Chartreux Cat

Detailed History of the Chartreux Cat

The history of the Chartreux cat is shrouded in legend and dates back centuries. The most popular, though unproven, theory links their origin to the monks of the Carthusian Order (Ordre des Chartreux), founded in the 11th century near Grenoble in the French Alps. Legend has it that knights returning from the Crusades brought the cats to the monastery, possibly from the mountainous regions of Syria. It was believed that the monks bred these blue cats for their hunting prowess (to control rodents) and their calm, quiet nature, which suited the tranquil monastic life. However, there is no documentary evidence for this charming story, and the order itself denies any connection with cat breeding.

The first written mentions of blue cats in France appear much later. In the 16th century, the poet Joachim du Bellay described his grey cat, Belaud, in a poem. In the 18th century, the naturalist Buffon, in his "Histoire Naturelle," described the "Cat of France," identifying it as a distinct breed. Carl Linnaeus, in his classification, named it Felis catus caeruleus – "blue cat." At that time, these cats were often called "Maltese cats" or simply "blue cats." They were valued not only for their hunting skills but also, unfortunately, for their thick pelts, which were used to make garments.

Concerted efforts to restore and preserve the Chartreux breed began only in the 1920s, thanks to the Léger sisters from the island of Belle-Île, off the coast of Brittany. They noticed a colony of robust blue cats with copper-coloured eyes living freely around the local hospital. The sisters initiated a breeding programme using the most striking individuals from this colony, which matched historical descriptions of the "Cats of France." Their cat, Mignonne de Guerveur, became the model for the first breed standard, approved in France in 1939. It was through the efforts of the Léger sisters that the breed received its official name, "Chartreux."

The Second World War dealt a severe blow to the population, and the Chartreux cat found itself on the brink of extinction. To restore numbers and genetic diversity, breeders were forced to resort to outcrossing with other breeds, notably blue British Shorthairs and possibly Persian cats. This led to some feline organisations, including FIFe in 1970, temporarily grouping Chartreux and blue British cats into a single category. However, thanks to the dedication of French breed enthusiasts, FIFe re-recognised the Chartreux as a separate breed with its own standard in 1977, emphasising its unique traits that distinguish it from British cats.

The first Chartreux cats were imported to the USA in 1970 by Helen and John Gamon (Gamonal Cattery). The breed was recognised by the CFA (Cat Fanciers' Association) in 1987. Today, the Chartreux remains a relatively rare breed outside France but has devoted admirers worldwide who appreciate its unique history, appearance, and wonderful temperament.

What the Chartreux Cat Looks Like: Breed Standard and Appearance

The Chartreux cat is the epitome of sturdiness and elegance. Its appearance is often described with good humour as a "potato on matchsticks," highlighting the contrast between its massive body and relatively slender, yet strong, limbs. It is a medium to large-sized cat with well-developed musculature and a strong bone structure. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced: males are significantly larger and more massive than females, with more developed jowls.

Key features of the Chartreux breed standard:

• Body: Robust, massive, but not ungainly. Chest broad and deep. Back straight. Shoulders and hips powerful. Strong bone structure.
• Head: Broad, trapezoidal shape (wider at the base, narrower at the top). Contours are rounded but not spherical. Cheeks full and well-developed, especially in adult males. Nose straight, of medium length and width, without a stop (sharp transition from forehead to nose). Forehead high, slightly rounded. Muzzle relatively narrow compared to the head, tapering slightly towards the nose, creating the impression of the characteristic "smile".
• Ears: Medium-sized, set high, upright. Tips slightly rounded.
• Eyes: Large, round, and expressive. Set relatively close together. Colour – from golden to deep copper or orange. Green is a fault. Brightness and clarity of colour are highly valued.
• Neck: Short, thick, and muscular.
• Limbs: Relatively short and slender compared to the body, but with strong bone structure and well-developed musculature. Paws round, medium-sized. Paw pads – blue-grey.
• Tail: Medium length, thick at the base, flexible, tapering smoothly to an oval tip.
• Coat: The unique texture is one of the breed's main characteristics. It is short, very dense, and plush, standing slightly away from the body (resembling otter fur) due to an abundant undercoat. The texture is somewhat "woolly," soft to the touch, and has water-repellent properties.
• Colour: All shades of blue-grey are permissible – from ash to slate. Lighter, brighter blue-grey tones are preferred. The colour should be uniform throughout the body, without shadows or markings (although kittens may have temporary stripes or rings on the tail, which disappear with age). Nose leather – blue-grey.

It's important to note that the Chartreux cat develops slowly, reaching full physical maturity (size, massiveness, development of jowls in males, and intensity of eye colour) only at the age of 3–4 years.

The Chartreux Cat's Character: Temperament and Behaviour

The Chartreux cat is known for its calm, even-tempered, and gentle character. It is an ideal companion for those who appreciate peace and stability. They are not prone to noisy displays of emotion and are often described as "silent" cats. Their voice is soft, resembling a chirp or a murmur, and they rarely meow without reason. However, their quietness does not mean indifference.

