Also called Chat des Chartreux, French Blue, National cat of France
Recognised breedDeep profile
From France. A natural blue cat of French farms and towns (Wikipedia names Brittany), shaped into a planned breed by French breeders from the 1920s.123
No registry sets a formal weight. Sources give: TICA 12-16 lb (about 5.4-7.3 kg) for mature cats; GCCF 11-18 lb (about 5-8.2 kg); Purina UK 2.7-9 kg; CFA says males reach about 14 lb (6.4 kg) and are clearly larger than females. The male range here uses TICA's lower bound and Purina's upper bound; the female range uses Purina's lower bound and TICA's upper bound. Males also mature more slowly, taking 3-5 years to fill out.
calm and quietly devoted
unusually soft-spoken, often just chirps or murmurs
playful and clever, some learn to fetch or walk on a lead
The coat has a slightly harsh, water-shedding outer layer over a thick, plush undercoat, so it feels woolly and tends to part or 'break' like sheepskin when you run a hand over it. It grows noticeably fuller in winter. Underneath is a sturdy, broad-shouldered, muscular body standing on comparatively slim, fine-boned legs. The head is broad and rounded with full cheeks (heavier jowls in males), narrowing to a small muzzle that gives the face a gentle built-in smile, lit by round copper to gold eyes.13426
Coloursblue-grey only, any shade from pale ash to deep slate, often with a silvery sheen at the tipseyes: yellow, gold, copper or deep orange (deep orange preferred by CFA)134
Personality what they are like
A composed, easy-going cat that likes being near its people without demanding constant attention. It often picks one favourite person while staying friendly with the whole household. Chartreux are thoughtful observers, rarely noisy (some barely meow at all, preferring tiny chirps and body language), and generally get along with children, other pets and older owners. They are gentle and non-aggressive, travel well, and keep a playful streak into adulthood, including dog-like games such as fetching.123465
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate. They play in short, energetic bursts followed by long naps, love hunting-style games with wand toys, and enjoy climbing, though they tend to stay grounded rather than leaping about. Indoor cats benefit from daily interactive play and puzzle-type enrichment, which also helps keep a heavy-set adult in trim shape.6345
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Comb rather than brush: a wide-toothed metal comb works through the woolly undercoat without flattening it. Weekly combing is usually enough, stepping up to several times a week (or daily) during the heavy spring and autumn moults. Baths are rarely needed. Add routine nail trims, ear checks and tooth brushing.15634
Home where they are happiest
Adapts well to flats and houses and copes with being home alone for part of the day. GCCF advises keeping them indoors or giving outdoor access only through a secure enclosure or cat-proof fencing. Provide sturdy scratching posts and floor-level to mid-height climbing spots.463
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, good-quality cat food with fresh water always available. Portions need watching because this solidly built breed becomes less active with age and can put on weight easily. Some individuals do best with consistent food and gradual changes, so ask your vet when choosing or switching diets.6531
Company who they like around
Affectionate and loyal but not clingy. Happy with company of calm children, other cats and cat-friendly dogs, and bonds closely with one person in particular. Content to spend some hours alone as long as it gets attention and play when people are home.2634
The story where it all began
Blue-grey cats have been part of French life for centuries. The poet Joachim du Bellay wrote about a grey cat in 1558, the name 'Chartreux' shows up in writing by the 1600s, and in the 18th century the naturalist Buffon described the 'cat of Chartreux' as a distinct type. Painter Jean-Baptiste Perronneau included one as a pet in a 1747 portrait, unusual for the time. Where the name comes from is uncertain. A well-known tale links the cats to Carthusian monks, and TICA mentions a wool cloth, 'pile de Chartreux', that may share or have inspired the name. The cats were valued as working ratters on farms and in towns. Organised breeding began in the 1920s, with the Léger sisters among the first to build lines from the free-living blue cats, including those around Belle-Île-en-Mer. The two World Wars reduced the population dramatically, and after 1945 breeders rebuilt it, bringing in some blue British Shorthairs and Persians while keeping the Chartreux type. Helen and John Gamon of La Jolla, California brought the breed to North America in 1970-71, CFA granted championship in 1987, and the UK got its first Chartreux in 2014, with GCCF recognition following in 2015. Remarkably, the modern breed description still closely matches the 18th-century one.231465
