Chartreux Cat Chartreux
Cat - Photo
of
Spenser ©copyright
Helmi
Flick
please respect copyright 
Introduction This is probably the most natural cat breed of them all because the origins appear to go back to the 16th century (see below) and more importantly the objective of modern breeders is to make sure the breed remains as it has always been. Chartreux cat breeders deserve recognition for their foresight and almost unique actions. The cat fancy usually likes to "improve" cat breeds through selective breeding.The desire to retain the purity of the breed seems to be a thread running through the history of this breed. This is a great motivator to continue the good work and is probably why the current breeders are dedicated to the preservation of this breed in its original form. Her naturalness is one of several notable features of this breed. The others are that the Chartreux comes in one color, is a large cat and has a small voice. More on this below. This cat breed is in the mid-range in terms of rarity and therefore not one of the rare cat breeds.  Photograph
of
Spenser © Helmi Flick
History
Appearance/Character
They have the classic blue coat/gold copper coloured eye mix. They are quiet and some (many?) are apparently totally mute. If not mute their meow is different being high pitched or a chirp (chirping is found in other breeds too). The British Shorthair has a similarly very quiet voice. Another particularity is that they are noted to be very good hunters. They have all the usual characteristics of a domestic cat if well socialized namely, affectionate, non-aggressive and playful. The breed standard includes these selected features:
Other cat breeds confined to the solid blue coat color are the Korat, Russian Blue and Nebelung. They are all grey cat breeds  . Chartreux
cat
- photo ©copyright Helmi Flick
please respect copyright Health Patellar luxation can occur in this breed. This is a condition in which the knee cap dislocates from its normal position. This can cause the cat to be lame. This in an inherited condition and is therefore controllable by careful breeding - check with the breeder.Reported in some: close set incisor teeth (this report probably comes from a cat breeder) and possible Gingivitis (this though is a potential for all domestic cats and should be watched for) Despite this relatively minor health issues she is a sturdy cat which supports her admirable hunting skills. I expand on health issues on this page.  Chartreux
kittens - photo © Helmi Flick
The name - Chartreux The name means a Carthusian. So, what is a Carthusian? :) A Carthusian is a member of a Roman Catholic Monastic Order founded in 1084 in the Charteuse region of France (South East). The name originates it seems from these monks on the basis that they kept large blue cats.There is no record of this happening although if one was being a bit flippant the silent nature of the Chartreux cat indicates that he is under the vow of silence. There is an experimental breed called the Benedictine cat  ,
keeping the same monkish theme. This cat is a long haired Chartreux.
Another name for the Chartreux cat is the Carthusian cat. Chartreux
cats - photo
© Helmi Flick
Breeders These are taken from independent websites listed in the first 3 pages of a Google search. Most of the Chartreux Cat breeders are listed in directories.Chanson Bleu Chartreux The first listed and a nice site. Open and inviting with a phone number and an indication of the location plus pictures all on the home page. This site has the most comprehensive study on the history of the breed as well. Nice one. This is the only independent site listed in the first 3 pages. I would start here other than the major associations.  Chartreux
cat - photo © Helmi Flick
Sources:
From Chartreux Cat to Home page
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