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- From: Orca Starbuck <orca@lutece.com>
- Subject: rec.pets.cats: Chartreux Breed-FAQ
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-
- The Chartreux Cat
-
-
- The Chartreux is a natural French breed of great antiquity. It is
- known for its gray-blue color, wooly double coat, powerful build, and
- mild temperament. Although it is a massive cat, it has a sweet,
- smiling expression and a tiny voice. It is always gray-blue in color,
- with gold to copper eyes. Authors through the centuries have praised
- the Chartreux as a gentle cat, a quiet cat, an excellent hunter,
- devoted to its master, easy to keep and a good traveler. These
- characteristics were prized in a working breed, and are still true of
- the Chartreux today.
- _________________________________________________________________
-
- _This document is Copyright (c) 1994, 1995 by Orca Starbuck
- (orca@lutece.com). All rights reserved. Please contact the author if
- you wish to reprint this article in whole or in part.
-
- _________________________________________________________________
-
- * History
- * Characteristics and Temperament
- * Care and Grooming
- * Special Medical Concerns
- * Chartreux and British Blues
- * Recognition
- * Breed Standard
- * Frequently Asked Questions
- * Breed Clubs
- * Bibliography/References
-
- _________________________________________________________________
-
- History
-
- Stories of the "blue cats of France" began during the sixteenth
- century. It is thought that these cats descend from the "Cat of
- Syria," described in the 16th century as a stocky cat with a wooly
- ash-gray coat and copper eyes, which was first brought to Europe
- during the Crusades.
-
- People probably began to use the name "Chartreux" for these cats
- during the 17th century. By the beginning of the 18th century, trade
- dictionaries and encyclopedias listed "Chartreux" as the common name
- of a type of blue cat whose pelt was prized by furriers. The
- naturalists, Linnaeus and Buffon, wrote of the Chartreux as the cat of
- France and gave it a Latin name (Felis Catus Coeruleus, "blue cat") to
- distinguish it from the domestic cat (Felis Catus Domesticus).
-
- Natural colonies of these cats were known to exist in Paris and in
- isolated regions of France until the early twentieth century. They
- were never very numerous. Although known as the cat of France, they
- were also thought of as a cat of the common people. They did not lead
- easy lives, as they were valued primarily for their pelts and meat, or
- as ratters.
-
- After WWI, French cat breeders became interested in preserving this
- ancient breed for posterity. The initial breeding stock came from
- geographically isolated colonies of Chartreux; one important colony
- was on an island, Belle Ile. Early breeders put together a breed
- standard based on the 18th century naturalists' descriptions. They
- were careful from the beginning to utilize only those cats that bred
- true to the standard. Chartreux from these breeding programs were
- exhibited in European shows beginning in 1928.
-
- By the end of WWII, there were no known natural colonies of blue cats
- left in France. Since that time Chartreux have been available only
- from breeders. They are still relatively rare, even in France. They
- are unknown in many countries including the UK. Chartreux were first
- imported to the US in the 1970s, and since then, the US is known to
- have some of the purest breeding lines of Chartreux.
-
- Breeders in the US and France have tried to preserve the Chartreux
- unchanged through the years. The early show cats from the 1930s could
- be Grand Champions in our shows today. This is unusual in the cat
- fancy (many breeds have changed substantially in that time). It is due
- to the continuous effort of breeders dedicated to preservation.
- Quite a few notable French have owned pedigreed Chartreux, including
- General de Gaulle, and the well-known writer, Colette. Colette's book
- La Chatte features Saha, one of her Chartreux.
-
- _________________________________________________________________
-
- Characteristics and Temperament
-
- Chartreux are less talkative than other breeds. Many Chartreux are
- completely mute: they purr, but cannot meow. Others have a quiet, high
- pitched meow or chirp which they use infrequently. This quietness can
- be a plus, but remember that a silent cat cannot let you know when it
- is lost or in trouble.
-
- Neither gregarious nor shy, Chartreux are calmly attentive to the
- world, and will tend to hang back and observe, rather than rushing in.
- They are tolerant and gentle with strangers, small children, and other
- animals. They tend to withdraw from conflict rather than becoming
- fearful or aggressive. They accommodate themselves to most situations
- without complaint, travel well, and do not mind being left alone for
- long periods.
