The Chartreux Cat: Viva La France!by Marjorie Dorfman | More from this Blogger 10 May 2006 01:27 AM
After World War I, French cat breeders became interested in preserving this ancient breed. The foundation stock came from the isolated islands of Chartreux and the standard was based on descriptions made by 18-century naturalists. The first exhibit of this breed occurred in 1928. By the end of World War II, all natural colonies of blue cats had disappeared and could only be purchased directly from breeders. By the 1970s, some Chartreux found their way to American shores, and today the United States is known to have some of the purest breeding lines. These cats are calmly attentive and very gentle. They integrate well with humans and other animals. They are less talkative than other breeds and many are completely mute. Most can purr but not meow but some have a high pitched and seldom used chirp. They play in spurts, sleeping and relaxing the rest of the time. Highly sensitive to praise and scolding, they are sometimes slow learners. Owners should be patient and forgiving with these sweet and adorable creatures. Many French notables have owned pedigreed Chartreux, including General De Gaulle and writer, Colette, whose book, "La Chatte" features Saha, one of her own pets. Do YOU own a Chartreux? Please share your experiences. Learn more about Marjorie Dorfman  Marjorie Dorfman is a freelance writer and former teacher originally from Brooklyn, New York. Relevantpets tags User Comments Chartreuxamie (5) 02 Dec 2006 01:15 PMVive La Belle France aussi! Yes, yes, I do live with my darling companion Chartreux. As my 90 year old mother best put it, "She spoils you for all other cats" --and it's true! I've had cats all my (very long!) adult life; I admire many breeds and "alley" types. But the Chartreux is in a class of its own--no wonder it was once considered in a class separate from all other cat breeds. The lively intelligence, the utter devoted sweetness, the spunky objections to non-preferred items/situations, and the sheer, awe-striking beauty and dignity--it's all superlatives and moods and, to repeat, astounding intelligence. Everyone whose spent time with her agrees you "can see the wheels turn" as she calmly considers whatever is at hand or plots her next move. I know it all sounds gushy and impossible, but spend some time with a healthy Chartreux and you will also see it. Community Tags Chartreux cat, cat breeds, cat facts, cats, feline Discuss this article
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The Chartreaux is a naturally occurring breed of cat that dates back hundreds of years. It is thought that these cats are descended from the "Cat of Syria" described as a cat with an ashy-gray coat and copper eyes, which was brought to Europe during the time of the Crusades. It is known for sure that by the onset of the 18th century, trade dictionaries identified "Chartreux" as a type of blue cat whose pelt was prized by furriers. Natural colonies of these cats were known to exist in Paris and isolated regions in France until the dawn of the twentieth century. It is a miracle that any of these cats survived as they were often killed for their pelts and meat. 
