One of the oldest European breeds, The Chartreux is said to be around since the 1500’s or even earlier times. Its name bears much controversy. It had been said to be named after the French monks who allegedly bred the Chartreux for its mouse catching abilities. However, the monastery has denied having anything to do with this cat’s breeding and existence. Therefore the explanation of their name could be found in one of their morphological features: the quality of their fur. Chartreux have a thick and dense underlying coat resembling the touch of wool and bearing impermeable properties. This could explain how they became known by the name of a Spanish wool type.

These cats are known in the folk culture of France as the most redoubtable mice catchers. Their appearance is one of great sweetness, though. Their almost round head has big copper eyes and medium sized ears. The neck is short and strong linking the head to a compact and robust body. The feet seem rather fragile compared to the robustness of the body. Muscles are well developed giving the Chartreux strength and great abilities for mouse catching.

Chartreux are calm and sweet natured creatures. Their movements breath self confidence and might. These fellows will make great pets for people who already have another pet, as they adapt very quickly and get along perfectly with other animals. The members of this breed will play heartily for short periods of time and then go to take a sound cat nap which may go on uninterrupted for half a day if you don’t prompt them to play. They are medium active cats and their relaxed attitude recommends them to families with young children. They will not attack or display unpredictable behavior. In spite of loving all of the family members this cat will tend to attach more to a single person to whom it will dedicate its entire loyalty and trust.

Your regular Chartreux should under no circumstances have patterns, spots or a different coat color apart from Blue. The eyes’ color may vary between yellow and copper, the latter being preferred by dedicated breeders. Maintenance for this cat will not be expensive or tiresome. All you need to do is pass your hands through its coat and when in the shedding seasons comb its coat once or twice a week. Bathing is not necessary unless recommended by a doctor or before a show.

The males of the Chartreux are large, their weight ranging between ten and fourteen pounds, while the females are medium and can vary on a scale from six to nine pounds. These cats are independent and smart. They will enjoy playing games like “fetch” or opening doors. If left outside they will be perfectly able to take care of themselves and hunt to feed. The soft voice of a Chartreux is directly proportionate with its imposing stature. It is not a vocal cat and will not bug you with its meowing like other breeds.

Chartreux Cats Pictures Gallery

      Persians are the most popular cat breed in the States and possibly the best known and loved breed altogether. The spectacular coat of this short and robust cat makes it look like a walking adorable fur ball with two huge, expressive, round eyes. Short and strong legs with round, large paws, small ears and a miniature puffy “mane” which balances the huge tail characterize the Persian. These cats have medium to large bodies of the cobby (round) type. Their roots go back as far as Asia Minor and the Persian Empire where they were highly praised and kept as the ruler’s pet. Later on, in the nineteenth century they were imported, along with other luxury goods, to the British Empire and Europe where they immediately became spoiled companions of the Queen, King and aristocracy.

      In spite of their sometimes “angry” facial expression which is due to genetic selection Persians are extremely gentle and non-aggressive felines. They need to feel safe and have a secure environment as they do not like changes and challenges. They are the perfect petting creature as they just adore sitting in your lap and enjoying stroke after stroke. They do not exhibit the playful and inquisitive behavior usually found in other members of this species. Persians are rather placid, delicate and shy fellows who will not climb up your curtains or jump off the top shelf of your furniture. You will find them comfortably installed on the couch and lovingly purring at your side while you are reading a book or watching TV. They are not big fans of exercise or playing but they will wrap you up in love and fill your every minute spent in their company with joy.

      Persians are not extremely social cats. They are quite suspicious of strangers and will not greet them at the door like an Ocicat or an Abyssinian. They will hide and mind their own businesses until the guest is gone. They will also not follow you around trying to help you out…like the other two breeds afore mentioned. They’ll rather choose to watch you from their comfy sitting place while you are working around the house. Nevertheless their calm and loving nature will recommend them to younger members of the family or other pets. Their meowing will not upset you at all, as they have very delicate tonalities and will also not vocalize frequently.

      Since the most prominent quality of Persian cats seems to be at a first sight their long, rich coat you should know that its maintenance requires quite an amount of time. To keep these fluffy creatures with their shiny angelic aura in perfect shape you should spend at least 15 minutes a day grooming them. You must also be aware that the length of the hair can go up to 8 inches and that they shed a lot of hair. This is why they are not recommended for families with infants but rather older kids. They must be constantly combed and brushed as their fur tends to form hairballs or tangle. They should also be provided with a scratching post, although they are not at all destructive or over-active.
Coat colors vary tremendously and National or International Committees have approved the following combinations for contests: Van Bi-Color (Red and White Van), Self (White), Smoke (Lilac Smoke), Chinchilla (Golden Persian), Tabby (Silver Tabby), Cameo (Red Shell Cameo), Pewter (Pewter), Tortie Tabby (Blue Tortie Tabby), Bi-Color Tabby (Brown Tabby and White), Tortie (Lilac-Cream), Tortie and White (Blue Tortie

Persian Cats Pictures Gallery