Chartreux cats are known for their striking blue-grey coats and captivating round yellow or copper eyes; this rare-to-find feline is a calm and caring companion that’s perfect for any human. We recognize Chartreux cats from their noticeable looks, but how much do we really know about this intriguing breed?
In this blog, we’ll delve deeper into the Chartreux cat breed, exploring facts about their origin, lovable characteristics, and famous ancestors. These 10 interesting Chartreux cat facts will tell you all you need to know!
1. The Chartreux Cats’ Exact Origin is a Mystery
The origins of the Chartreux cat breed are said to date back to at least the 15th or 16th century. Interestingly, it’s thought that the predecessors of the breed were brought to France by Crusaders returning from Syria in the 13th century. There, the cats were cared for by Carthusian monks in the Grande Chartreuse Monastery in southeast France, north of Grenoble.
In 1558, French poet Joachim du Bellay wrote a poem called ‘Vers Français sur la mort d’un petit chat,’ which translates to “French verse on a small cat’s death”. This poem mourns the passing of a grey kitten that many believe to be a Chartreux cat.
However, this is all speculation. There is no concrete evidence to confirm the exact origins of the Chartreux cat breed, leaving the start of the breed to be a complete mystery!
2. They Are the Unofficial Cat of France
Although their exact origin is unknown, the Chartreux cat's name and history tell us that this was a French feline that was, and still is, well-loved by the country. The name Chartreux was first mentioned in the ‘Dictionnaire Universel de Commerce’ by Jacques Savary des Brûlons, published in 1723. Here it was defined as the common name of a type of cat with a blue coat. From that day, the name of the Chartreux’s iconic blue coat was coined, capturing the look that we all know and love.
France’s love for the Chartreux cat breed continued far into the 20th century when two sisters, named the Leger sisters, discovered a colony of blue-grey cats with woolly coats living on an island (Belle-Ile-en-Mer, off the coast of Brittany).
At this time, Chartreux cats were locally known as the ‘hospital cats’, but the sisters decided to selectively breed them. By 1931, the cats were displayed at a cat show in Paris, and the modern breed was established.
3. The Chartreux Cat Breed Almost Went Extinct
Another fascinating Chartreux cat fact is that the breed almost went extinct! Although they are a cherished breed, throughout history they had to be smart to survive.
In the 18th century, Chartreux cats were often kept as ratters, meaning they were used to catch rats and mice to control vermin populations. However, they would also be killed for meat and pelts during times of famine and war, so the cats had to be quick-witted.
A little later, World War II also threatened their entire existence—though possibly not for the reasons you might expect. Instead, breeders simply stopped breeding them! Since then, selective crossbreeding with British Shorthair cats has fortunately ensured the breed’s survival.
4. They Have a Water-Resistant Coat
Their recognizable woolly coat not only gives them their adorable look, but it also has practical benefits for the breed. The Chartreux is known for its dense, short haired coat, which is double-layered and water-resistant. This water resistance gives the Chartreux’s coat a sheepskin feel.
Their thick, textured coat also means their grooming routine is important. Due to the nature of their coat, instead of brushing your Chartreux cat’s fur, regularly comb them to help remove any loose hair and prevent matting.
5. Chartreux Cats Have a Distinct Appearance
Chartreux cats have a distinct appearance that sets them apart from many other breeds. Much like British Shorthairs, they have a shorter undercoat and longer topcoat that’s particularly woolly. This is paired with the Chartreux’s piercing eyes that can range from amber-gold to copper.
They are muscular cats, with short, fine-boned limbs and round paws. Their larger body and more delicate legs have led to them being described as having a potato shape, which makes them the cutest potato ever! It’s also often said that it looks like they’re smiling because of their ‘full’ whisker pads, which adds to their charm even more.
6. Chartreux Cats Are a Highly Intelligent Breed
The Chartreux cat is intelligent and good at problem-solving. These intelligent Chartreux cat characteristics have likely been passed down through generations, shaped by their quick wit and survival instincts developed in the 18th century!
Their great problem-solving skills also makes them a playful breed. When looking after Chartreux cats, it’s important to provide them with interactive toys and engage in regular play sessions to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. As we know from their history, they are superb hunters, so play is an important outlet for their prey drive.
7. Chartreux Cats Make Great Companions
We’ve spoken about their history and their looks, but you may be wondering, are Chartreux cats friendly? And the answer is yes! Chartreux cats’ characteristics are just as brilliant as their looks, and they make great companions.
They are known for their calm and gentle nature, making them excellent for various types of households, including those with children or other pets. Their mellow nature means they can also often cope well with experiencing new things and travelling. They are also friendly towards people and will often bond in particular with one person in the household.
8. They’re Known to Be Quite Quiet
Perhaps humble about their superb qualities, Chartreux cats are generally quiet as a breed. They rarely use their voice and will often replace meowing with a chirp if they need to draw your attention to something. They love observing and enjoy watching what you get up to. Instead of using their voice, they’re known for using their large and expressive eyes to communicate.
9. The Chartreux Cat Is a Rare Breed
Their breeding history means that Chartreux cats are often quite rare to find, and after the war, it took time to rebuild the population of the purebred Chartreux breed again. Although they are popular in France, they are still relatively rare in many other parts of the world. For example, they were only brought into the United States in 1970, and the breed’s distinctive traits mean that breeding programs are selective.
10. Famous Chartreux Cats and Pet Parents
- Colette—The French novelist Colette was a devoted Chartreux pet parent. Her love for the breed is evident in her writings, particularly in her novel "La Chatte" (The Cat), which features a Chartreux cat.
- Charles Baudelaire—The famous French poet Charles Baudelaire was also known to have a fondness for Chartreux cats.
- Charles de Gaulle—The past French president Charles de Gaulle had a Chartreux named Gris, who was a beloved companion during his time in office.
- The 1747 painting “Magdaleine Pinceloup de la Grange” by Jean-Baptiste Perronneau features a Chartreux cat.
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