pictures of cats » Chartreux(cat)

Chartreux(cat)

August 20th, 2008 | by admin |

Description
The chartreux is a natural French cat breeds of great antiquity. It is known for its gray-blue color, wooly double coat, powerful build, and mild temperament. Although it is a massive cat, it has a sweet, smiling expression and a tiny voice. It is always gray-blue in color, with gold to copper eyes. Authors through the centuries have praised the chartreux as a gentle cat, a quiet cat, an excellent hunter, devoted to its master, easy to keep and a good traveler. These characteristics were prized in a working cat breeds, and are still true of the chartreux today.

chartreux History

Although it has never been proven where the chartreux (pronounced shar-TRUE) originated from, an old legend exists that many cat lovers like to believe. It goes that the cat breeds developed at Le Grand chartreux monastery in the French Alps and the cats lived with the Carthusian monks. The monks bred chartreux cats in their spare time with the same dedication with which they created their famous Chartreuse liqueur. Although the monastery was founded in 1084, the cats didn’t arrive there until the 13th century – apparently when the Crusading knights bought them back with them from the African coast. Legend has it that the monks selectively bred the cats to have quiet voices so they could concentrate on their meditation!

Stories of the “blue cats of France” began during the sixteenth century. It is thought that these cats descend from the “cat of Syria,” described in the 16th century as a stocky cat with a wooly ash-gray coat and copper eyes, which was first brought to Europe during the Crusades.

People probably began to use the name “chartreux” for these cats during the 17th century. By the beginning of the 18th century, trade dictionaries and encyclopedias listed “chartreux” as the common name of a type of blue cat whose pelt was prized by furriers. The naturalists, Linnaeus and Buffon, wrote of the chartreux as the cat of France and gave it a Latin name (Felis catus Coeruleus, “blue cat“) to distinguish it from the domestic cat (Felis catus Domesticus).

Natural colonies of these cats were known to exist in Paris and in isolated regions of France until the early twentieth century. They were never very numerous. Although known as the cat of France, they were also thought of as a cat of the common people. They did not lead easy lives, as they were valued primarily for their pelts and meat, or as ratters.

After WWI, French cat breeders became interested in preserving this ancient cat breeds for posterity. The initial breeding stock came from geographically isolated colonies of chartreux; one important colony was on an island, Belle Ile. Early breeders put together a cat breeds standard based on the 18th century naturalists’ descriptions. They were careful from the beginning to utilize only those cats that bred true to the standard. chartreux from these breeding programs were exhibited in European shows beginning in 1928.

By the end of WWII, there were no known natural colonies of blue cats left in France. Since that time chartreux have been available only from breeders. They are still relatively rare, even in France. They are unknown in many countries including the UK. chartreux were first imported to the US in the 1970s, and since then, the US is known to have some of the purest breeding lines of chartreux.

Breeders in the US and France have tried to preserve the chartreux unchanged through the years. The early show cats from the 1930s could be Grand Champions in our shows today. This is unusual in the cat fancy (many cat breeds have changed substantially in that time). It is due to the continuous effort of breeders dedicated to preservation.

Quite a few notable French have owned pedigreed chartreux, including General de Gaulle, and the well-known writer, Colette. Colette’s book La Chatte features Saha, one of her chartreux.

Appearance

The chartreux is sometimes described as a “potato on toothpicks” because of its stocky body and finely boned legs. Broad shoulders, a deep chest and well muscled are also (more flattering) traits of the chartreux. The cat breeds is often known for its smile – the narrow muzzle and powerful jaws gives this sweet, smiling expression and the chartreux is therefore seen as a happy cat – the fact that this cat breeds is highly affectionate adds to this perception.

The chartreux’s head is rounded and broad with powerful jaws and full cheeks. The muzzle is comparatively small and tapered, and that mysterious smile is part of the cat breeds’s standard – frowning chartreux cats are frowned upon in show quality cats. Medium sized ears are set high on the head and have a very erect posture. The eyes are rounded, open and expressive, which adds to the sweet, smiling expression. Eye color is copper to gold with brilliant orange preferred.

One of this cat breeds’s defining characteristics is his plush, wooly coat. Solid blue is the only accepted color and pattern, better known as gray to the lay cat person. Any shade from ash to slate is acceptable. The coat is medium-short and has a woolly texture and a resilient undercoat. The coat is dense and soft to the touch and water repellent, perfect for surviving the cold, wet climate of the French Alps.

The chartreux’s fur is unique: blue, medium in length and slightly woolly in texture. The colour can range from any shade of blue-grey, from ash to slate and often the tips are lightly brushed with silver. The ears are usually very erect, probably relating to the high intelligence of this cat breeds – always alert and interested. The chartreux’s eyes are one of its best features; they too are open and alert, and very often expressive. They range from copper to gold, although copper is usually preferable to breeders.

chartreux Character and Temperament

chartreux are very intelligent cats; they soon learn their name and will respond to it when you call. They’re also fascinated by the television and love playing with the telephone cord! chartreux make great companions – they quickly become attached to their family and are amicable, loyal and playful. They love rolling around with friends and family and can even be taught to fetch a ball! If the proper introductions are made, many even enjoy playing with other cats and even a cat-friendly dog!

chartreux are less talkative than other cat breeds. Many chartreux are completely mute: they purr, but cannot meow. Others have a quiet, high pitched meow or chirp which they use infrequently. This quietness can be a plus, but remember that a silent cat cannot let you know when it is lost or in trouble.

