Chartreux Cat: Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

Cats have been around for a long time, and the Chartreux breed is one that dates all the way back to the 18th century. This cat was bred by monks and used to keep the monasteries free from all sorts of rodents and pests. We don’t know their exact origins, but we are glad that they are more popular today. Over time, these cats have gained popularity and made their way into the hearts of cat lovers around the world.

The Chartreux breed loves attention, and they’ll make sure to spend time with you whenever they think they can get your affectionate. They are the perfect family pet and easy to care for. Whether you’re a single person or married with children, don’t miss out on owning one of the best cat breeds out there.

Chartreux Kittens – Before You Bring One Home…

We all know that cats tend to do what they want, when they want. With a Chartreux, you’ll be surprised to know that this breed is a bit more eager to please than other cats. They aren’t easy to train but it is possible. They have fairly good health, and you can expect them to stick around for up to 15 years.

While not all cats are social, these ones do enjoy hanging around people and other animals a bit more than other breeds do. It’s hard not to fall in love with them. When they aren’t napping in the sun, they prefer to cuddle up with you and spend the day begging for your attention.

3 Little-Known Facts About Chartreux Cat

1. They have a religious background.

The Chartreux cat was brought to France around the 1500s. At this time, they were bred mostly by Carthusian monks to be working cats, where they kept rodents out of the monasteries. Over time, they were loved for their powerful bodies and pretty blue coats.

2. They have unknown origins.

Although they eventually made their way to France, nobody really knows where they originated from. Some researchers believe that they were a type of feral mountain cat from the Middle East, and it was merchants who brought them to France.

3. They are relatively new to America.

Despite being around for hundreds of years, this cat breed didn’t make its appearance in America until 1970. A couple in La Jolla, California read about them in a book before traveling to Paris to bring one home. The Cat Fanciers’ Association only recognized them in 1987.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Chartreux Cat

These cats are friendly and intelligent compared to some other breeds. They are also one of the most affectionate. Chartreux cats get easily attached to their owners. They prefer a peaceful house to match their easygoing personalities. Although quiet, they are very social and get along well with most humans and animals. Don’t forget that, at the end of the day, they are still cats and do like a bit of personal space on occasion. Every single cat is different. Try to spend some time with your Chartreux before taking them home. The more you understand their personality, the easier it is to see yourself falling in love with them and welcoming them home.

Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪

Chartreux cats are friendly, but cats in general are hard to trust around children. You never know how much cats are going to put up with before they bite or bat at them. Still, if you do want a family cat, Chartreux are the ones that we would trust the most. They are one of the most gentle cat breeds and often act with compassion around kids. We still recommend supervising them when around babies and toddlers or until you can teach them how to properly treat and handle cats in a way that won’t bother or hurt them.

Does This Cat Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

We wouldn’t worry about bringing this cat home if you’ve got other pets in the house. Chartreux cats get along well with most animals, even the bigger ones. They are mostly calm and aren’t the type to start a fight.

Things to Know When Owning a Chartreux Cat:

All cat breeds are not the same. Each one has specific needs that fit them in order to live full, healthy lives. If you want a happy cat, make sure you can provide the following requirements.

Food & Diet Requirements

Cats are primarily carnivores, and their diet must have meat to thrive. Cats also have sensitive stomachs. Do not give them plant-based proteins. Protein is necessary to support their heart and fuel their bodies. Cats sometimes have issues with dehydration. Giving them a little bit of wet food a few times a week is a good source of moisture for their skin and coat. Because they tend to be a bit picky, you might want to choose one flavor and stick to it. They are sensitive to even small changes and a new flavor might upset their stomachs.

Exercise 🐈

Exercise keeps your cats from becoming bored and acting out around the house. It’s not hard to get your cats up and moving. They have a natural instinct to hunt and climb. Give them a variety of toys that keep them moving, shelves or towers to climb, and cat trees for them to dig their claws into.

Training 🧶

Training cats isn’t easy, but it also isn’t impossible. Chartreux cats are smart and easier to train than others. Litter box training is a breeze, and some have even learned how to play fetch, sit, and jump through hoops.

Grooming ✂️

Chartreux cat coats have a wooly feel to them. Comb them twice per week to get rid of dead hair and keep it from matting. Trim their nails once they get long. Cats do a pretty good job of cleaning themselves, but you might want to check the hard-to-reach places like in the ears and their teeth.

Health and Conditions 🏥

All animals have health issues. The Chartreux also have a few genetic predispositions that they could have inherited. The most common, minor problems that people see are with allergies or patellar luxation. More severe issues are renal failure, dislocated joints, and heart disease. Some of these are preventable with a healthy lifestyle but you should only engage with the breeders who have pre-screened the parents for abnormalities.

Male vs Female

Male and female Chartreux cats both have similar traits to each other. The males often have a little more energy. Females tend to stay more attached to their families. Sex isn’t the most important thing when picking out a new cat. Take their temperament and history into consideration before you think about the sex.

Final Thoughts

Only cat lovers know how truly special these animals are. They all have different personalities and aren’t afraid to hurt your feelings. Still, the Chartreux cat isn’t always like the others. These cats have a gentle nature and are more affectionate than many other breeds. They prefer spending a lot of time with you and could become a wonderful addition to a home. They might be a bit more expensive, but that’s because they are such great companions that are so easy to care for. If you’re going back and forth on cat breeds, we hope reading this breed info on Chartreux cats might have helped you make a better-informed decision.

Featured Image Credit: emirhan bal, Pixabay