 The
Chartreux is an internationally-recognized
breed of domestic
cat.
Chartreux cats are from
France,
reportedly originally bred by
Carthusian Catholic monks at their monastery in
Grenoble for the purposes of catching
mice
to preserve food storages from loss and damage. Legend has it the
Chartreux's ancestors were feral mountain cats from what is now
Syria,
brought back to France by returning
Crusaders in the 13th century, many of whom entered the
Carthusian monastic order. The first documented mention of the breed
was by the French naturalist
Buffon in the 17th century. The first Chartreux were brought to
the USA
in 1971.
Physically, the Chartreux is large and muscular with
short fine boned limbs, big paws and very fast reflexes. They are
known for their blue (grey) double-thickness fur coats and gold- or
copper-colored eyes. Chartreux cats are also known for their
"smile"; due to the structure of their heads and long, tapered
muzzle, they often appear to be smiling.
Chartreux cats tend to be quiet, rarely making noises such as
mewing or crying and some are mute. They are quite observant and
intelligent, with some Chartreux learning to operate radio on/off
buttons and to open screen door latches. Chartreux cats are playful
cats well into their adult years; some can be taught to fetch small
objects in the same manner as a dog. Chartreux are good with
children and other animals, are non-aggressive and affectionate,
good travelers and are generally very healthy. Chartreux tend to
bond with one person in their household, preferring to be in their
general vicinity, though are still loving and affectionate to the
other members of the household.
Historically famous Chartreux owners include the French novelist
Colettee and French general/president
Charles de Gaulle.
Profiles
The Chartreux may be one of The Cat Fanciers' Association's
oldest new breeds. Chartreux history is steeped in legend, even
though the breed was only advanced to championship status in 1987.
There exists a lovely old legend that the Chartreux lived with, and
were named for, the Carthusian monks of France, and perhaps even
shared a tipple or two of their famous Chartreuse liqueur! Recent
research, however, indicates that because of the woolly character of
their fur, they were given the same name as a well known Spanish
wool of the early 18th century. Since this method of naming is
common in animal husbandry, it is very likely the truth.
Nevertheless, the presence of this natural breed of cat was noted in
documents as early as the 16th century, and was acknowledged for its
unique coat texture and color. Whatever the reason, the Chartreux
adopted France with all their native vitality and intelligence, and
the country adopted the breed.
The Chartreux is a study in contrasts. Often described as a "potato
on toothpicks," the Chartreux has a robust body, broad shoulders and
a deep chest, all complemented by medium short, finely boned legs.
The Chartreux is well muscled, which would enable the cat to meet
its obligation as the fine mouser it is reputed to be in French
literature. Unlike any other cat, the Chartreux's blue fur is medium
in length and woolly, with the proper coat breaking at the neck,
chest, and flanks. A dense undercoat gives it resistance and a
feeling of sheep's wool.
The Chartreux is known for its smile. The rounded head with its
softly contoured forehead tapers to a narrowed muzzle. This gives
the Chartreux an image of smiling. The nose is straight with a
slight stop at eye level. The Chartreux's eyes are one of its most
endearing features. They are rounded, but not as round as the
Persian's. The outer corners curve slightly upward. Color ranges
from gold to copper, the latter being most preferred by breeders.
The ears should be medium in height and width, set high and erect on
the head. Most importantly, the Chartreux should enjoy or at least
tolerate being handled for exhibition.
Chartreux quickly become attached to one family and frequently
follow their masters from room to room. Known for their dog-like
behavior, these cats can be taught to fetch a ball, and most will
respond to their names. By tradition, all kittens born in a given
year are named beginning with a specific letter of the alphabet for
that particular year. Breeders use only 20 letters, omitting K, Q,
W, X, Y and Z.
The Chartreux is a quiet breed, chirping rather than meowing at
things it finds interesting. This intelligent cat is fascinated by
television and likes to participate in telephone conversations by
chewing on the cord.
Chartreux kittens are precocious. Physical maturity can be three
years in coming, with a scraggly stage between kitten and adulthood
that puts one in mind of a gawky, adolescent youngster. Then, almost
overnight, they put it all together, with stunning results.
Environment and attention have everything to do with this breed's
adult manners and behavior. Brushing the double coat is a no-no.
Instead, running your fingers through the fur on a daily basis will
suffice and will also contribute to your cat's social demeanor at
the same time.
Chartreux kittens are generally available by reservation only
inasmuch as the breed is zealously protected by its breeders and
demand for these endearing cats outstrips availability. During World
War II, some French breeders tried to save the breed from extinction
by outcrossing to Persians and British Shorthairs. However, the
original Chartreux cats that were imported to the United States came
from the French countryside, and only those cats were used in
breeding programs to produce and preserve the natural status of the
present pedigreed Chartreux. This lovely breed was brought to the
United States through the efforts of John and Helen Gamon who were
committed to finding and acquiring the beautiful cats. Today, many
American-bred Chartreux are being returned to French breeders, thus
reducing even further their availability in the United States.
Pricing on Chartreux usually depends on type, applicable markings
and bloodlines distinguished by Grand Champion (GC), National,
National Breed and/or Regional winning parentage (NW, BW, RW) or of
Distinguished Merit parentage (DM). The DM title is achieved by the
dam (mother) having produced five CFA grand champion/premier (alter)
or DM offspring, or sire (father) having produced fifteen CFA grand
champion/premier or DM offspring. Usually breeders make kittens
available between twelve and sixteen weeks of age. After twelve
weeks, kittens have had their basic inoculations and developed the
physical and social stability needed for a new environment, showing,
or being transported by air. Keeping such a rare treasure indoors,
neutering or spaying and providing acceptable surfaces (e.g.
scratching posts) for the natural behavior of scratching (CFA
disapproves of declawing or tendonectomy surgery) are essential
elements for maintaining a healthy, long and joyful life.
There are CFA clubs devoted to the promotion, protection and
preservation of the Chartreux breed. For more information, please
send inquiries to CFA, PO Box 1005, Manasquan NJ 08736-0805.
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