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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:

  • Playfulness
  • Medium
  • Intelligence
  • Very High
  • Independence
  • Medium
  • Attention Seeking
  • Medium
  • Affectionate
  • High
  • Activeness
  • Medium
  • Friendliness to Children
  • High
  • Friendliness to other Pets
  • High

    Chartreux Lifespan

    15 years

    Chartreux Recognition

  • This breed has been given Championship Status by all respected Assosiations.
  • In 1996 the Chartreux breed was ranked 26th out of 36 breeds by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA).
  • User Comments

    Comment by alexis, Friday 13th June 2008
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    their so cute i want one
    Comment by Carpim, Wednesday 30th April 2008
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    I want a Chartreaux, female, young. How much are they? How can i get it?
    Comment by chuck, Friday 14th March 2008
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    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.
    Comment by Alex, Monday 10th March 2008
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    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.
    Comment by popsy, Monday 28th January 2008
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    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
    Comment by amy, Saturday 8th December 2007
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    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....
    Comment by Andrea, Thursday 6th December 2007
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    omg these are soo cute!!! do they need much care?? and how much are they as i am looking to buy 1!!
    Comment by Martin, Tuesday 4th December 2007
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    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.
    Comment by cat lover, Saturday 22nd September 2007
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    im thinking of buying one of these,how much are they and where can i get them?? please leave a comment if you know.
    Comment by Emma, Friday 21st September 2007
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    Chartreaux are very cute! I have never heard of them up till now.
    Comment by Emma Taylor (kitten and Queen Lover 4 eva), Tuesday 4th September 2007
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    you just can't get any cuter than that! i mean they are soooooooooooooooo cute, i would love to have one!
    Comment by Ces, Sunday 1st July 2007
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    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.
    Comment by Katie o, Tuesday 5th June 2007
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    hya i love this cat ermmmm and im getting this one haha xxxxx
    Comment by micheala, Sunday 27th May 2007
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    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
    Comment by Andrea Huang, Tuesday 15th May 2007
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    OMG! I'm sooo happy! After all my hard work (5 days) I have finally found one avalible for immediate purchase.... :)
    Comment by lucy cowgill, Tuesday 17th April 2007
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    these are so cute!how much are they?

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    Please note that the above comments are submitted by visitors to FindaKitten.co.uk and are not the views of anyone working on this website or at Memiah Limited.