothing better than a day of cuddling, playing, sleeping and eating. They like a daily routine but aren’t as picky as the Russian Blue. They’re very sociable, unobtrusive and happy to occupy themselves. So they’re fine to be left alone at home for a longer time every now and then. Of course, the Chartreux will suffer just like any cat if not looked after, so shouldn’t be left alone for too long!

They get on well with other cats and dogs. Just not mice. Why not? They are excellent hunters and will constantly bring home dead mice if they can find them.

Chartreux Photo: Katniss studio/Shutterstock


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Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Cuddly
  • Quiet
  • Sociable and easy going
  • Funny
  • Acts like a clown
  • Good-mannered
  • Intelligent

Cons

  • Sheds a lot

Chartreux Photo: Oliviva Lorot/Shutterstock

Appearance

Chartreux cats have powerful, muscular bodies. Their soft coats are water-repellent and always blue-gray. They have wide, round cheeks and their eyes are orange.

History

The Chartreux is an order of monks that actually has nothing to do with the Chartreux cat. They have this name because of an especially soft and cozy blue-gray wool called “pile des Chartreux”.

Fun Facts

There’s not just a Chartreux cat, but also a Chartreux horse! It’s a breeding line within the PRE horse breed (Pura Raza Espanola).

Comparable Breeds

Chartreux Photo: Katniss studio/Shutterstock