Key temperament traits of the Chartreux:

1. Devotion and Affection: Chartreux become deeply attached to their family, often choosing one "special" person whom they will follow throughout the house. They enjoy being near their owners but are usually not demanding. Simply being in the same room is often enough for them.
2. Calmness and Patience: These are very calm cats that tolerate hustle and bustle well. They are patient with children (provided they are treated respectfully) and other pets, including dogs, if introduced correctly.
3. Independence: Although they enjoy company, Chartreux cope well with being alone and can calmly spend time by themselves while their owners are at work. They are not prone to destructive behaviour stemming from boredom.
4. Intelligence and Cleverness: Chartreux cats are very intelligent animals. They quickly learn to open doors and cupboards, respond to their names, and understand house rules. They can be taught some tricks or to fetch toys.
5. Playfulness: Despite their calm demeanour, Chartreux remain playful throughout their lives. They enjoy interactive games with their owners, especially those that mimic hunting (feather wands, laser pointers, balls). Bursts of activity are usually short but intense.
6. Hunting Instinct: They possess a strong hunting instinct, inherited from their rodent-catching ancestors. Even in a domestic environment, they may actively hunt toys or insects. They are excellent mousers.
7. Reserve with Strangers: They are typically wary and reserved with unfamiliar people, preferring to observe from a distance. They need time to get used to new guests.
8. Love of Routine: Chartreux appreciate stability and routine. They like their feeding, play, and rest times to occur at roughly the same time each day.

Overall, the Chartreux cat is a wonderful companion: quiet, devoted, intelligent, and unassuming. It is an ideal choice for those seeking a calm friend who also possesses a distinct personality.

Training and Socialising Your Chartreux Cat

Chartreux cats are intelligent and observant, which makes them relatively easy to teach basic house rules. However, they also have an independent streak, so training should be based on positive reinforcement, patience, and consistency.

Learning and Training:

• Litter Tray Training: This usually goes smoothly, as Chartreux are naturally clean. It's important to keep the litter tray clean.
• Scratching Post Training: Show the kitten where it can sharpen its claws and encourage the use of the scratching post with treats or toys.
• Teaching Commands: Chartreux are capable of learning simple commands ("come," "sit") and tricks, especially if motivated by favourite treats or games. Training sessions should be short and engaging to keep the cat interested.
• Correcting Undesirable Behaviour: Instead of punishment (which is usually ineffective and can cause fear), use redirection. For example, if the cat scratches furniture, calmly move it to the scratching post.
• Utilising Hunting Instinct: Their strong hunting instinct can be used for training and play. Games involving "hunting" a toy help satisfy their natural needs and maintain physical fitness.

Socialisation:

• Early Socialisation: It is very important for a Chartreux kitten to be introduced to various people, sounds, situations, and, if possible, other animals from an early age (especially before 12–16 weeks). This will help it grow into a confident and calm adult cat.
• Introducing to New People and Animals: As Chartreux can be reserved with strangers, introductions should be gradual and positive. Do not force contact; allow the cat to take the initiative. When introducing to other animals, ensure a controlled environment and positive associations.
• Adapting to Changes: Chartreux value stability, so any changes (moving house, arrival of a new family member or pet) should be introduced gradually, trying to maintain the cat's usual routine.

Despite their calmness, Chartreux cats are not "lap warmers" all the time. They need mental stimulation and physical activity. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders for cats, and regular play sessions with their owner will help maintain their physical and mental health.

Pros and Cons of the Chartreux Cat Breed

Like any breed, the Chartreux cat has its advantages and disadvantages, which potential owners should consider.

If the Chartreux, despite its many charms, doesn't seem to be the perfect fit for you, there are countless other fascinating cat breeds to explore. From the ancient and adaptable Canaan Cat to the affectionate and sociable Tonkinese cat, the world of pedigree cats is diverse and offers a suitable companion for everyone. You can find more information about these and other breeds on our site.

Grooming Your Chartreux Cat's Coat and Other Care Aspects

The unique coat of the Chartreux cat requires regular but not overly complicated grooming. Their dense, woolly coat with an undercoat tends to moult, especially seasonally (in spring and autumn).

Brushing:

• Frequency: It is recommended to brush a Chartreux once or twice a week to remove dead hairs, prevent matting (though they are not very prone to it due to their coat texture), and reduce the amount of fur in the home and in the cat's stomach (prevention of hairballs).
• During Moulting: In periods of heavy moulting (spring/autumn), daily brushing may be necessary.
• Tools: Metal combs with dense teeth for the undercoat and brushes with natural bristles or rubber gloves are best for collecting dead hair from the topcoat. Deshedding tools like Furminators should be used cautiously to avoid damaging the unique coat structure.

Bathing:

• Chartreux do not require frequent bathing, as their coat has natural water-repellent properties and self-cleans well. Bathe only when necessary (heavy soiling, preparation for a show).
• Use only special cat shampoos. Human shampoos have an inappropriate pH and can cause skin irritation.
• Due to the coat's density, rinse shampoo thoroughly and dry the cat well with a towel or a hairdryer on a low setting to prevent chilling and skin irritation.

Other Grooming Procedures:

• Nail Care: Regularly (every 2–4 weeks) trim the tips of the claws with special nail clippers to prevent ingrowth and damage to furniture. Provide the cat with a scratching post.
• Ear Care: Periodically inspect the ears for dirt, redness, or an unpleasant odour. If necessary, gently wipe the outer part of the ear canal with a damp cotton pad or a special ear cleaning solution. Never use cotton buds to clean the ear canal.
• Eye Care: Chartreux eyes usually do not require special care. If small discharges appear in the corners of the eyes, they can be gently removed with a damp cloth or cotton pad. For excessive discharge, redness, or cloudiness, consult a veterinarian.
• Dental Care: As mentioned earlier, Chartreux are prone to dental problems. Ideally, brush the cat's teeth with a special brush and toothpaste several times a week. If this is not possible, use dental diets, treats, or gels. Regular oral examinations by a vet are important.