The Chartreux is not an energetic cat but likes to be occupied.
The Chartreux has always been highly prized for their loyal
and loving natures.
However, as previously mentioned, a Chartreux always thinks before they pounce making sure they
do so at the right moment.
The Chartreux is one of the oldest French breeds
and boasts being among the very few true blue coated cats.
Today, the Chartreux remains one of the most popular breeds
and has been recognised by all the major international breed associations.
With this said, the Chartreux is known to be quite tolerant
and will quickly get out of the way when children get too boisterous and noisy.
The Chartreux never objects to being left on their own even for longer periods of
time, but never like to be on their own for too long.
Over the centuries, the Chartreux has earned the reputation for being an excellent mouser
and being natural hunters, they love chasing anything that moves which includes toys.
Many colonies of Chartreux were often seen in Paris
and other regions of the land right up until the beginning of the 20th century, but their numbers were always quite low.
During the 1700s a French biologist called the Comte de Buffon spoke about four distinct breeds which existed
in France during that period of time, this included the Chartreux, the Angora, the Domestic and the Spanish.
The actual origins of the Chartreux remain a bit of a mystery,
although there is a legend that tells of their ancestors having come from what is now called Syria and that these cats were introduced to France by Crusaders returning to France during the 13th century.
However, as with many other breeds, World War II had a serious impact on breed numbers which were seen to fall dangerously low,
but thanks to dedicated breeders, the Chartreux was saved from extinction when existing
cats were crossed with other breeds which included the British Shorthair, Persians and Russian Blues.