Chartreux
French chartreux cats are as cool as they come, with a laid-back, loving attitude that enjoys attention but rarely seeks it out. This intelligent breed tends to be playful yet gentle and expressive without vocalizing.
Breed Profile
Height
9-11
Inches
Weight
Males: 10-14
Females: 6-9
Pounds
Life Span
12-15
Years
Health
health
Luxating Patella
What is it?
The patella is a crucial part of your cat’s anatomy, more commonly known as the kneecap, protecting delicate structures in and around the knee joint. When it is malformed either through injury or inherited disease, this is known as a luxating patella.
A cat with patella luxation usually experiences pain and is at risk for further damage to now unprotected areas.
Clinical signs:
Limping, hopping, swaying, off-and-on lameness, lethargy, reduced activity, unusual stretching of affected limbs, or avoidance of it during activity
Treatment:
Surgery, medications (anti-inflammatory), joint supplements, diet therapy & weight management
Other risks:
Treat promptly to avoid undue risk for other issues, such as torn cruciate ligaments
Eligible vet bill
$3,500
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://spotpet.com/spot-sample-policy.pdf for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
health
Hip Dysplasia
What is it?
When the hip joint is not aligned properly, the ball and socket grind together and cause pain, difficulty moving, and other symptoms which can become more serious if left untreated. This condition is known as hip dysplasia.
Hip dysplasia is common in purebred cats and can be found in mixed breeds as well. Typically it is inherited (hereditary), but it can also be developed through injury or other conditions.
Due to the risk of hereditary hip dysplasia, all cats (especially chartreux) should undergo gene testing before breeding. You should ask for proof of these tests from your cat's parents when you buy from a breeder. Shelters may also have this info when you adopt.
Clinical signs:
Limping, hopping, swaying, lethargy, grating/clicking/popping sound from hips, loss of muscle mass, poor range of movement, reluctance to be active
Treatment:
Medications and weight management, or surgery: triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO), juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS), total hip replacement (THR), or excision arthroplasty (EA)
Other risks:
The possibility of surgery depends on numerous factors. Surgery is less often suitable for older cats.
Eligible vet bill
$3,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://spotpet.com/spot-sample-policy.pdf for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
Personality
Independent
Chartreux are not a clingy breed, nor do they need constant attention. These smart kitties are perfectly content entertaining themselves or relaxing on their own.
Playful
This breed will rarely turn down playtime. They enjoy mental stimulation and physical challenges but aren’t going to demand play 24/7. They have fast reflexes and love chasing after small objects.
Laid Back
While the chartreux typically enjoys playing, it is also happy to lay around and, more often than not, exhibits a calm demeanor.
Intelligent
Chartreux are clever cats and enjoy mental stimulation, but they won’t necessarily wield it to mischievous ends as some breeds do. Despite their natural independence, training is also achievable thanks to their intelligence.
Loving
These are affectionate cats, but this cat shows in its own way. They show love in subtle ways and don’t demand outward displays of affection in return. Expect only occasional affectionate meows and chirps from these easygoing cats, as they’re known to vocalize infrequently
Lifetime Care
Coat:
Coat
Chartreux cats have a short coat without patterns. Despite the short length of their coat, the chartreux’s fur is durable with a thick, wooly texture and water-resistant properties.
Coat Color
This blue cat technically has a double coat. Their blue coats are often compared to the blue-grey tones of the Russian blue.
Hypoallergenic
Chartreux are not hypoallergenic.
Colors:
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
Grooming:
Even though their coat is short, it still needs regular grooming to stay free of matting and knots. One brushing a week should suffice, or sometimes more during shedding season.
Training:
High intelligence and sociability make this breed quite trainable, despite their overall independence. As always, use positive reinforcement as all cats are sensitive.
Living Space
Homes and apartments alike can be a good fit for this breed. These cats are not fit to live outdoors and should be supervised during outdoor time.
Life Time Care Cost:
$17,700
Chartreux: Breed Information Guide
Most cat enthusiasts are well aware of Persians, Maine Coons, British Shorthairs, and other breeds popular worldwide. The chartreux, however, is a less common breed that is rare in most places outside of France, although they are gaining traction quickly.
