Chartreux

France's national cat. Quiet, plush blue-grey "smiling" cat. Often confused with British Shorthair.

GroupShort Hair
OriginFrance
Weight3–7.5 kg
Height23–28 cm
Lifespan12–17 years
Energy level
Trainability
Grooming needs
Good with kids
Good with other pets
Hypoallergenic
Watchdog instinct
Novice-owner OK

The Chartreux is a natural French breed dating to medieval Carthusian monasteries. Famously quiet (some are nearly mute), plush blue-grey coat with copper eyes, and a distinctive "smiling" mouth. Often confused with the British Shorthair.

Temperament

Quiet, observant, affectionate, easy-going. Excellent with families.

Exercise needs

Moderate.

Grooming

Dense double coat, weekly brush — daily during seasonal moults.

Common health issues

Patellar luxation. Polycystic kidney disease. Generally hardy.

👍 Best for

Calm households, retirees, families.

👎 Not best for

Owners who want a vocal cat.

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Products for Chartreux owners

3-in-1 Electric Steam Pet Brush – Anti-Static Cat & Dog Grooming Comb

$24.99
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Perfect Cat & Dog Macroneedle Comb

$14.99
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Summer Cat Sleeping Pad Pet Supplies

Price range: $24.99 through $29.99
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Compare Chartreux with…

Chartreux vs British Shorthair Chartreux vs Russian Blue Chartreux vs Persian Chartreux vs Birman

Similar breeds

British Shorthair

Calm, dignified, plush-coated. The classic "British Blue" cat.

Russian Blue

Quiet, elegant, often well-tolerated by allergy sufferers. Long-lived and undemanding.

Persian

Glamorous longhair. High grooming demands and brachycephalic health concerns.

Birman

Sacred Cat of Burma. Calm, devoted, with white "gloved" paws and blue eyes.
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