the chartreux, reviewed

that is my verdict. now see if you can even recognise this breed →

The Chartreux is France's own blue cat, a robust, muscular animal with a woolly blue-grey coat, copper eyes, and a face that seems fixed in a gentle smile. It is quiet, calm, and deeply loyal, and it is often confused with the Russian Blue and the British Shorthair. It scores high on bearing, and it loafs like a professional, both of which I respect. Here is the review.

what is a chartreux

The Chartreux is an old French breed with a long and rather romantic history, traditionally linked to monasteries and celebrated in French literature for centuries. It is a sturdy, powerful cat wrapped in a distinctive woolly blue coat, and it is prized as much for its calm, affectionate temperament as for its looks. In France it is something of a national treasure.

the look

The Chartreux is instantly recognisable once you know it. The coat is always blue-grey, ranging from ash to slate, and it has an unusual dense, woolly, slightly water-resistant texture that stands out from the body. Set against it are round, expressive eyes in vivid copper or gold. The build is robust and muscular, sometimes described as a powerful body on fine legs, and the rounded, tapering face carries a naturally sweet, smiling expression. It is a handsome, dignified cat, which is why it scores high on royal energy, and its solid, rounded shape lends itself beautifully to loafing.

the chartreux, the russian blue and the british blue

People constantly mix these three grey cats up, so let me settle it. The Russian Blue is finer-boned with a shimmering silver-tipped coat and green eyes, and it is shy and reserved. The blue British Shorthair is rounder and plusher with a very dense even coat and copper eyes. The Chartreux is muscular with a woolly, slightly textured coat and copper eyes, and a quieter, more serene manner than either. Three different cats, one colour.

temperament: the quiet loyalist

The Chartreux is famously calm and gentle. It is affectionate and loyal, often attaching itself to one person and following them quietly around the house, but it is undemanding and rarely makes a fuss. It is also notably quiet, with some individuals barely vocalising at all. It is intelligent and playful in a measured way, but this is not a hyperactive or attention-seeking cat, which is why the gremlin score sits low. It is a peaceful, dignified companion, content to be near you without insisting on it.

care and health, the honest part

That dense, woolly coat benefits from regular combing, especially during seasonal moults, to prevent the thick fur from matting or clumping. Otherwise the Chartreux is fairly low-maintenance and generally a hardy, healthy breed, though like many cats it can be prone to weight gain if overfed and to certain inherited conditions that responsible breeders screen for. As always, buy from a reputable, health-testing breeder or adopt and keep up with veterinary care.

is a chartreux right for you

If you want a calm, quiet, loyal, and strikingly handsome cat that gives steady affection without constant demands, the Chartreux is a lovely choice, particularly for a more peaceful household. It is not the breed for someone wanting a lively, chatty, high-energy cat, and it can be genuinely hard to find outside France. Patience and a reputable breeder are required.

the chartreux verdict

Eighty-three. The Chartreux is serene, devoted, and beautifully behaved, a quiet French aristocrat with a permanent gentle smile and an excellent loaf. It loses a little only for a placidness some will find too subdued. Impeccable manners and a superb colour. High marks, quietly given.

Related reading from my desk: the Russian Blue and British Shorthair profiles, and more in the cat breeds guide.

Scores are the Chairman's opinion, offered in good fun. For real advice on a Chartreux's needs, health, or suitability, speak to a reputable breeder, a rescue, or your vet. I am a cat with opinions, not a veterinarian.