-
- They are natural hunters, more interested in chasing and "killing" a
- toy than in romping around or wrestling in play. Even in play they are
- efficient, watching until the perfect moment and then letting loose
- with a fast and accurate pounce. They play in short spurts, sleeping
- and relaxing the rest of the time. They are creatures of habit and
- enjoy the same games and rituals day after day.
-
- Towards those they love, Chartreux display a passionate devotion that
- strangers would never guess at. They prefer to be nearby, preferably
- getting their jowls scratched and giving loving head-bumps to their
- owners! They will follow you everywhere, comfort you when you are sad
- or ill, and prefer to sleep with you or on top of you. Their
- supportive, cheerful presence can be wonderful for elderly people and
- people living alone.
-
- Yet this devotion is never obtrusive. They do not demand attention,
- and are content to sit quietly when you are busy. They have a strong
- sense of proper behavior and strive to be "good citizens." They
- likewise appreciate courtesy from others, and remember how they have
- been treated. Chartreux are highly sensitive to scolding and praise,
- although they can sometimes be slow learners. Be patient and forgiving
- with this gentle breed.
-
- _________________________________________________________________
-
- Care and Grooming
-
- The short thick coat does not require much maintenance. During
- shedding season you will want to spend some time brushing out dead
- hairs so that they do not cover your clothes and furniture. If you
- ever need to bathe your Chartreux, be forewarned that it will take
- time to get it wet down to the skin. The coat repels water due to its
- thickness and texture.
-
- Chartreux are not picky eaters, but can sometimes be sensitive to
- changes in diet or very rich food. Some Chartreux breeders switch to
- adult food around age 4 or 5 months because the premium kitten foods
- are so rich. Older Chartreux may need to be switched to a "light" cat
- food so that they do not become overweight.
-
- Some Chartreux have small and close-set incisors which can get pushed
- out of line when the adult teeth come in, and might need to be pulled.
- Also, some Chartreux tend to get gingivitis if their teeth are not
- well cared for. It's a good idea to bring your Chartreux to the vet
- for periodic tooth check-ups and cleaning.
-
- _________________________________________________________________
-
- Special Medical Concerns
-
- Patellar luxation (displacement of the kneecap) is sometimes seen in
- Chartreux. This condition, when mild, does not usually cause any
- symptoms in the cat, but if it is severe, it can cause lameness.
- Because this condition is hereditary, most reputable breeders screen
- their breeding animals for it and do not use questionable animals for
- breeding. You may want to ask questions about patellar luxation when
- you talk to breeders.
-
- _________________________________________________________________
-
- Chartreux and British Blues
-
- Some cat books claim that the Chartreux is the same cat as the British
- Blue, or that it "once was a separate breed, but has now become
- identical to the British Blue." This is not true. Not only do the two
- breeds have different physical and temperamental characteristics, but
- pedigree research and blood typing confirms that the breeds have
- distinct ancestry. These books are referring to the confusing use of
- the name "Chartreux" by certain European cat clubs to refer to the
- British Blue.
-
- In 1970, FIFe (the European federation of cat fanciers) decided to
- assimilate the Chartreux with the British Blue under the name
- "Chartreux" but with the breed standard of the British Blue. This
- decision came about because many of the member countries were not
- interested in the Chartreux as a breed, but preferred the name
- "Chartreux" with its long history to the less interesting name "blue
- British Shorthair." They sought to save the name and apply it to
- another breed.
-
- Chartreux breeders protested, and in 1977, FIFe overturned its earlier
- decision and returned to separate registries and standards for the two
- breeds. However, since the 1970s, a few "independent" (non-FIFe)
- European cat clubs have continued to use the name "Chartreux" for the
- blue British Shorthair, or for the blue European Shorthair, or for
- hybrids between these breeds and the Chartreux. This practice is more
- common in those countries like Germany where there are fewer genuine
- Chartreux available.
-
- _________________________________________________________________
-
- Recognition
-
- Chartreux have championship status in all major associations in the US
- (CFA, TICA, ACFA, and CFF). They also have championship status in the
- major European association, FIFe. The US associations and FIFe do not
- allow hybridization with other breeds. Chartreux registered in these
- associations are pure Chartreux.
-
- Chartreux are not recognized by the major association in the UK
- (GCCF).
