At first glance, a chartreux may look exactly like a British blue. But take a closer look. The chartreux is much larger, with a round, broad torso; massive, lion-like paws; and short, skinny limbs. Also, unlike British blues, chartreux cats have long snouts that taper at the end to give the cat a happy, smiling appearance. Their fur, of course, is the same color, if not darker than the British blue's, and chartreux cats have a water-resistant double coat that is thick, woolly, and actually responsible for the breed's name, which was the same name as a popular brand of Spanish wool.
The chartreux is a French breed with a spotty history. Some say the cats were bred by early French monks. Others say they were brought from Syria by the crusaders. Either way, they were a natural breed in France in the eighteenth century, and many were stray cats, able to survive because of their hunting ability and fast reflexes. Although they almost died out in World War I, many Europeans have put together a concerted breeding program which has helped revive the chartreux population. In 1971, the breed was first introduced to the United States, and as of today, they are a recognized breed by the CFA, although they remain one of the more rare breeds.
Chartreux cats are quiet, rarely mewing or making any kind of noise. They are playful, intelligent, and take well to learning tricks. Although very loving and affectionate, they tend to bond with one owner.
If you are interested in adopting a chartreux, it is best to do plenty of research (as always). Talk to owners, and go to a reputable adoption organization, such as
Purebreed Cat Rescue.
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