Chartreux
The smiling blue cat from France
The Chartreux is an old French breed with a blue-grey, woolly coat and a round, smiling face. A popular story says it was kept by Carthusian monks, but there is no proof of that, and nobody knows its exact origins. Breeders in France worked to save it after the Second World War.
It is a quiet, sturdy, loyal cat, often compared to a potato on toothpicks: a broad body with slim legs.
Chartreux at a glance
- Origin
- France
- Size
- Medium to large
- Weight
- Females 3 to 5.5 kg, males 4.5 to 7 kg
- Lifespan
- Often 12 to 15 years
- Coat
- Short, dense and woolly, with a water-resistant feel
- Colours
- Blue-grey only, in shades from light to dark
Personality scorecard
- Energy
- 3 out of 5
- Affection
- 4 out of 5
- Chattiness
- 1 out of 5
- Grooming needed
- 2 out of 5
- Good with children
- 4 out of 5
- Good with other pets
- 4 out of 5
Our own rough guide. Every cat is different.
What they look like
A robust, muscular cat with a broad chest and fine-boned legs, a rounded head with full cheeks, and a short, tapered muzzle that looks like a smile. The eyes are round and copper or orange. The coat is thick, woolly and water-resistant, with a silvery sheen at the tips.
Personality
Quiet, devoted and good-natured. Chartreux are known for soft voices, even temperaments, and being good hunters. They bond with one or two favourite people, enjoy games, and are usually patient with children and other pets. They are not very vocal and are slow to mature.
Care and grooming
Brush once or twice a week, more in spring and autumn, when the thick coat sheds. Give them play, perches and puzzle toys, and measure meals, as they can gain weight.
Health to know about
Generally robust. Kneecap problems (patellar luxation) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have been reported, and ask breeders about any DNA tests available. Regular vet checks help catch problems early.
Could suit
- Calm homes and flats
- Families with gentle children
- People who want a quiet, loyal companion
Think twice if
- If you want a chatty cat
- If you want a very active climber
- If you are looking for a widely available breed, as they are rare
“I have a very small voice and a very large opinion of myself.”
Name ideas for a Chartreux
- Bleu
- Monet
- Claude
- Pierre
- Fifi
- Smokey
- Pewter
- Ash
- Brie
- Beret
Want more? Try the cat name generator, or find out their age in human years with the cat age calculator.
Questions people ask
Is a Chartreux the same as a British Blue?
No. They are both blue-grey, but the Chartreux is a French breed with a smiling face, a woolly coat and finer legs, while the British Blue is a British Shorthair colour with a rounder, stockier build.
Are Chartreux cats quiet?
Yes, they are known for being very quiet, with soft voices.
Do Chartreux cats shed?
They shed more in spring and autumn, so brush more often then.
Are Chartreux cats rare?
Yes, it is an uncommon breed, so you may need to wait for a kitten.
Other breeds to meet
This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your own cat.
