Chartreux Cat: Size, Personality, Care & Health

The Chartreux is the national cat of France and one of the oldest European breeds. It is easy to recognize: a dense woolly blue-gray coat, broad shoulders, relatively fine legs, large gold or copper eyes, and a muzzle shape that gives the cat a perpetual smile. In French, it is called the Chartreux. Its famous owners have included the writer Colette, the poet Charles Baudelaire, and President Charles de Gaulle. In our cat breeds guide, you will find the history, appearance, temperament, and care requirements of this calm blue cat.

Origin	France
Recognition	FIFe since 1949; CFA championship status in 1987
Size	Medium to large; males up to about 14 lbs
Body	Broad shoulders, muscular, relatively fine legs
Head	Trapezoid-shaped, tapering muzzle ("smile")
Coat	Short, dense, woolly, somewhat water-resistant
Color	Blue only, as uniform as possible
Eyes	Gold to copper
Temperament	Calm, quiet, loyal

Chartreux: A woolly blue coat and a perpetual smile

The most important features of the Chartreux are its coat and head. The coat is short, very dense, slightly woolly, with an insulating undercoat, making it partially water-resistant and often "breaking" like sheep's wool. The color can range from medium to light blue but must be as uniform as possible; it is noted that the hair on the nose, whisker pads, and paws is more silvery. The Chartreux does not come in any other colors.

Under the FIFe standard, the head is described as a trapezoid: its broad lower edge is formed by chubby cheeks, while the narrower upper edge is the top of the skull. The muzzle tapers, and the whisker pads give the face the impression of a smile. The ears are medium-sized, set high and erect, and the eyes are round and expressive, ranging from amber and gold to copper. The body has broad shoulders, a powerful chest, and is muscular, while the legs are relatively fine—a combination that gives the Chartreux lightning-fast reflexes.

History: Monastic legends and Spanish wool

Blue French cats have been mentioned in literature as early as the 16th century: in 1558, the poet Joachim du Bellay wrote a poem about the death of a small cat, and in 1747, Jean-Baptiste Perronneau painted a portrait featuring one. In the 18th century, blue cats were described by the French naturalist Buffon. According to popular legend, the Chartreux descends from cats kept by Carthusian monks at the Grande Chartreuse monastery near Grenoble, but in 1972, the prior denied that any records of such cats existed in their archives.

FIFe indicates that the breed likely originated in Turkey or Iran, later spread to Syria, and arrived in France with the Crusaders in the 13th century. The name most likely came from a highly valued 18th-century Spanish wool called "la pile des Chartreux." Directional breeding in France began in the 1920s, and after World War I and especially World War II, feral populations were almost entirely wiped out; the Léger sisters bred the best cats on the island of Belle-Île. In the 1960s, Chartreux cats were so heavily inbred that FIFe allowed them to be crossed with British Shorthairs, and for a time, both breeds shared a common standard until they were separated again in 1977. Chartreux cats were brought to the US in 1970–1971, and the CFA granted them championship status in 1987.

Temperament: Quiet, calm, and loyal

The CFA notes that the legend of the monks' cats taking a vow of silence is a myth, but Chartreux cats are indeed quieter than most breeds. Many have a soft voice they rarely use, and some are completely mute. They communicate through purrs, chirps, expressive eyes, and subtle body language—tapping you with a paw to ask to be let onto your lap, or bringing a toy to initiate play.

Chartreux cats are highly intelligent with quick reflexes; some learn to walk on a leash, fetch toys, and respond to their names. They love routines and rituals, often following their owner from room to room. They typically bond closely with one person but are affectionate with all family members. FIFe describes them as very calm, easy to handle, and gentle-natured, preferring quiet spaces away from daily noise. They get along well with children and other pets, are non-aggressive, and travel easily. Chartreux cats reach full maturity in 3 to 5 years.

Health: A sturdy breed prone to weight gain

The Chartreux is considered a very healthy breed. FIFe notes that they love to eat a lot, and neutered or spayed cats easily gain weight, so their diet must be strictly controlled. The CFA also mentions patellar luxation—a hereditary condition that can affect mobility; cats can be checked by a veterinarian, and those with a mild form usually do not have mobility issues but should not be bred.

Care: A comb during shedding season

• Coat. Chartreux cats shed seasonally—mostly in the fall and spring, when they need to be combed more frequently. The CFA recommends a wide-toothed metal comb, which prevents matting and reduces hairballs.
• Bathing. Usually unnecessary; their water-resistant coat is difficult to get thoroughly wet.
• Weight. Weigh their food portions, especially for altered cats; regular play helps maintain their muscular build.
• Allergies. Due to their dense woolly undercoat, the CFA does not recommend Chartreux cats for people with allergies.

Chartreux, British Shorthair, and Russian Blue

Feature	Chartreux	British Shorthair	Russian Blue
Head	Trapezoid, tapering muzzle	Round, chubby cheeks	Modified wedge
Eyes	Gold to copper	Copper	Emerald green
Coat	Woolly, like sheep's wool	Plush, crisp	Double, with silver tips
FIFe kittens in 2025	747	16,207 (all colors)	2,466

How to choose a Chartreux kitten

Chartreux breeders are relatively rare in the US, so it is worth starting your search for a kitten early. Ask for the parents' veterinary patella screening results and CFA or TICA registration papers. A French tradition, which breeders in other countries often follow, starts kittens' names with a specific letter for that year (skipping K, Q, W, X, Y, and Z), so you can guess the birth year from the name. Reputable breeders typically allow kittens to go to their new homes no earlier than 14 weeks of age. We discuss standard veterinary recommendations for microchipping and local registration at the beginning of our guide.

You can find other blue breeds in our profiles for the British Shorthair, the Russian Blue, and the Korat.