Chartreux Kittens
Chartreux History
Although it has never been proven where the Chartreux (pronounced shar-TRUE) originated from, an old legend exists that many cat lovers like to believe. It goes that the breed developed at Le Grand Chartreux monastery in the French Alps and the cats lived with the Carthusian monks. The monks bred Chartreux cats in their spare time with the same dedication with which they created their famous Chartreuse liqueur. Although the monastery was founded in 1084, the cats didn’t arrive there until the 13th century – apparently when the Crusading knights bought them back with them from the African coast. Legend has it that the monks selectively bred the cats to have quiet voices so they could concentrate on their meditation!
Documents written in the 16th century mark the verifiable history of Chartreux cats – the literature at the time noted that there were four common cat breeds in Europe: Angora, Domestic, Spanish and Chartreux. More recent history suggests the breed began in the 1920’s when two sisters discovered the cats off the coast of France. The sisters were the first to exhibit Chartreux cats in France. During World War II Chartreux cats were bred with Persians and British Shorthairs to prevent the breed from extinction. In European cat shows hybridization is allowed and the Chartreux is shown in the same breed category as the British Shorthair. In 1970, John and Helen Gamon took the breed over to the United States and helped in getting the breed accepted in the associations.
Chartreux Appearance
The Chartreux is sometimes described as a “potato on toothpicks” because of its stocky body and finely boned legs. Broad shoulders, a deep chest and well muscled are also (more flattering) traits of the Chartreux. The breed is often known for its smile – the narrow muzzle and powerful jaws gives this sweet, smiling expression and the Chartreux is therefore seen as a happy cat – the fact that this breed is highly affectionate adds to this perception.
The Chartreux’s fur is unique: blue, medium in length and slightly woolly in texture. The colour can range from any shade of blue-grey, from ash to slate and often the tips are lightly brushed with silver. The ears are usually very erect, probably relating to the high intelligence of this breed – always alert and interested. The Chartreux’s eyes are one of its best features; they too are open and alert, and very often expressive. They range from copper to gold, although copper is usually preferable to breeders.
Chartreux Character and Temperament
Chartreux are very intelligent cats; they soon learn their name and will respond to it when you call. They’re also fascinated by the television and love playing with the telephone cord! Chartreux make great companions – they quickly become attached to their family and are amicable, loyal and playful. They love rolling around with friends and family and can even be taught to fetch a ball! If the proper introductions are made, many even enjoy playing with other cats and even a cat-friendly dog!
They’re vocally quiet, chirping instead of meowing, and they love to be shown affection – they’ll often climb onto their owners lap and follow them around the house. Although Chartreux are known today for their companionship qualities, they used to be known for their hunting prowess – if the legend of Le Grand Chartreux monastery is to be held then the cats may have been taken in by the monks to rid the monestry of vermin. These days however, Chartreux are loving, affectionate cats, only too happy to spend their time with their family.
Some of the Chartreux' important characteristics are shown below:
| Medium | ||
| Very High | ||
| Medium | ||
| Medium | ||
| High | ||
| Medium | ||
| High | ||
| High |
Chartreux Lifespan
15 years
Chartreux Recognition
User Comments
Rating:
i love it
Rating:
I rescued two cats 4 years ago from a cat shelter and they had my male cat down as moggie!! But i looked into his breed after a month of having him as he settled in quickly, became very attached to me, follows me everywhere, walks with me and my dog, shares a bed with my dog and other cat!! He is just a perfect pet and i love him very much i believe he is a chatreux and wish i could clone him!
Rating:
We found three of these kitten breeds just born in our shed and we bought it in and gave it to the RSPCA. The Mother was great but we had to give them away. They are quite rare, extremely expensive and popular so they would find a home quickly.
Rating:
I have one that was a stray. Best cat ever. Probably not pure as he has green eyes. And he is huge, about 27 pounds. Very high and quiet meow for such a big boy. Definitely territorial and doesn't share well with other animals. Very affectionate with me and great hunter. Brought a duck home for Easter. He was very proud. I was too shocked to scold him.
Rating:
I have fallen in love with this breed of cat...how adorable!
Rating:
It's like if a plush toy lived that breathes eats and other stuff Anyways i wish i had one Its soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo CUTE!!!
Rating:
Does anyone know where i can get 2 of these little bomb shells. so so cute!!!
Rating:
I had a Chartreux kitten given to me free by a friend in France who bred them some years ago, but rabies regulations here meant I was forced to give him to another friend. I know he was in very good hands and he was easy to look after and very affectionate. I am now looking for another kitten for company again if a male comes available.
Rating:
soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Rating:
I was just wondering how much grooming chartreux need because I am thinking of purchasing.
Rating:
i really want one but cant find any breeders of this breed in the uk ??
Rating:
Cute and pretty.
Rating:
I am inlove with the chartreux!
Rating:
Nice cats.
Rating:
We currently have two Chartreux cats that rule our llives and are our constant source of love and fun. They are spayed females approx 4 yrs old. We would love a kitten; how would they take to a youngster? Please advise.
Rating:
there so cute and i want one
Rating:
I had a Chartreux for 11 years. I was lucky to have had the privelage to have such an awesome friend. He was very affectionate and very smart. He passed away this passed summer and I know I will NEVER forget him. These are wonderful cats to have. An awesome breed. Anyone looking to get one will not regret it. Give them lots of TLC and you will get tenfold in return!!!
Rating:
I wnat one with my boyfriend who is so amazing and i love - not as much as these kittens but still alot....
Rating:
their so cute i want one
Rating:
I want a Chartreaux, female, young. How much are they? How can i get it?
Rating:
I use to have a long hair gosh almost 10 years ago and he died during tropical storm in Houston. Was the greatest pet I ever had, and I have never been able to find a long haired since.
Rating:
I think my cat is a Chartreux... i mean, he matches the fur colour and eyes, but he sure as hell ain't friendly with other animals! He slapped my aunts' pet dog once so i think it must be to do with not really being around other animals. Best thing about him is he's just like me... Lazy.
Rating:
I think I have a Chartreux mix cat as in the summer she goes slightly ginger on her chest. She is long haired where as her mother was shorthaired and very sleak
Rating:
they are so cute, i've always wanted a cat and i didn't want anyone in particular but my parents do and theses are perfect....
Rating:
omg these are soo cute!!! do they need much care?? and how much are they as i am looking to buy 1!!
Rating:
I am looking at buying two, can anyone recommend how I go about this. I know there are usually only breeders in the USA and France and I've seen one on a website who is in the UK, but I am apprehensive as I don't know how to check on their suitability and if they are genuine. I know that the Chartreux are usually only available in those two countries. Best wishes.
Rating:
im thinking of buying one of these,how much are they and where can i get them?? please leave a comment if you know.
Rating:
Chartreaux are very cute! I have never heard of them up till now.
Rating:
you just can't get any cuter than that! i mean they are soooooooooooooooo cute, i would love to have one!
Rating:
I have a beautiful Chartreux-mix cat. She is 18 years old. She is my baby :) These are great cats. Everything written here is true. And their fur is the softest you will ever feel.
Rating:
hya i love this cat ermmmm and im getting this one haha xxxxx
Rating:
i am looking for a kitten that is good with the family we have kids and a jack russel terrier. we also want a cat that is good at catching mice. please may you give a price? michaela
Rating:
OMG! I'm sooo happy! After all my hard work (5 days) I have finally found one avalible for immediate purchase.... :)
Rating:
these are so cute!how much are they?