Chartreux
The Chartreux is an internationally recognized domesticated cat from France. It is generally large and muscular with short fine boned limbs. They are commonly known for their blue water resistant double coats and copper colored eyes. Due to the structure of their heads and their tapered muzzle they often appear to be smiling. They are prized by farmers for their exceptional hunting skills.
Chartreux History
One of the first records of a gray cat even resembling the Chartreux was in 1558 when a French poet referred to a deceased cat in terms which led historians to believe that the cat was a Chartreux, although that name was not used at the time. Then again in 1727 another French poet wrote a book called "The Cats" which spoke of a traveler who had seen slate colored cats in North Africa which had come from Malta. And yet again in 1748 a portrait was painted of a woman named Magdaleine Pinceloup. In the portrait she was holding a gray cat which appeared to be a Chartreux. The cat had a large body, yellow eyes, and its head shape was much the same as the Chartreux breed.
Chartreaux are prize hunters.
There are several legends that exist in where exactly the Chartreux has come from. One such legend states that the Chartreux descended from cats brought over to France by Carthusian monks. They were brought to live in the head monastery, the Grande Chartreuse which was located in the Chartreuse Mountains just north of the city. In 1972 however the Grande Chartreuse denied that any such thing took place and records of the monks breeding cats was not found. Another legend says that the Chartreux's ancestors were feral mountain cats from Syria. They were brought back to France by returning Crusaders in the 13th century.
This particular breed became greatly diminished during WWI and many were not even seen during WWII. A huge effort was made by Europeans at the time to keep the breed from extinction. The first Chartreux was brought to the United States in 1971 by Helen and John Gammon of La Jolla, California. In 1987 the CFA advanced the Chartreux breed to championship status. It is significant that there are less than two dozen Chartreux breeders in North America as of 2007.
The Chartreux Temperament
The Chartreux has a very pleasant personality. They quickly become attached to one family and will follow their masters from room to rom. They are known for their dog-like behavior; can be taught how to play fetch and most will respond to their name. They are generally a quiet breed with more of a chirping meow sound rather than a true meow. Chartreux's are quite intelligent and observant; some have been taught to turn on and off radios and televisions and can use various buttons and latches. They take about two years to reach adulthood and are also quite playful. If you're looking for a family pet and you have children at home the Chartreux makes the perfect family pet. They are not aggressive, but are good travelers, affectionate and have generally good health.
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