Chartreux

Chartreux cats are found in French literature as early as the 16th century. They may have received the name as a companion to the Carthusian monks protecting the grain stores for the monastery and perhaps the ingredients for the famous Charteuse liqueur. Or, as a cat with a coat similar to a well-known Spanish wool in the 1800s. There are no records in the monastery that refer to the cats however the term Chartreux for these cats was being used as early as the 17th century which predates the Spanish wool and appears to be more connected with the monastery. It is considered the national cat of France. They suffered through WWII and after the war other breeds were introduced to help preserve a solid genetic base.

Known for their pumpkin coloured eyes and sturdy, robust body with fine-boned legs, the Chartreux is often described as a “potato on toothpicks.” It is one of the few breeds to come in blue only.