Chartreux
France · centuries oldQuiet, smiling blue cat — calm and devoted
SizeMedium7–16 lb
Life span12–15 years
CoatShort, woolly
Typical price$1,300–$2,500
The Chartreux is an old French breed with a woolly blue-grey coat, copper-to-orange eyes and a face that seems to smile. They are quiet, gentle and observant.
At a glance
EnergyModerate
Cuddlylikes touch and being heldFriendly
TalkativeSilent
GroomingEasy
SheddingAverage
With kidsGood
With petsGood
Alone timehow long they’re happy aloneA workday
Life with a Chartreux
They follow their person quietly, chirp rather than meow and are content to watch the household. They are keen hunters with toys but calm at home, and they handle time alone well.
Great for
- Quiet homes and working owners
- Families with kids
- People who want a calm, steady cat
Think twice if
- You want a chatty or very cuddly cat
- You need a kitten soon — they are uncommon in the US
Care tips
- Brush weekly; the woolly coat sheds heavily in spring.
- Daily play with wand toys.
- Measure food.
Health
Generally healthy. Loose kneecaps (patellar luxation) occur.
Ask the breeder for
- Kneecap (patella) check of the parents
- Parents’ vet records
Typical US price$1,300–$2,500
RegistriesCFA · TICAAsk for both parents’ papers
Prices are rough ranges from registered breeders and vary by line, color and region. A much cheaper “purebred” kitten is a common scam sign.
See Chartreux kittensSimilar breeds
Sources: breed standards and profiles from CFA and TICA, DNA tests listed by the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, and veterinary breed profiles.