Carthusian cat – Chartreux

With a captivating appearance and a lengthy history, the Carthusian cat breed is also known as the Chartreux. These cats are playful and elegant, with soft, blue-gray coats and captivating golden eyes. They may appear regal, but they are kind and loving companions.

Cat lovers have long loved the Chartreux, which is thought to have originated in France. They are perfect for quiet homes because of their quiet disposition and propensity for soft chirps rather than loud meows.

Despite their serene exterior, Chartreux cats are perceptive and like engaging in interactive play. They form strong bonds with their families and enjoy lazy days just as much as playing with toys. The Carthusian cat may be the ideal companion for you if you’re searching for a devoted and affectionate feline.

Characteristic	Description
Breed Name	Chartreux
Origin	France
Coat Color	Blue-gray
Coat Type	Short, dense
Eye Color	Copper to gold
Personality	Calm, affectionate, loyal
Average Lifespan	12-15 years
Weight	6-9 kg
Special Traits	Quiet, strong hunting instincts

History of the origin of the Chartreux breed

Notwithstanding the enigma surrounding this breed’s origins and the variations in accounts of it, there is a myth that a gray-blue Mountain of Gray Cats once stood close to the French city of Chartres.

The sixteenth-century poet Joachim Du Bellay made mention of lovely gray cats in one of his poems. A description of the French gray cat was also provided by naturalist Georges-Louis de Buffon in 1780. In 1747, Jean-Baptiste Perronneau painted "Mademoiselle Gouquier with a Cat," a depiction of the Carthusian cat, or Chartreuse.

Only European breeders were able to preserve the aristocratic Chartreux cat population after it was drastically reduced during World War I.

The Gris-Gris cat, owned by Charles de Gaulle, was responsible for bringing beautiful animals back into the public eye in the middle of the 20th century. Over time, an increasing number of French people acquired the same pets. Canadians were the next to notice the breed’s beauty after the French.

These stunning creatures have become more and more well-known since 1970. In the middle of the 1980s, the CFA granted the breed official recognition, something that the British organization The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy had not yet done (GCCF).

Description of Carthusian Cats

The Chartreux cat is large in stature. While many people mistake it for a British Shorthair, the breed’s standards explicitly state that Chartreux cats are gray-blue purrs with amber eyes.

An adult animal’s head is broad and rounded. The round cheeks are not pinched. There is a medium-length, perfectly straight nose on the muzzle. There appears to be a small smile on the small, downward-sliming muzzle. The gray nose is a distinguishing characteristic. The pet is not purebred if it has a pinkish or black tint.

Widely spaced ears are highly visible. The ears have rounded tips and a forward tilt to them visually.

Shine, even tone, and saturation define round, lively eyes. There should only be one word to describe the color of the eyes: amber. Kittens’ eyes are gray-blue during their first month of life.

This robust French feline possesses a well-developed chest, and her circular paws are equally robust. The short, thin-boned limbs themselves do not visually contrast with the large, muscular body.

The tail is proportionate in size rather than fluffy.

The chartreux coat has a thick, water-repellent undercoat and a tight-fitting pile. It is soft and luxurious to the touch.

It is important to realize that there is no information regarding the breed’s hypoallergenicity and that it cannot be if you are prone to allergies.

The only blue tones that a short-haired cat can have are light to dark gray tones.

Size and weight of the Chartreux

Medium-sized and longer cats are smaller than male cats. Males who are strong and powerful weigh more than females do. An adult animal can weigh up to 5 kg and reach a height of 30 cm.

Cats typically weigh around 5 kg, despite their still lower height. Camels are larger and more angular, resembling large breeds weighing seven kilograms.

Table of approximate weight of Chartreux by month

Age	Female	Male
1 month	270-610 gr	530-750 gr
2 months	450-900 gr	940-1450 gr
3 months	1-1.45 kg	1.4-2.5 kg
4 months	1.6-2.5 kg	1.7-3.7 kg
5 months	2-2.9 kg	2-4.1 kg
6 months	2.1-3.5 kg	2.4-4.6 kg
8 months	2.3-4 kg	3-5.1 kg
10 months	2.5-4.2 kg	3.8-5.8 kg
1 year	2.7-4.4 kg	4.3-6.3 kg
2 years	3.2-5 kg	5.2-7 kg

What is the difference between a Chartreux and a British cat

Two popular cat breeds may seem alike on the outside, confusing an inexperienced buyer. Given that their fur coats and other characteristics are so similar, what distinguishes a British cat from a Chartreux cat? Furthermore, fur coats are important; the French only wear a gray-blue color known as "Maltese," while the British can display a variety of hues. It should also be silvery-blue in the undercoat.

The British have a lovely round head with the same obvious cheeks, and the Carthusians have muzzles that resemble an inverted trapezoid with a "smile."

When certain European clubs mistook a blue British cat for a Chartreux, it all started to get confusing. In certain other countries, like Germany, this practice is still widespread.

Differences between Chartreux and Russian Blue

These breeds are extremely difficult to mix up because of how drastically different their traits are from one another. What does a Russian Blue typically look like? Sharpened ear tips as opposed to the rounded Carthusian, a distinct kind of muzzle, and the absence of round, full cheeks and a "smile."

There will also be a noticeable distinction in the eyes’ color and shape. The almond-shaped, oval eyes of the Russian Blue cat are a bright green color.