Whether you choose a rare or common breed, your responsibility as a pet parent involves diligent research to make sure you and your cat are good fits for each other.
Here at Spot Pet Insurance, it’s our goal to help in this process.
Today, we’re bringing you another one of our cat breed information guides, this time regarding the quiet chartreux cat breed.
Meet the chartreux
With their silvery-blue coat and typically silent demeanor, these cats are easy to recognize once you are around one for a short time.
They are beloved for their calm, quiet, independent nature, balanced with a silly playfulness and sociable temperament that makes them ideal for owners who want a well-rounded cat. You might find a cat of the chartreux breed contentedly lying in a cozy corner of the house or flipping around trying to get a grip on the feather wand its owner is waving around.
They have a powerful body and small legs, leading some to describe them as “a potato on toothpicks.”
Where does the chartreux cat breed come from?
Chartreux cats have been around for centuries, although their exact origins aren’t clear. Some claim the cats came from Syria, but the breed’s true history began when crusaders brought them back to France.
The first chartreux cat appearance in a book was in the 18th-century writings of Paris-based naturalist Buffon.
Here they may have been involved with the Carthusian monks for a time. Over the centuries, their position evolved. They would often roam around in groups hunting rodents. Merchants would also seek them, sadly, for their pelts.
This cat of France used to roam wild, but the wild chartreux largely disappeared after World War II. By the second half of the 20th century, the breed had been claimed by breeders and mostly domesticated.
What are the potential health conditions for chartreux cats?
Chartreux are mostly healthy cats. They can be vulnerable to a number of health problems, as with any other breed. Among the most common conditions are health issues with joints (including hip dysplasia and patella luxation), kidney disease, and urinary tract issues.
Are chartreux cats affectionate with family?
Despite their reputation for being rather aloof and independent, chartreux cats are still quite affectionate with family. The difference is in how they display this affection.
They aren’t the most directly affectionate like some velcro breeds or lap cats. They can still be lap cats, but they aren’t going to seek out your intimate company at all times, and they may wander off to have their space after a while.
Are chartreux cats intelligent?
This breed is highly intelligent, making them easy to train and fun to play with. Thankfully, they aren’t much for heists like some intelligent breeds are.
Do chartreux cats do well with children?
Chartreux cats do well with children thanks to their calm, gentle demeanor and patient temperament. They won’t mind getting plenty of attention from children but ensure your children know these cats also won’t seek it out.
How are chartreux cats with strangers?
Strangers are warmly welcomed by this breed. They have a friendly disposition and rarely react to new encounters, as long as they are approached respectfully.
Do chartreux cats get along with other pets?
Other pets are a good fit for a home with a chartreux, at least for the cat’s part. If the other pet isn’t friendly towards cats, your chartreux will likely retreat to their own space. As always, gradual and careful introductions help things go as smoothly as possible.
How to be the best pet parent for a chartreux
Knowing your cat's needs is the foundation for giving them a high quality of life. Check out our Spot Pet Insurance Blog for answers to a wide range of common pet parent questions and concerns.
How much does a chartreux cost?
Adoption fee: $750 - $2000
First year: $860 - $1740
Following years: $660 - $1140
Basic training and behavior etiquette for your chartreux
Chartreux are highly intelligent, which means behavior training and tricks can be instilled in them. Socialization is a good idea for every pet but should come easily to this breed due to their natural calmness and friendliness.
What types of foods should chartreux cats never eat?
A trusted veterinarian is the best way to learn what cat food you should feed your chartreux. In terms of what they should never eat, however, there are clear guidelines based on what foods are toxic to cats. Here are a few examples:
Exercising tips to keep your chartreux staying fit and healthy
This breed sometimes needs encouragement to stay active. They are playful but don’t always seek out exercise or playtime. Keep them physically and mentally stimulated with toys, including play mice, feather wands, lasers, and balls.
Cat trees and perches are also recommended. Chartreux are athletic and can easily get around various places you set up for them.
Chartreux life stages and lifespan
Chartreux Kitten: 0 - 5 years
Chartreux Adult Cat: 5 - 10 years
Chartreux Senior: 10 years - end of life