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Breeders follow a French tradition where every kitten born in a given year gets a registered name starting with that year's letter, cycling through 20 letters of the alphabet (K, Q, W, X, Y and Z are skipped).1
2
General Charles de Gaulle had a Chartreux named Gris-Gris that reportedly trailed him from room to room.2
3
The writer Colette made a Chartreux the heroine of her novel 'La Chatte'.2
4
Thanks to the shape of the head and narrow muzzle, the Chartreux always seems to be wearing a gentle smile.1
5
Some Chartreux have been known to work out how to press radio buttons and open screen-door latches.2
6
Their outer coat is somewhat water-repellent, a handy feature for a cat that once earned its keep catching rodents outdoors.3
7
A blue Chartreux called 'Ste Cat' served as mascot of the Montreal International Jazz Festival.2
8
Chartreux mature slowly and can take three to five years to reach full adult size and build.1
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed's name may come from the Carthusian monks, or from a type of Spanish wool called 'la pile des Chartreux' that resembles the cat's woolly blue coat.7
Famous ones stars of the breed
Nero A Chartreux cat who was the beloved pet of French President Charles de Gaulle.8
I woke up on the windowsill, the morning sun warming my thick blue-gray coat. I stretched, then padded over to where my human was reading. I sat beside them, not demanding, just enjoying their quiet presence. They reached out and gave me a gentle stroke, and I blinked slowly in appreciation. Later, I watched the birds outside, my tail flicking with interest, but I was content to just observe. After a short, playful chase of a feather toy, I curled up on my favorite chair for a long nap. When my human came home, I greeted them with a soft chirp, then followed them to the kitchen, hoping for a cozy evening by their side.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
CFA
Recognised; championship status granted 1987. Breed reached North America around 1970-712
These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.
You need
1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
1 egg, beaten
250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
Extra water as needed
How
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
Allow to cool completely before storing.
How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Chartreux, and at what times?
Feed a complete, good-quality cat food with fresh water always available. Because this solidly built breed can put on weight easily, watch portions and ask your vet for a schedule that suits your cat's age and activity level.6531
What should a Chartreux eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Stick to a complete, good-quality cat food and always have fresh water. Dangerous foods include chocolate, caffeine, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, chives, xylitol, and raw dough; for a full list, check with your vet.653110
Does a Chartreux need baths?
Baths are rarely needed for a Chartreux. Only bathe if the coat is very dirty or sticky, and always use a cat-safe shampoo.1563411
How often does a Chartreux need brushing?
Weekly combing with a wide-toothed metal comb is usually enough, stepping up to several times a week during heavy spring and autumn moults. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days.15634Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Chartreux's claws, and how often?
Trim nails every three weeks as a starting plan, or every ten days to two weeks as general guidance. Only trim the sharp tip and avoid the pink quick; start with one or two claws per session if your cat is new to it.1563411Pet Wiki plan
How much play does a Chartreux need?
About 30 minutes of daily interactive play, such as wand toys or puzzle games, suits their moderate activity level. They play in short bursts and enjoy hunting-style games.6345Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Chartreux's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily if possible, or at least every two days as a starting plan. Check ears weekly and gently clean with a vet-recommended solution if needed. Ask your vet for the best routine.15634Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Chartreux live?
A Chartreux typically lives between 8 and 15 years. With good care, many enjoy a long, healthy life.645
Is a Chartreux good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are gentle and non-aggressive, getting along well with calm children, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs. They often bond closely with one person while staying friendly with everyone.123465
Can a Chartreux be left alone?
Yes, they cope well with being home alone for part of the day, as long as they get attention and play when people are around. They are affectionate but not clingy.2634
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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