Chartreux Cats

a happy chartreux cat with a curled tail

History

The Chartreux cat is a very old breed, with it first being mentioned in literature as early as 1558. This breed originated in France, and is believed they were kept by Carthusian monks to protect grain stores by hunting rodents. Whether that is true or not it is certain that it is an old french breed. As with many cat breeds, the Chartreux suffered through WW2 with numbers dwindling significantly. After the war the few remaining Chartreux cats were crossbred with blue British Shorthairs and Persians in an attempt to reclaim a solid bloodline and strengthen the genetics of the breed. Some of the remaining ‘pure’ Chartreux cats were exported to America, and breeding programmes were set up to continue the natural status of the breed.

Although in fairly high demand, particularly in America, the Chartreux can be tricky breed to source.

Behaviour

The Chartreux cat breed is a friendly breed that usually becomes particularly fond of one family member. They will follow this member around always wanting to know what they are up to. This breed is calm, quiet and doesn’t demand much. They will quietly chirp and trill at things they find interesting, or when they want your affection.