The Chartreux ( pronounced shar - true ) is a Gallic breed that ’s been around for centuries . These cats are know for their scant , depressed - gray coats and quiet demeanor .
This undemanding strain is calm , independent , and at times silly . If you would relish the companionship of a sweetly silent companion — and you ’re open to interpreting her mimed torso language — the Chartreux hold a marvellous pet .
These Caterpillar aresomewhat rare today . Because of that , Chartreux kittens usually cost around $ 1,000–$1,500 , depending on years , pedigree , and other constituent .
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Appearance
Chartreux have short gray coats ; mellisonant , round faces ; and gleam copper - color eyes . These cats havelarge , muscular bodieswith short , slight limbs , and they ’ve been fondly referred to as " murphy on toothpicks . " These cats typically press 6–12 pounds and stand 9–11 inches tall .
" This is a slow - suppurate breed that get hold of maturity in three to five years , " says veterinarianKurt Venator , DVM , Ph.D. and Chief Veterinary Officer at Purina .
The Chartreux ’s solid blue - gray coats are a defining trait of the strain — although kitten can have sluttish tabby marking or spots that go away with age . As these pets produce older , their silky , water - repelling coats also become more woolly in grain . Not a fan of shedding ? Be forewarned , Chartreux do leave behind their fair parcel of informal hairs — especially in the spring .
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The Chartreux has been compare in appearance toBritish shorthairsandRussian blues , but there are ways to evidence these three grey felines aside . Russian blueing have more silver - bet hair and more dim and plushy pelage than the Chartreux , while British shorthairs have wider head and are generally an even larger breed .
Temperament
In fact , this quiet breed scarce makes a peek . When the Chartreux does pipe up , it ’s more ofa small chirp than a substantial miaou . Chartreux bozo come out to utilize body language at times rather than go , contribute the impression of a mime . Yet while these stone - stale kitties may seem serious , they can actually be quite cockamamy — and they ’re saucy enough to sleep with when they ’re being funny . Some Chartreux owners swear these cats have a real sense of bodily fluid .
These gorgeous hoar familiar also have super - libertine reflexes and are splendid mousers , thanks to their silent and observant nature .
Living Needs
Living with a Chartreux , you ’ll probably need to be as observant as your dearie . Because these soft - talk kitties are unlikely to make much noise if things are nettle them , pay close-fitting attention to their riding habit and disposition and take notice of change . Is yourkitty drinking less water ? Is hesleeping more than common ? babble to a veterinarian if you have any concerns .
These big cat are far from shy and timid , but they definitely do n’t go out of their way to make new friends . Their calm , undemanding nature think of Chartreux cats arefine to be left at home alonefor a bit — they won’tknock over your thingsor wail in objection .
Speaking of not ululate , this is a great breed for flat denizen who worry about noisy pets being heard through thin wall . Chartreux computed axial tomography prefer to mime their needs to their human familiar , and will never wake you up with flash meowing at night .
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This strain ’s mostly good nature and margin make them agreat fit for families with kidsand other pets and also make themideal change of location companions . Be sure to give your cats some element of function to avail them have sex what to await , though — Chartreux computerized tomography are position - back , but they do crave stability .
Care
The Chartreux ’s brusk , dense coat is typically easy to manage for . Weekly brushingwill usually do the trick , but these cats are have sex to disgorge more in the spring and call for more brush during that time to help rid them of loose hairs . Bathing needs are infrequent , but when you do give them baths , remember their water - repellent coat needs some work to get fully besotted .
These kat do n’t involve any particular exercise regime — like most cats , they ’ll work out a lot of vigour themselves . One thing your pet Chartreuxwouldcertainly take account istoys left out to toy withanddaily playtime with their preferred parents , too .
" [ They are ] historically eff as fine mouser with strong hunt inherent aptitude , " Venator says . " The Chartreux enjoys toys that move . "
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Becausethese cat are intelligentand normally savour follow rules , litter box trainingshould be relatively easy . verify tokeep their potty clean !
The Chartreux is n’t a super social positron emission tomography , but he does appreciate the company of humans . His bounteous socialization needs are relatively steady schedules at home and preferent parents who are willing to initiate affection and give these Gallic felinestime to warm up to unexampled face .
Feed your Chartreux high-pitched - quality quat nutrient and monitor food intake tohelp forestall corpulency . Check in with your veterinarian to know how much and how often to eat your single cat . And , like all cats , ensure totrim his clawsso his paws stay comfortable ( and so it does n’t hurt if hemakes biscuits on your lap ) .
Health
The Chartreux is generally a healthy pet with an carry lifespan of 12–15 years . That said , these cats are prostrate to some health problem likeurinary pathway issuesandkidney disease .
responsible for Chartreux breeders will test kittens for genetical wellness issues , but it ’s crucial to keepregularly scheduled veterinary surgeon appointmentsand take the advice of your guy ’s vet . wellness issues can pop up later in spirit for all hombre .
History
The Chartreux is similar in name to the Carthusian order of monks , from the Valley of Chartreuse in France . Some legends say these Gallic kitties may have been companions to the monks , but there ’s no way to know for sure , accord to the Chartreux Cat Club U.K.Perhaps it was the Chartreux ’s Thelonious Monk - like silence or flabby gray cloak that inspire the comparison .
Regardless of their telling to the Carthusian brothers , the Chartreux ’s macrocosm has been recorded back to the 1700s . These cat were on puke duty in the homes , store , and stables of France and , unfortunately , sometimes prized by cloakmaker for their lush racy - gray coats . This stock ran free in packs until the 1900s , and began being show in European breed shows around the 1930s .
After World War II , the fantastic Chartreux was no longer found swan in group through France . as luck would have it , the work of breeder in the early twentieth one C helped preserve the Chartreux , although the breed remains rather rare today .
Fun Facts
chronicle of the Chartreux . Chartreux Cat Club U.K.
