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Chartreux Cat Breed Introduction
Chartreux is a large-sized cat breed that originated in France. They are known for their distinctive blue or silver-grey double coat that has a wooly undercoat. Chartreux Cats have expressive copper or orange-colored eyes. They are described as smiling cats due to their tapered muzzles and structure of their heads that gives the impression they are all smiley. They are affectionate cats that will tend to bond closely with one member of the family following them up close wherever they are.
However, they will also be affectionate and loving towards other members of the household. The female cats are much daintier looking as compared to their male counterparts although they are still robust and well-muscled. The Chartreux takes time before fully attaining their adult size. Males take 4 to 5 years while females take 3 to 4 years.
Chartreux France
The Chartreux Cats have been in existence dating back to the 16th century. They originated in France. There are ancient paintings that depict the existence of this breed including a painting of Jean-Baptiste Perronneau in 1747. A folk story narrates that the Chartreux were descended from cats that Carthusian monks brought to France to live in the Grande Chartreuse. However, in 1972, the Prior of the Grande disagreed that the archives of the monastery held records of cats that closely resemble the Chartreux. There is also a tale that the ancestors of this breed were brought to France from Syria in the 13th century by Crusaders.
During World War I and II, the Chartreux Cats almost became extinct except on a small Island in France where sisters Suzanne and Christine Leger had started to bred the cat. Later on, there were efforts to preserve the breed perhaps by selectively crossbreeding with British Shorthair, Russian Blue, and Persian Cats. The first Chartreux were brought to the United States by Helen and John Gamon of La Jolla in 1971 in California. The breed was granted Championship Status by CFA in 1987. However, Chartreux Cats are still rare in the United States since most American breeders have taken their stock back to their native France.
Chartreux Lifespan
The Chartreux Cats have a life expectancy of up to 15 years.
Care
They have a double coat that needs weekly grooming all-year round using a wide-tooth comb to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Avoid using a bristle brush or a fine-tooth comb since it may get rid of the wooly undercoat which is the hallmark of the breed. They are self-cleaning felines that will only need infrequent bathing. The grooming routine should also incorporate teeth cleaning, nail clipping, and ear cleaning. The ears are wiped once every seven days using a cotton ball and an ear cleanser solution. Clip the nails especially if they don’t worn out after the cat scratches against the wooden structures. Brush the teeth at least twice a week using a feline-formulated toothpaste and a finger toothbrush to remove tartar buildup.
Shedding
They shed minimally throughout the year. However, when experiencing seasonal change the wooly undercoat is shed off necessitating daily brushing to minimize the spread of loose hair around the house.
Coat
They have a short, slightly wooly, and dense coat that has a soft and fine abundant undercoat.
Chartreux Cat Long Hair
They have a silver-grey coat that has a top coat and undercoat consisting of alternating short and long hairs.
Chartreux Cat Hypoallergenic
The Chartreux Cats have a double coat that profusely molts during Spring and Fall. This allows the spread of Feline d 1 protein present in fur and dander which aggravates allergies in people who suffer from feline allergies. Additionally, the urine, mucus, and saliva has F d 1 allergen.
Training
They are observant and intelligent cats that may learn to operate the on/off buttons of a radio and also open the latches of an open screen door. They may also be taught to play fetch just like dogs. The Chartreux Cats are non-aggressive and get along well with children and other animals which makes socialization easy. This training is done by exposing the cat gradually to new stimulus including places, people, animals, sights, smell, sounds, and experiences. Chartreux also make great pets since they are content and will sit quietly whenever you are busy. For effective housebreaking, teach the basic command words, litter train, and create a feeding schedule.
Chartreux Characteristics
- Intelligent.
- Observant.
- Playful.
- Affectionate.
- Non-aggressive.
- Loving.
- Agile.
- Lively.
- Curious.
- Calm.
Cat Tree
Due to their intelligence and curiosity, they can be exercised through treat puzzles or even learn new tricks. They are athletic cats that love to stay on higher places. Getting them a cat tree will get them exercising through scratching and climbing.
Meow
They are not vocal cats. Chartreux chirp rather than meow. Some may be an exception holding conversations with their humans while using a variety of sounds.
Chartreux Cat Size
They are large-sized cats that have a weight of 9 to 14 pounds ( approx. 4 to 6.5 kg ) and have a height of 9 to 11 inches.
Height
They stand at a height of 9 to 11 inches ( approx. 23 to 28 cm ).