-
- Use caution when buying Chartreux from European breeders that are not
- FIFe affiliated. Some European cat clubs that are not affiliated with
- FIFe use the name "Chartreux" for cats of other breeds such as the
- British or European Shorthair. These "Chartreux" are not the same
- breed as the Chartreux accepted in the US and in FIFe. Some of them
- even have long hair or come in colors other than blue.
-
- When choosing a registered name for your Chartreux, it is customary to
- use the French naming system. The first letter of the cat's name is
- determined by the year of the cat's birth. The years follow a 20 year
- cycle (the letters K, Q, W, X, Y, and Z are not used). For example,
- 1993 was an "I" year, so Chartreux born in 1993 have names like
- Isabelle and Indigo.
-
- _________________________________________________________________
-
- Breed Standard
-
- _This is a highly condensed and edited version of the CFA breed
- standard for the 1994-1995 show year. Other US associations have
- similar standards for this breed; European standards differ slightly.
- If you want to show or breed your Chartreux, you should get a copy of
- the current breed standard from your favorite association, and study
- it carefully!_
-
- The Chartreux is a sturdy French breed coveted since antiquity for its
- hunting prowess and its dense, water repellent fur.
- Broad, rounded head with powerful jaw and full cheeks. Straight nose
- with a slight depression between the eyes. Comparatively small,
- tapered muzzle. Sweet, smiling expression. Medium sized ears set high
- on the head, with a very erect posture. Rounded, open, expressive
- eyes.
-
- Robust, medium-long body with broad shoulders and deep chest. Solid
- and dense. Females are medium in size, males are large. Tapering,
- moderate length tail. Comparatively short and fine-boned legs. Feet
- are round and appear almost dainty compared to body mass.
- Slightly wooly, medium-short coat (slightly longer than most
- shorthairs). Dense undercoat; longer, protective topcoat. The coat
- should clump up like sheepskin (we say the coat "breaks") at the neck
- and flanks. Silkier, thinner coat permitted on young cats and females.
-
- Color: Any shade of blue-gray from ash to slate; tips of hairs lightly
- brushed with a pale silvery color. The coat should be clear (not have
- shadow barring) although young cats may have some barring or tail
- rings. Slate gray nose leather, blue lips, rose-taupe paw pads. Eye
- color is copper to gold, with brilliant orange preferred.
- Cats with a white spot, kinked tail, green eyes, or any signs of
- lameness in the hindquarters, are disqualified and may not be shown.
-
- Point score (the relative importance of these characteristics):
- Head structure: 35
- Body structure (including legs and tail): 30
- Coat length and texture: 20
- Coat color and eye color: 15
-
- _________________________________________________________________
-
- Frequently Asked Questions
-
- _"Are they really blue? More bluish than other gray cats?"_
-
- In the cat fancy, we use the term "blue" to refer to the
- gray-blue color also known as gray or "maltese." This neutral
- tone takes on different tints at different times, sometimes
- appearing bluish or almost lavender. The apparent tint is
- affected by variation in coat shade and texture, as well as
- variation in lighting and background. Blue cats can be
- difficult to photograph accurately!
-
- _"What other breeds come in blue?"_
-
- The Chartreux, Korat, and Russian Blue are only accepted in
- solid blue. They are known as the "blue breeds" of the cat
- fancy. The British Shorthair often appears in solid blue,
- although it can come in many other colors as well. In fact,
- solid blue can appear in almost any breed as well as in the
- "domestic" (the non-pedigreed cat). Solid blue does not
- indicate that a cat is related to the Chartreux or any other
- breed.
-
- _"Are Chartreux good for allergic people? Do they shed?"_
-
- Chartreux have a thick undercoat ("double coat"). Once or twice
- a year, they usually have some heavy seasonal shedding. Even
- though they do not shed heavily during the rest of the year,
- the short, downy undercoat hairs tend to drift through the air
- and sometimes get in your eyes and nose! For this reason,
- Chartreux are NOT recommended for allergic people, or people
- who frequently have allergic houseguests.
-
- _"How big do they get?"_
-
- Like the Maine Coon, the Chartreux is a massive, slow-maturing
- breed. The males are usually much larger than the females and
- slower to mature. Female Chartreux take about three years to
- reach their full size of 7-10 lbs. Male Chartreux usually take
- four or five years to reach their full size of 12-16 lbs or
- more. As a male Chartreux matures, his head and body broadens,
- his jowls (chubby cheeks) develop, and his coat becomes thicker
- and woolier.
