7 Intriguing Details About Chartreux Cats

Chartreux cats are often confused with British shorthairs, but their distinct blue-gray coats and rounded features set them apart. Believed to originate from France, these felines are celebrated as the nation's unofficial feline emblem. Discover seven fascinating aspects of this refined French breed.

1. The origins of the Chartreux remain shrouded in mystery ...

As with many cat breeds, the Chartreux's beginnings are wrapped in intriguing (and possibly legendary) stories. One popular theory suggests their ancestors were wild mountain cats from the Middle East, brought to France by traders or Crusaders in the 13th century.

Legend has it that Carthusian monks bred these cats at the Grande Chartreuse Monastery in southeastern France. Known for producing the herbal liqueur Elixir Végétal de la Grande-Chartreuse since 1737, the monks supposedly inspired the name Chartreux for the gray feline. However, with no mention of the cat in monastery records, the truth behind this charming tale remains uncertain.

Alternatively, some believe the name “Chartreux” stems from their dense, wool-like fur, reminiscent of a Spanish wool known as la pile de Chartreux.

2. ... Yet, it has been a part of French history for hundreds of years.

Although the exact origins of the Chartreux remain a mystery, experts agree that the breed has been a part of French culture for centuries. In 1558, Joachim du Bellay, a French poet and critic, penned a poem titled “Vers Français sur la mort d’un petit chat” (“French verse on a small cat's death”). The poem laments the loss of a small gray cat, widely thought to be a Chartreux. He wrote:

“Here lies Belaud, my little gray cat,Belaud, that was the most handsome perhapsThat nature ever made in cat’s clothing.This was Belaud, death to rats.Belaud, to be sure his beauty was suchThat he deserves to be immortal.”

In 1747, the French artist Jean-Baptiste Perronneau depicted an aristocratic woman, Magdaleine Pinceloup de la Grange, cradling a large gray-furred cat. Art historians identify the feline as a Chartreux due to its unique color and physique. The breed has also been celebrated in the works of naturalists, historians, and writers.

3. The Chartreux breed faced near extinction during World War II.

Similar to other cat breeds, the Chartreux population dwindled when breeding efforts halted during World War II. To preserve the breed, breeders crossed the Chartreux with other cats, such as Persians. Even today, long-haired Chartreux kittens can occasionally appear in litters if both parents carry the recessive gene for long fur.

4. The Chartreux is a relatively recent addition to the American feline scene.

The Chartreux arrived in America in 1970, thanks to Helen and John Gamon from La Jolla, California. After reading about the breed in a book, the couple traveled to Paris and acquired two Chartreux cats. Upon returning, they found no other registered Chartreux in the U.S. or Canada, prompting them to import more of these striking blue-gray cats. Today, their initial pair is considered the foundation of all Chartreux in the U.S. [PDF]. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) granted the breed full recognition in 1987.

5. The Chartreux has subtle distinctions from the British blue.

While many confuse the Chartreux with the British shorthair, a closer look reveals distinct differences. For example, the British blue’s coat is dense, plush, and crisp to the touch, whereas the Chartreux’s water-resistant fur features a shorter undercoat, a longer topcoat, and a slightly woolly texture.

British shorthairs can have eyes in shades of copper, green, gold, or blue, while the Chartreux is known for its striking orange eyes. Both breeds share a stocky build and round, smiling faces, but the Chartreux has slender legs, earning it the affectionate nickname “potato on toothpicks” among enthusiasts.

6. The renowned French author Colette adored Chartreux cats.

The celebrated French writer Colette was a devoted owner of Chartreux cats, including one named Saha. This feline muse inspired her to pen the short novel La Chatte in 1933, which tells the story of a man named Alain who cherishes his Chartreux cat, also named Saha, more than his spouse. Colette’s adoration for the breed is evident as she affectionately portrays Saha as a “pearl gray devil” and a “little bear with chubby cheeks and golden eyes.”

7. Chartreux cats are renowned for their quiet nature.

Legend has it that Carthusian monks selectively bred Chartreux cats to ensure their silence during meditation. While this tale may be more myth than reality, the breed is indeed known for its quiet demeanor. These cats rarely vocalize, and when they do, their sounds are soft chirps and trills.