Neither gregarious nor shy, chartreux are calmly attentive to the world, and will tend to hang back and observe, rather than rushing in. They are tolerant and gentle with strangers, small children, and other animals. They tend to withdraw from conflict rather than becoming fearful or aggressive. They accommodate themselves to most situations without complaint, travel well, and do not mind being left alone for long periods.

They are natural hunters, more interested in chasing and “killing” a toy than in romping around or wrestling in play. Even in play they are efficient, watching until the perfect moment and then letting loose with a fast and accurate pounce. They play in short spurts, sleeping and relaxing the rest of the time. They are creatures of habit and enjoy the same games and rituals day after day.

Towards those they love, chartreux display a passionate devotion that strangers would never guess at. They prefer to be nearby, preferably getting their jowls scratched and giving loving head-bumps to their owners! They will follow you everywhere, comfort you when you are sad or ill, and prefer to sleep with you or on top of you. Their supportive, cheerful presence can be wonderful for elderly people and people living alone.

They’re vocally quiet, chirping instead of meowing, and they love to be shown affection – they’ll often climb onto their owners lap and follow them around the house. Although chartreux are known today for their companionship qualities, they used to be known for their hunting prowess – if the legend of Le Grand chartreux monastery is to be held then the cats may have been taken in by the monks to rid the monestry of vermin. These days however, chartreux are loving, affectionate cats, only too happy to spend their time with their family.

Yet this devotion is never obtrusive. They do not demand attention, and are content to sit quietly when you are busy. They have a strong sense of proper behavior and strive to be “good citizens.” They likewise appreciate courtesy from others, and remember how they have been treated. chartreux are highly sensitive to scolding and praise, although they can sometimes be slow learners. Be patient and forgiving with this gentle cat breeds.

Care and Grooming
The short thick coat does not require much maintenance. During shedding season you will want to spend some time brushing out dead hairs so that they do not cover your clothes and furniture. If you ever need to bathe your chartreux, be forewarned that it will take time to get it wet down to the skin. The coat repels water due to its thickness and texture.

chartreux are not picky eaters, but can sometimes be sensitive to changes in diet or very rich food. Some chartreux breeders switch to adult food around age 4 or 5 months because the premium kitten foods are so rich. Older chartreux may need to be switched to a “light” cat food so that they do not become overweight.

Some chartreux have small and close-set incisors which can get pushed out of line when the adult teeth come in, and might need to be pulled. Also, some chartreux tend to get gingivitis if their teeth are not well cared for. It’s a good idea to bring your chartreux to the vet for periodic tooth check-ups and cleaning.

The chartreux has a dense undercoat that makes the coat stand away from the body, and for that reason requires a bit more grooming than some shorthaired cat breeds. The fur resists matting, however, and does well with a once or twice weekly combing with a good quality steel comb. During the spring and fall shedding seasons, however, you’ll want to comb out dead hairs at least every other day to keep kitty from leaving a blue blanket of hair on everything you own. Bathing a chartreux can be challenging because their thick, wooly coats repel water so effectively. Drying takes longer as well.

Cat Breeds Standard
This is a highly condensed and edited version of the CFA cat breeds standard for the 1994-1995 show year. Other US associations have similar standards for this cat breeds; European standards differ slightly. If you want to show or cat breeds your chartreux, you should get a copy of the current cat breeds standard from your favorite association, and study it carefully!

The chartreux is a sturdy French cat breeds coveted since antiquity for its hunting prowess and its dense, water repellent fur.

Broad, rounded head with powerful jaw and full cheeks. Straight nose with a slight depression between the eyes. Comparatively small, tapered muzzle. Sweet, smiling expression. Medium sized ears set high on the head, with a very erect posture. Rounded, open, expressive eyes.

Robust, medium-long body with broad shoulders and deep chest. Solid and dense. Females are medium in size, males are large. Tapering, moderate length tail. Comparatively short and fine-boned legs. Feet are round and appear almost dainty compared to body mass.

Slightly wooly, medium-short coat (slightly longer than most shorthairs). Dense undercoat; longer, protective topcoat. The coat should clump up like sheepskin (we say the coat “breaks”) at the neck and flanks. Silkier, thinner coat permitted on young cats and females.

Color: Any shade of blue-gray from ash to slate; tips of hairs lightly brushed with a pale silvery color. The coat should be clear (not have shadow barring) although young cats may have some barring or tail rings. Slate gray nose leather, blue lips, rose-taupe paw pads. Eye color is copper to gold, with brilliant orange preferred.
cats with a white spot, kinked tail, green eyes, or any signs of lameness in the hindquarters, are disqualified and may not be shown.

Special Notes

The chartreux is generally a healthy and hardy cat breeds, but some lines are known to possess the gene for patellar luxation (displacement of the kneecap). When severe, this condition can cause pain and lameness. Since the condition is hereditary, many breeders screen their breeding stock for it and exclude questionable cats from their programs. Ask prospective breeders about the condition before you agree to buy. Some chartreux also tend to get gingivitis if their teeth are not regularly cleaned. Take your chartreux in at least yearly for check-ups and, if needed, yearly cleanings. Talk to your veterinarian.

Personality

Amiable and loyal, chartreux are affectionate and people-oriented. When you sit down next to your chartreux you invariably end up with big blue lapful of cat.

chartreux are quiet cats, and it can be amusing to hear soft, tiny squeaks coming from those big, strong bodies. They do purr with great enthusiasm, however.

Not as active as some cat breeds, the chartreux is calm and confident. Still, these cats have a playful side that they keep well into adulthood. Because of their strong hunting instinct, they enjoy toys that move. Feathered toys that you whirl through the air are particular favorites, as is any toy in which you take an active role.