Content
- Chartreux cat: origin
- Chartreux cat: characteristics
- Chartreux cat: personality
- Chartreux cat: care
- Cat Chartreux: health
Of uncertain origin, but arguably one of the oldest cat breeds in the world, the Chartreux cat has shared its history through the centuries with important characters such as General Charles de Gaulle and the Templar monks of France's main monastery. Regardless of origin, felines of the breed of Chartreux cat they are undeniably adorable, with a docile and affectionate character and who win the hearts not only of their caregivers but also of everyone they know.
In this form of PeritoAnimal, we will explain everything you need to know about the Chartreux cat, showing you its main characteristics and curiosities, as well as highlighting the necessary care and the main health problems.
Source
- Europe
- France
- Category III
- thick tail
- small ears
- Strong
- Small
- Medium
- Great
- 3-5
- 5-6
- 6-8
- 8-10
- 10-14
- 8-10
- 10-15
- 15-18
- 18-20
- Affectionate
- Intelligent
- Calm
- Shy
- Cold
- Warm
- Moderate
- Medium
Chartreux cat: origin
There are several versions about the origin and history of Chartreux cat, and the most accepted nowadays is that this cat breed comes from the West Siberia, where it existed for millennia. Therefore, the Chartreux cat is believed to be one of the oldest cat breeds in the world. Knowing that they are natives of Siberia, it is also possible to understand why the coat was so thick, which served to protect and isolate the rest of the animal's body from the cold of the region.
Another story, which explains the origin of the name of this feline, is that the cat breed lived with monks in the French monastery Le Grand Chartreux. It is believed that these cats were bred from a selection of Russian Blue cats in order to obtain animals that only meow, so they would not distract the monks in their prayers and tasks.
The monastery would have been founded in 1084 and it is believed that the ancestors of the cat Chartreux arrived at the place around the 13th century, as it was at this time that the monks returned to their prayer life after having battled in the Holy Crusades. Cats of this breed were of such importance to the residents that they were named after the place. They had key roles in the monastery, such as protecting the manuscripts and temple grounds from rats. Another story of the origin of the name of the Chartreux cat is that in France there was a wool variety called "pile des Chartreux", whose appearance closely resembled the fur of this breed of cat.
What can be said, for sure, is that it wasn't until the 20s of the 20th century that the cat Chartreux participated for the first time in feline exhibitions. Also, during World War II, this cat breed was on the verge of extinction, so controlled crosses of the Chartreux cat with the British Shorthair cat were permitted. And it wasn't until 1987 that the TICA (International Cat Association) officially recognized this breed of cat, being followed by FIFE (Fédération Internationale Féline) and CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) in the following years.
Chartreux cat: characteristics
The Chartreux cat has considerable variety in terms of weight and size. This is due to the fact that there are large discrepancies between females and males of this breed as the Chartreux cat has a sexual dimorphism much more marked than other feline breeds. Thus, males tend to have a medium to large size with specimens weighing up to 7 kilos. Females are almost always medium to small and weigh no more than 3-4 kilos.
Regardless of gender, the Chartreux cat has a robust and muscular body, but at the same time agile and flexible. The extremities are strong but thin, in proportion to the rest of the body, and the feet are broad and rounded. The tail of this type of feline is of medium length and the base is wider than the tip, which is also rounded.
The head of a Chartreux cat is shaped like an inverted trapeze and the face, smooth contours, large cheeks, but with a defined jaw and a smile that never seems to leave the face due to the silhouette of the mouth. That's why this breed of cat always seems to be cheerful and smiling. The Chartreux cat's ears are medium in size and rounded at the tips. The nose is straight and wide and the eyes are large, round and always golden, which results in a very expressive look. A curiosity about the Chartreux is that the puppies are usually born with eyes of a blue-green color that turn into gold around 3 months of age. The coat of the Chartreux cat is dense and double, which helps this breed of cat insulate the cold and dampness of the body, but short and of a tone. blue-silver.
Chartreux cat: personality
The Chartreux cat is a breed sweet, sweet and delicate that adapts very well to any environment and coexists without any problem with children or other pets. Even though he is more affectionate with caregivers and family, this feline is quite sociable and open, always making friends with visitors. The animal is also known for being very fond of games and games.
Because of some behavior, the Chartreux cat has been compared many times with dogs, as he usually follows caregivers around the house, wanting to be with them at all times. For this reason, too, the Chartreux cat loves to spend hours lying on the lap of those closest to him, as well as sleeping with them. Knowing this, if you spend a lot of time away from home, adopting a cat of this breed may not be the best idea.
A feline of this type is also very intelligent, has a balanced personality and a almost infinite patience, making it virtually impossible to see a Chartreux cat behaving aggressively. The exemplars of this breed of cat do not like confrontations and fights and, when they realize that a situation like this can happen, they disappear or hide until they see that the environment is calmer.
Chartreux cat: care
Due to the dense and double coat of the Chartreux cat, it is necessary to pay attention to the care of your pet's fur, brushing daily to avoid the formation of fur balls, which can cause serious problems such as intestinal obstructions. It is not necessary give baths in your Chartreux cat, but when it needs to be given, it is highly recommended to take care when drying the feline, as the fur may appear to be dry, but only superficially, which can cause colds and even pneumonia.
Other important precautions you should take with your Chartreux cat is to maintain the always healthy and balanced diet and don't forget to exercise them with appropriate games and games. Your Chartreux cat's mouth and ears should also be checked frequently for the animal's general well-being.
Cat Chartreux: health
The Chartreux cat breed is quite healthy, however, it is important to be aware. It has been proven that this breed of cat tends to accumulate wax in the ears, so it is important to ask your veterinarian what is the best way to clean your cat's ears correctly, in addition to which ear cleaner is most recommended. Paying special attention to the ears of the Chartreux cat can prevent infections from arising.
Another disease that usually appears particularly in this breed of cat is the patellar dislocation, which also affects the Bengal cat and attacks the kneecaps of felines, being easier for these to move in Chartreux cats. So, don't forget to have exams and frequent radiological follow-up.
With regard to food, it is also important to provide pay attention to the amount of food that you give your Chartreux cat as these cats tend to be very greedy and have a tendency to develop overweight or even obesity, both of which are harmful to the cat's health. However, don't worry: with a healthy, balanced diet and regular sessions of games and exercise this problem can be avoided.