fellfolioShorthair · France
Chartreux
The Chartreux pairs a dense blue-grey coat and copper eyes with a calm, observant manner. During play, it often reacts quickly to a moving toy.
At a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Lifespan
- 12 to 15 yearsUK GCCF cat breed profile
- Activity
- Moderate
- Care needs
- Moderate
- Enrichment
- Enjoys learning together
- Owner experience
- First cat with preparation
Quiet but alert
Chartreux cats often communicate in a soft voice or little chirps. They watch household life without insisting on constant attention. They like staying close to familiar people, although many prefer to keep all four paws on the ground. Let the cat decide whether it wants to be stroked or picked up.
Calm days and swift games
Make time for short hunting games with your Chartreux each day. A wand toy has a small toy attached to a rod by a cord. Move the toy around a corner and let the cat stalk and catch it. Put it away after playing together. Searching for small portions of food gives both nose and paws something to do. A quiet lookout and a stable raised resting place are welcome. Afterwards, let the cat retreat there.
For practical play, food searches and quiet retreats, read Indoor Cat Enrichment: Play, Food Puzzles and Safe Retreats ↗
Dense wool needs a comb
The coat feels dense and somewhat woolly. A firm outer layer covers a soft undercoat that sheds more heavily during seasonal changes. Comb more often then, working gently towards the skin, especially around the neck and sides. At other times, a thorough weekly session is often enough. If the cat suddenly avoids touch in one area, check for irritated skin or a knot in the undercoat.
Blue-grey and copper
The Chartreux is an old French breed whose solid blue-grey coat can range from pale ash to slate. A broad, strong body stands on comparatively fine legs. The head narrows towards the muzzle, creating an expression that can look like a small smile. Eyes range from orange to copper. Large males mature more slowly and can look quite different from smaller females.
Keep health under review
Cornell University’s veterinary health centre includes the Chartreux among breeds with a higher prevalence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which thickens the heart muscle. A heart ultrasound can reveal these changes. When choosing a kitten, ask for the dates and results of the parents’ ultrasound examinations and about heart disease in the family. A normal result does not rule out disease developing later.
The dense coat can hide gradual weight changes. Weigh your cat regularly and ask your veterinary practice to show you how to feel for the ribs and waist. Discuss a noticeable gain or loss and possible changes to feeding with your vet.
Could this breed fit your life?
Could work well if …
- You like a relatively quiet cat and have time for daily play.
- You can comb thoroughly during seasonal shedding.
May be more difficult if …
- You are looking for a cat that enjoys being carried for long periods.
- You might mistake calm hours for a lack of need for stimulation.
Meet other cat breeds.
Selected by size, activity, care and play needs.
Shorthair cat · United States
American Shorthair
Sturdy, even-tempered and playful, the American Shorthair enjoys shared games while keeping a measure of independence.
Semi-longhair · France
Birman
The Birman combines blue eyes, pale silky fur and white paws with a gentle, people-oriented nature. Many seek company and enjoy short play sessions.
Shorthair · United States
Bombay
The Bombay has glossy black fur and copper eyes. Muscular and sociable, it enjoys playing with its people.
Sources and photograph credit
- Cat obesity
Used in this profile for: Health
- Chartreux
Used in this profile for: Temperament, Day-to-day care, Size and build, Could this breed fit your life?
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Used in this profile for: Health
- Obesity
Used in this profile for: Health
- Chartreux
Used in this profile for: Lifespan
- Chartreux
Used in this profile for: Temperament, Everyday life, Day-to-day care, Size and build, Health, Could this breed fit your life?
Portrait · CertosinoFemmina · Fureur Bleu · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Edited
Side view · Keijuhovin Boromir Ponteva (Porri) CHA male EX1 CAGPIB · Heikki Siltala / Catza.net · CC BY 3.0 · Edited
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In a tree · Chartreux cat on tree - Kartäuser Katze auf Baum · Quickndirty · Public domain
Kitten · Ellie di Castelletto 2019 · Fa · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Edited
