“Jealousy is a sign of love,” claimed Alexandre Dumas. His countryman, the jealous, golden-eyed Chartreux, would sign off on that with all four paws and his tail. Who does the Chartreux throw jealous scenes for, and how do you tame this passionate Frenchman?
Breed History
Chartreux cats are also known as Carthusian cats or medieval cats, and each of these names hides its own version of the breed’s origins.
The medieval version. The first mentions of these beauties date back to the 16th century. Back then, cats from Syria, stocky cats with ash-gray fur and copper eyes, were probably brought to Europe and multiplied unchecked.
The Carthusian version. It’s said that the blue cats were bred in monasteries by Carthusian monks, whose order was based at the Grande Chartreuse. As one piece of evidence, people point to a “Gray Cats” mountain nearby.
And according to a third version (which doesn’t contradict the others), these golden-eyed giants were named Chartreux because of their especially plush fur, which resembled a Spanish wool fabric called “pile de Chartreux.”
Either way, these cats have been known in France for a long time, though their colonies were never large. The Chartreux was considered a “commoner’s cat,” because ordinary French people back then valued them not for their personality but for their fur and meat.
Breeders only took an interest in the Chartreux after World War I. They started from 18th-century naturalists’ descriptions of the medieval cats and from kittens from a large colony on the island of Belle-Île. Chartreux cats first appeared at shows in 1928.
Interestingly, after World War II, the breed’s homeland nearly forgot its heroes: they’re rare in France today. They’re just as rare in England and the rest of Europe. But in America, surprisingly, you’ll find some of the purest lines of the breed today. Chartreux were first imported to the US in the 1970s, and the CFA advanced the breed to championship status in 1987.
This breed looks a lot like the British Shorthair.
Chartreux Personality and Traits at a Glance
| Affection for family | ★★★☆☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★★☆ |
| Health | ★★★★☆ |
| Playfulness | ★★★☆☆ |
| Vocality | ★★★★★ |
| Good with kids | ★★★☆☆ |
| Friendliness toward strangers | ★★★★☆ |
| Ease of grooming | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Gets along with other pets | ★★★★☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
Chartreux Breed Overview
Which famous Frenchman would you compare the Chartreux to? He’s as brave as d’Artagnan, as silent as the famous silent film star Max Linder, as handsome as Alain Delon in a picture, but judging by his looks and personality, he’s more of a lovable Depardieu.
Someone seeing a Chartreux “Depardieu” for the first time might mistake him for a British Shorthair. But the breed standard describes what sets the Frenchman apart perfectly.
- The Chartreux’s head is broad and shaped like an upside-down trapezoid. A long head is a disqualifying fault:
- the nose is broad and straight. IMPORTANT! The nose leather is gray only! A black or pink nose leather points to unwanted mixing in the bloodline;
- the ears are medium-sized and set high, but not straight up; they tilt slightly forward. The tips are rounded;
- in their first month, kittens may have gray-blue eyes, but don’t worry: as your pet grows up, its eyes will become what the breed standard calls for, deep orange or gold. According to the standard, the eyes are large and round and set fairly close together;
- the neck is strong and short, flowing into massive shoulders and a deep chest.
- Strong bones and powerful muscles have given the Chartreux a sturdy body. The size is medium (up to about 12 inches at the shoulder). The hind legs are heavier than the front legs, but both are straight and rounded. IMPORTANT! These blue cats are so blue that even their paw pads must match their coat. These Frenchmen are such fashionistas!
The tail is medium length, in proportion to the body, not fluffy, and rounded at the tip.
Males weigh about 13–15 lb, and females are somewhat lighter, about 9–11 lb. Keep in mind that females finish growing at about 3 years, while males may keep growing until 5.
- The coat and color put the breed squarely in “Provence” style. Indeed, the coat ranges from soft gray-blue to “lavender.” Light gray-blue is preferred, of course, but all the tones and half-tones fall under the “Maltese blue” category.
Another warning for overly sensitive owners of Chartreux kittens: little ones may have tabby markings. Don’t worry: they’ll disappear between six months and a year.
An adult’s coat is short but has a plush, woolly undercoat. The undercoat is slightly darker than the outer coat. By the way, the coat is one of the differences from the British Shorthair mentioned above: the Chartreux’s coat is longer and darker. The standards recognize shorthaired and semi-longhaired Chartreux.
Personality
Owners’ reviews vary widely, but they all agree on one thing: Carthusian cats don’t misbehave, and they get VERY jealous. Balanced and calm, the Chartreux can’t stand rivals: other animals in the family.
Given how adaptable they are, you can relax: this golden-eyed Frenchman will easily get used to any surroundings and won’t stage protests to defend his rights. Especially since nature didn’t give him much of a voice. Yes, the medieval cat hardly meows at all, unlike Siamese cats. And when he does speak up, it’s a barely audible, thin little voice. But they purr magnificently, so you always know what mood your friend is in. Then again, you won’t have to guess: if there’s no one to be jealous of, a Chartreux is in a good mood.