Other Cat breeds include:
Weight
Female Chartreux weigh 9 to 10 pounds ( approx. 4 to 4.5 kg) while their male counterparts weigh 13 to 14 pounds ( approx. 6 to 6.5 kg ).
Chartreux Cat Health Issues
Although they may live up to the age of 15 years, they are still affected by certain health issues including luxating patella, struvite crystals, and Polycystic kidney disease.
Names
Parents may name their Chartreux cats based on their eye color, coat color and texture, their French heritage, historical figures, books, films, nature, and food. However, in their native country, this breed gets its first name from a letter that symbolizes the year that it was born. The code naming letters change every year. However, letters Z, Y, X, W, Q, and K are omitted. Ensure the name chosen freely roll off the tongue when pronounced.
Names Male
- Donovan.
- Gutherie.
- Juno.
- Ajax.
- Jake.
- Fred.
- Haze.
- Thor.
- Wren.
- Scar.
- Victor.
Names Female
- Ariel.
- Brio.
- Demi.
- Cleo.
- Cali.
- Leia.
- Ilma.
- Bea.
- Chilly.
- Dove.
- Iris.
Collar
They are highly adaptable cats to any living situation whether indoor or outdoor. Chartreux also have a great hunting instinct hence should not be let outside without a leash that is attached to a harness, walking jacket, or a collar. They may be taught to walk on a leash since they easily pick up new skills due to their ability to retain information.
Food
They are susceptible to Struvite crystals which is a condition that results to formation of small stones in the bladder of the cat due to excessive alkaline diet, dehydration, or little hydration. For this reason, owners should closely work with the vet to choose a food that is not too alkaline. The Chartreux should also have access to clean fresh water at all times especially when feeding the cat on dry commercial food. Some cats may be choosy eaters and parents may opt for free feeding. However, free-feeding using wet food is discouraged since it may attract pests and bacteria if they are left out for long hours.
Chartreux Cat Colors
They have a blue coat also known as silver-grey color.
Grey And White
A purely bred Chartreux cat has a solid grey coat color. There are no grey and white colored Chartreux Cats.
Chartreux Cat Black
They exist only silver-grey colored cats of this breed. Any other color is a considered faulty.
Chartreux Cat Green Eyes
This breed has large and expressive orange or copper colored eyes. Blue or green colored eyes are faulty.
Tail
They have a medium-length tail that is normally carried high.
Chartreux Cat Kitten
A Queen cat kittens a litter of 4 to 5 kitties that exclusively breastfeed for three to four week before they are gradually introduced to weaning. The Chartreux Kittens enjoy kittenhood for at least three years when they fully attain their adult size.
Chartreux Price
The cost of a Chartreux kitten is $1000 to $2800 since the breed is rare and potential owners may stay in the waiting list for far too long.
Difference Between Russian Blue And Chartreux Cat
A Russian Blue cat has green colored eyes while Chartreux have orange or copper colored eyes. They both have solid grey coats although the former varies from a light shimmering silver to a darker slate grey. The Russian Blues are better tolerated by individuals who suffer from mild to moderate allergies unlike Chartreux.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Do Chartreux Cats Eat
The Chartreux Cats should feed on foods that are not rich in alkalinity since they are prone to Struvite crystals which is caused by less hydration and high alkaline levels in food. They should also hydrate enough to avoid this condition especially if they feed on dry foods.
How Long Do Chartreux Cats Live
They are a long-lived breed with a lifespan of 15 years.
How Much Is A Chartreux Cat
This is quiet a rare breed in the United States hence may go at a higher price. Depending on the breeder, age, location, and pedigree, Chartreux may cost $1000 to $2800.
Do Chartreux Cats Shed
Yes. Chartreux sheds it wooly undercoat at least twice a year in Spring and Fall. However, they shed minimally all-year round.
Are Chartreux Cats Hypoallergenic
No. They have a molting coat that sheds heavily while experiencing seasonal changes and lightly throughout the year. Shedding allows the spread of Feline d 1 protein through dander and fur which in turn causes inflammation in people who suffer from cat allergies. Owners affected may exhibit certain symptoms including cough, runny nose, postnasal drip, red, itchy, or watery eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion as well as facial pressure and pain.
Quick Facts
- They have a semi-cobby body which simply means they have a compact body and shortish legs.
- Chartreux are creatures of habit that have expectations of engaging in the same rituals and games day in day out.
- Some of the historical figures that had this breed as a pet include Charles Baudelaire, Charles de Gaulle, and Colette.
