A pleasant companion cat, the Chartreaux is a good match for single people as they play in spurts and is comfortable by themselves or with a parent.
The Chartreaux requires daily brushing to avoid knots, especially when the seasons are changing.
Weight range:
Male: large: >5 kg.
Female: large: >5 kg.
Eye colour:
Gold, Copper, Orange
Expectations:
Life Expectancy: 8-13 yrs.
Social/Attention Needs: Moderate
Tendency to Shed: Moderate
Coat:
Length: Medium
Characteristics: Wooly
Colours: Blue
Less Allergenic: No
Overall Grooming Needs: Moderate
Club recognition:
Cat Association Recognition:
CFA, TICA
The Chartreaux is a medium-sized cat, heavily muscled and has heavy boning. A thick, rounded appearance and males are larger than females.
As a powerful cat, all components should be well developed, a broad chest, a muscular neck, strong jaw, and a well developed muzzle. The legs are relatively thin but strong. It's a cat to keep rodents out of the barn and the house.
The coat of the Chartreaux is thick and dense. It becomes much longer and thicker during the winter. The texture of the coat is relatively hard as it protects the cat.
Personality:
The Chartreaux is a pleasant cat to have as a companion, easy going and placid. The Chartreaux is a fiercely loyal, loving cat and will attach themselves to every member of the family.
While the Chartreaux will play, they actually don't need hourly attention. If in the mood to play, they will bring a toy to someone. The Chartreaux also plays well by themselves. A good companion for single people as they play in spurts and is comfortable by themselves or with their parent.
Living With:
The Chartreaux is a thick, muscular cat, so nutrition must be carefully controlled. Despite the heavy boning and musculature of the breed, a proper weight must be kept.
The Chartreaux will play when they want to, and will find a toy or create one out of anything they find if a cat toy is not available. Interactive play may be necessary to keep them in good shape and make certain that they get adequate exercise. The Chartreaux likes hunting games where they can show their heritage.
Daily brushing is important for the Chartreaux, especially during the change of seasons when the coat is thickening or thinning. Even this shorthair cat can get knots in the coat if not brushed regularly.
History:
The Chartreaux has a religious background. This beautiful blue cat was probably brought to France from the Middle East in the 1500s. The Chartreaux were actively bred by Carthusian monks near Paris, and were probably working cats.
A methodical Chartreaux breeding programme was started in France in the late 1920s, which resulted in a strong, healthy shorthaired blue cat with a lovely face and a powerful body. The Chartreaux was imported to Britain, not only to be bred as its own breed, but also to enhance the body, coat type and coat colour of the British shorthair.
During World War II, the Chartreaux was almost lost. Through the work of dedicated breeders, it has been brought back as a viable, healthy breed, although still relatively rare.