You can safely leave him alone: a Chartreux won’t be bored with his own company and a toy or two, but he’s always happy to see his owner. Especially if the owner isn’t in the cat’s favorite spot. A blue cat will fight for his place in the sun, and you can be sure he’ll win! His voice may be weak, but his character is strong!
His personality and physical traits also let the Chartreux feel great outdoors, even in cold weather or a cold climate. What’s more, it’s great for the coat (draw your own conclusions!). In the US, just make sure that outdoor time is safe and supervised.
Health
Like all pedigreed cats, the Chartreux has a few typical health problems. Because of its considerable weight, the medieval cat is prone to some joint problems: hip dysplasia, luxating kneecaps, and similar issues sometimes occur.
How can you tell something is wrong with the skeleton? With a dislocation, the cat “cries” and hides somewhere secluded. Dysplasia is harder to spot; if you suspect it, it’s best to get an X-ray. Ask the breeder whether the parents’ knees have been checked.
A cat dentist should become your family doctor. Some Chartreux have incisors that are too small and set too close together. To keep the permanent teeth from pushing them out, it’s best to remove such baby teeth in time.
Another common problem is gingivitis (a disease that can lead to tooth loss). It’s caused by plaque, so keep an eye on your pet’s mouth and have tartar removed in time. See a vet for a dental checkup about once a year, and your cat will flash a Hollywood smile and boast excellent health.
And one more problem we have to mention is the tendency toward obesity in some Chartreux lines. Besides hurting the figure, obesity can lead to heart and blood vessel disease. So it’s important to feed a Chartreux properly (more on that below).
Carthusian cats live 13–16 years.
Care and Living Conditions
The biggest problem new owners of a little Chartreux will face is bathing. The coat of these cats is so thick and water-repellent that it doesn’t get wet right away in the tub. And once it does get wet, it takes a long time to dry. So baths aren’t something this blue wonder enjoys.
The thick undercoat lifts the coat, so to keep it looking good, Chartreux need frequent brushing (at least twice a week) and a bit more effort in coat care. Chartreux shed twice a year. During that time, it’s best to brush them every day.
In general, people prone to allergies shouldn’t get one of these Frenchmen. Because the Chartreux and your allergy will get along perfectly well together, with no jealousy at all.
Though they’re couch potatoes by nature, let’s be honest, Carthusian cats love being outside. Be sure to take them out (on a harness and leash or in a secure catio): it helps prevent obesity and satisfies the “commoner cat’s” passion for hunting and adventure. But avoid direct sun. Spending too long in strong sunlight makes the famous Chartreux coat turn brownish and dull.
At home, it’s best not to close the doors between rooms. Remember that strong character? There’s no point closing doors on a character like that; he doesn’t like it. It’s just as pointless to set up a bed for your pet. Trust us, a Chartreux kitten will pick his own spot and guard it carefully.
Otherwise, care is standard: weekly ear cleaning and regular checkups at the vet.
Feeding
Everything that isn’t forbidden is allowed. What’s forbidden, partly or completely, is pork (hard to digest and too fatty), salty fish, and foods (including commercial food) high in carbohydrates. In other words, anything that can lead to obesity. Beef and poultry that have been frozen first, boiled eggs, fermented dairy, or a suitable commercial food make up a Chartreux’s daily diet.
The coat affects feeding too. Clean by nature, Chartreux constantly lick their thick coat, and a lot of it ends up in their stomach. Cat grass or a special hairball-control food will help.
Photos
Even though the Chartreux is rare in France today, it has won the hearts of some famous French people. It captivated General Charles de Gaulle, for example, and the famous writer Colette dedicated her novel “The Cat” (La Chatte) to her Chartreux, Saha. An old, rare photo shows the writer with her pets.
Where to Buy a Chartreux in the US
Here’s the irony: the Chartreux is an ancient breed, yet it’s little known in Europe. Dishonest catteries and breeders sometimes take advantage of that, passing off other blue cats as Chartreux. But a similar look doesn’t guarantee the true personality.
The good news for American buyers is that some of the best lines of the breed are in the US. Still, there are only a couple of dozen active Chartreux breeders in North America, so a reservation is a must: breeders protect the breed carefully, and demand outstrips supply.
In the US, a Chartreux kitten from a reputable breeder usually costs about $750–$2,500, with most kittens around $1,500–$2,000.
Where to look:
- CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) Find a Breeder – https://find-a-breeder.cfa.org/;
- TICA (The International Cat Association) breeder listings – https://tica.org/find-a-cat/find-a-cat-breeder-listings/;
The medieval Carthusian monks did best of all with two things: Chartreuse liqueur and the Chartreux cat. They’re both so… sweet!