Unlike the Russian Blue, the Carthusian tail is not very long and does not taper towards the end.

There won’t be any issues with cat identification after reading through all the subtleties in the standards description.

A rare and ancient French breed, the Carthusian cat, also called the Chartreux, is prized for its eye-catching blue-gray coat, brilliant amber eyes, and peaceful, loving disposition. These cats are gentle companions that fit in well with a family, and their reputation for loyalty and independence makes them ideal for anyone looking for a playful yet quiet feline friend.

Habits and character of the Carthusian breed

French cats are intelligent in addition to being gorgeous. These animals don’t have a tendency to revolt and defend their own liberation. The pet’s good nature will enable him to accept the owner’s demands without becoming irate in the process.

Because of their nature, animals need some order and structure in their daily lives. This is not the kind of cat that will pawn off on its owner in the middle of the night to get fed. Rather, residents will be taken aback by how easily the animal with the French whiskers accepts house rules, uses the litter box appropriately, goes to bed on time, and doesn’t race through the apartment at night like a pack of feral horses.

It is not in the character or intelligence of a cute French cat to instigate conflict with other pets. Owner reports describe a highly intelligent family favorite that also exemplifies the qualities of a hunter: mice will lose track of the French cat’s residence.

Children will find the calm, playful, and amiable habits of the Carthusian cat appealing.

There are similarities between the gray-blue cat’s description and that of a monastic life: abiding by the rules, exhibiting modesty and humility, and having a kind disposition—all of which are aspects of the amazing nature of the gray-blue beauty.

Care and feeding of Carthusian cats

The sophisticated and fashionable Cartesian cat requires meticulous care because it values hygiene. Even though the animal licks itself a lot, it still needs to be given occasional baths. This process only needs to be done once every six months. It is difficult to wash a cat’s fur because you have to hold the animal under running water directly because the undercoat gets very wet.

You must maintain the health of your ears, eyes, and claws. Once a week, you should use a damp cotton pad to clean your ears. Claws should only be clipped once a month; more frequent clippings should not be administered to your cat.

Consideration should be given to all dietary guidelines when caring for a Frenchie. Feeding affects the pet’s health and appearance. It’s crucial to feed your cat premium food because the breed has delicate teeth that need to be cleaned on a regular basis. The diet is either all-natural or all prepared food, either dry or wet.

Sea fish, eggs, fermented milk products, and frozen or boiled meat should all be fed to the cat. Cereals can be grown on a windowsill; this will help the animal.

Chartreux Health

The breed’s level of health is excellent. Cats that are older may experience joint issues later in life. Feline diseases are extremely rare in young cats, especially when they receive their vaccinations on time and receive regular deworming.

A gray cat with amber eyes is weak in the teeth and has a propensity to be overweight. With proper consideration and care, both issues can be resolved.

Adorable gray-blue About 13 years are lived by Chartreux.

Kittens are frequently sold after being vaccinated. If a cat needs to be castrated, it is done after six to eight months. This is because the Russian Federation does not have any officially registered breeders of Carthusians, and crossbreeding is only permitted within the breed. These are the reasons behind the restrictions on breeding purebred cats.

Buy a Carthusian kitten

Carthusian cats are less common than Scottish and British breeds. Although there are well-known lines in the USA, there aren’t many of these cats, not even in France.

Purchasing rare animals is not as simple in Russia, where one can purchase a gray purebred cat that resembles a Russian blue, British, Korat, Scottish Straight, or even an entirely non-pedigree cat. Because there aren’t many Carthusian breed nurseries in the Russian Federation, kittens must be imported from outside, which drives up the price considerably.

A purebred cat on resale sites is out of the question because a Carthusian kitten imported into the Russian Federation will cost between 50,000 and 70,000 rubles.

How to name a Carthusian cat

Choose a name for your cherished rare cat based on your personal taste as well as the pedigree. Boy and girl Carthusian babies will have distinct personalities, which means their nicknames will also differ, and they may even have entirely different voices.

There are so many names for cats that it is worthwhile to start by determining which ones are more mellow and appropriate for a kitten born in Chartreuse.

Table of nicknames for a Carthusian kitten

Girl		Boy
Irma Shunya Vyusha Amanda Mouse Vita Lucy Itaka Basya Panya Nusya Ulka Semmy Enya Fluffy	Viola Ora Flashka Annette Margo Zhuzha Bara Bianca Nika Blanca Aisha Barbie Adel Audrey Linda	San Shorty Max Chips Inar Osya Cortes Marsik Persey Koresh Zeron Sandy Pixel Baron Gris	Raf Larry Zhek Coton Patte Thorn Push Alt Aigun Woland PUSE Leshy Blanchique Cesis Luxi

The striking appearance and serene, gentle temperament of the Carthusian cat, also known as the Chartreux, make it stand out. It is well-liked by cat lovers due to its distinctive blue-gray coat and eye-catching orange eyes. This breed is renowned for its warmth and devotion, creating close relationships with its family.

The Chartreux is a versatile cat that does well in a range of living conditions, despite its background as a working cat. This versatile cat will flourish in any home, whether it’s an apartment or a home with a garden, as long as it receives love and care.

For those seeking a loving, low-maintenance companion, the Chartreux may be the ideal choice. This cat can be a devoted and kind friend for many years with regular care and playtime.

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