Chartreux is the name given by the monks of the Cartesian order to their favourite cats and their own liqueur. Chartreuses are very loyal, balanced and friendly, but will never impose their society. Unlike cats of other breeds, they are almost silent.

Breed History

Cartesian cats are part of French history. French breeders did their best to preserve this breed when it was on the verge of extinction after the First World War. The first standards were drawn up on the basis of the descriptions of the XVIII century, and in further breeding participated only cats that fully corresponded to them. Today, the Chartreuse is a rather rare and small breed.

The first cats of this breed were often green-eyed. Only in the twentieth century it was possible to breed cats with inherent copper-yellow eyes.

Care

The Chartreuse's thick, short coat requires no special care - just brush it a couple of times a month and it will always shine. During the shedding period, the cat should be brushed more often and bathed to help the cat get rid of dead hairs.

Breeding

In the coloring, any shades of grey are allowed, but a uniform colour is preferred, without shadows and transitions.Eye colour - from golden to dark orange.

Defects include visible tail fractures, white spots in the colour, lameness on the hind legs and green eyes.Crossbreeding with other breeds is not allowed by the standard.

Chartreuse, as the French claim, have always been in Chartres. The Cartesian monks treated them with great respect and even the mountain near the town was called the Mountain of the Grey Cats.