-
- Looks can be deceiving with the densely built Chartreux. An
- average sized male Chartreux has the same bulk as many of the
- other large breeds, but the Chartreux appears much smaller
- because of his shorter legs, compact build, and short coat.
- Pick him up, however, and you'll be surprised at his weight!
-
- _"How much do they cost?"_
-
- Chartreux sold as pets usually cost $400-550. Because Chartreux
- are rare and demand is high, breeders often have waiting lists
- of 4-8 months for pet Chartreux. Sometimes breeders will have
- older cats available to a good home for much less; these can be
- excellent pets. If you are looking for a Chartreux to breed or
- show, spend time talking to several breeders and learn as much
- as you can about the various bloodlines before you buy.
-
- _"Where did the breed's name come from?"_
-
- Legend says that these cats were brought back from the Crusades
- by the Carthusian monks (the monks who are famous for the
- Chartreuse liqueur) and were later raised by the monks as
- companions. Although this story suits the unobtrusive
- temperament of the breed (some people even say the cats "took
- the vow of silence") the present day order of Carthusians does
- not have any record of these cats.
-
- Another hypothesis is suggested by the early mentions of the
- Chartreux as "a type of blue cat whose pelts are traded by
- furriers." The pelt was valued for the thick, wooly texture of
- the fur. It is possible that fur traders and clothing makers
- named the cat after a type of fine wool called "pile de
- Chartreux" which was considered very luxurious at the time.
-
- _"How do you pronounce the name?"_
-
- The "X" is silent!!! Most US breeders pronounce the name as
- "shar-TROO", and a few say "shar-TROW". For a better
- approximation, if you are familiar with the French
- pronunciation of "Chartreuse" (like the liqueur), "Chartreux"
- should sound the same except that you omit the final consonant
- sound.
-
- _________________________________________________________________
-
- Breed Clubs
-
- 1. _Les Amis des Chartreux (USA)_
- CFA affiliated Chartreux breed club since 1983. The club publishes
- a newsletter, "Griffonage", and gives the Gamon Award to CFA's
- highest scoring Chartreux kitten, adult, and premier. Contact:
- Kitty Kisrow, 202 Scott Ave, Nashville, TN 37206.
- 2. _Club du chat des Chartreux (Europe)_
- Large, active FIFe affiliated breed club which promotes the
- Chartreux throughout Europe. Also publishes a newsletter. Contact:
- M. Simonnet, 66 rue de Ponthieu, 75008 Paris.
-
- _________________________________________________________________
-
- Bibliography/References
-
- 1. _The Chartreux Cat_, Jean Simonnet, 1990. This 200 page book is
- the English edition (translated by Jerry Auerbach) of Jean
- Simonnet's treatise on the breed and its history. It is available
- from: J. Auerbach, 823 Debra Street, Livermore, CA 94550
- 2. "The Blue Cats of France," Genevieve Scudder, Cats Magazine,
- February 1975.
- 3. "The Chartreux," Pierre Vincent, Cat Fancy, February 1978.
- 4. "The Chartreux," Andrea Hawkins, Pet News, January 1980.
- 5. "The Chartreux," Pierre Vincent, Cat Fancy, September 1981.
- 6. "The Chartreux," Andrea Hawkins, 1981 CFA Yearbook.
- 7. "The Chartreux - France's Fascinating Feline," Andrea Hawkins,
- Cats Magazine, May 1983.
- 8. "The Chartreux," Andrea Hawkins, Cat Fancy, June 1985.
- 9. "The Chartreux," Alexis MacPherson, 1986 TICA Yearbook.
- 10. "The Chartreux - Living Legends," Debra Rexelle, Cat World, April
- 1987.
- 11. "The Chartreux," Phil Maggitti, Cats Magazine, August 1990.
- 12. "The Chartreux - Not Just Another Blue Cat," Marcus Click, CFA
- Almanac, March 1992.
- 13. "The Chartreux," Cats Magazine, June 1994.
-
- _________________________________________________________________
-
- Chartreux FAQ
- Orca Starbuck, orca@lutece.com
-