Old and rare, the Chartreux breed is one to behold. With its thick gray fur and silent nature, legend has it that Chartreux cats lived with monks of the Carthusian order in France.
Their active and affectionate personality make them ideal household pets.
Cost Of Chartreux Cat
If you have been enchanted by Chartreux cats like millions of others, it is important to calculate the cost of living with a Chartreux cat before you get one for yourself.
Considered one of the premium breeds, getting and taking care of a Chartreux cat is no easy feat. Be prepared to set aside a substantial amount of money for its regular care and maintenance.
Buy from Certified Breeders – If you choose to buy from a breeder, check if it is affiliated with reputable cat organizations before finalizing the transaction. Feline groups such as The International Cat Association (TICA) and Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) keep a list of certified catteries that breed cats in a responsible way.
Qualified breeders will give you a health guarantee and will provide a well-socialized kitten with updated vaccination records. If this is your first time owning a cat, such expert cat breeders will gladly guide you in raising one.
However, the cost from known breeders is not cheap. Savvy Pets in Washington sells a Chartreux kitten for $2,100 or $350 per month for six months.
On the other hand, Oodle Marketplace has some listings of Chartreux cats up for sale or adoption, ranging from $25 to $2,100.
Adopt from Local Shelters – If getting a brand-new kitten is expensive or you just want to help curb overpopulation in the streets, you can also choose to adopt a Chartreux cat.
Visit your local shelters and foster homes to see if they have Chartreux cat available or any of your chosen breed. You can also check online or on social media for anyone offering Chartreux cats up for adoption.
Users in GoKitty, a cat adoption website, list adult Chartreux cats for $20 to $25.
Diet and Nutrition – Cats require a diet of high protein due to their carnivorous nature. Chartreux cats in the wild survive on a diet of mice and other rodents which they have been catching for generations.
It is more complicated for an indoor cat. A seemingly endless number of cat food products in the market will certainly overwhelm any pet parent.
Chartreux cats are not picky eaters, so just look for cat food that is heavier on the protein with essential vitamins and minimal synthetic additives to satisfy their nutritional requirement. Stay away from carbohydrate-based cat food, including those with grains, corn, and soy.
This breed tends to get overweight easily, so keep an eye on your cat’s food intake to avoid future weight-related issues.
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness High-Protein Adult Indoor Dry Cat Food, 11 lbs: around $34
- Almo Nature Cat HQS Wet Pre-Cooked Food (24 cans): around $39
- Fancy Feast Cat Treats Duos (1-oz pack of 2): around $32
Grooming and Hygiene – The Chartreux cat’s hair is relatively low-maintenance. Once weekly brushing is recommended, except for seasonal shedding periods where you will have to brush your cat’s hair daily with a hard bristle comb.
Experts are against brushing, however, since it may pull out the undercoat which will give your cat a spikey look. Chartreux cats, despite having a water-resistant coat, are not fans of bathing.
Cats are tidy creatures that prefer a clean environment. Litter- or toilet-training your cat will keep your home clean.
- Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush: around $16
- Poodle Pet Cat Nail Trimmer: around $10
- Fresh Step Scented Litter, 20lbs: $12 to $14
- Nature’s Miracle Oval Hooded Flip Top Litter Box (20 lbs): $26 to $33
- DuraScoop Jumbo Cat Litter Scoop: around $13
Daily Care – With their intellectual instincts, Chartreux cats have an active mind that requires frequent challenges. Have cat toys with puzzles and games available to activate their mind.
Your new kitty will also require a carrier for transporting it to the vet or on a trip to the park. Make sure your carrier is large and sturdy enough to prevent your cat from accidentally escaping.
- Petstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy: $10 to $24
- Catit Senses 2.0 Digger for Cats: around $15
- Jalousie 27-Pack Cat Toy Assortment: around $17
- EliteField Soft-Sided Pet Carrier: around $26
Medical Care – To catch any medical issues as early as possible, regular trips to the vet are a must. Keep your cat up-to-date with vaccinations to prevent common feline diseases and infections.
It is also recommended to keep a Chartreux cat indoors which will shield it from diseases carried by other stray cats. Indoor cats are also protected from dog or coyote attacks, as well as potential vehicular accidents.
VIP PetCare offers the following rates:
- Kitten Vaccination Pack: $69
- Adult Cat Booster Vaccination Pack: $67
- Microchip: $19
Cats are the ultimate addition to your home. Having Chartreux cats in your family is especially priceless.
They are affectionate, loyal, and low-maintenance. These furry pets will certainly complete your home and fill it with joy and energy.
However, before you decide to get one, make sure you are ready for the cost and responsibility that comes with it.
History
Chartreux cats have been around for a long time, dating back to the 13th century or older. These blue-gray cats came from Turkey and Iran where they lived in humid areas with cold nights and harsh winters that helped develop their unique coats.
It is believed that the monks from Le Grand Chartreux in the French Alps bred Chartreux cats to have quiet voices and to catch mice, and these behaviors are still evident today.
This feline breed was brought into the United States in 1970 and was granted championship status in 1987.
Famous French poet Charles Baudelaire and late French president Charles de Gaulle were both proud Chartreux cat owners.
Characteristics
The identifying characteristic of a Chartreux cat is its double-coat water-repellent, blue-gray fur. The wooly texture of its coat shows breaks like sheepskin and protects the cat from the elements.
Mature Chartreux cats can weigh between 12 and 16 pounds and can grow up from 9 to 11 inches.
Aside from its fur, the Chartreux cat is identified by its big, expressive eyes that are usually yellow to copper in color. The structure of its head and tapered muzzles make it appear like it is “smiling”.
The cat’s built has often been described as “a potato on toothpicks” due to its stocky body and lean legs. Chartreux cats have been bred as competent mousers, strong, and nimble; accounting for their unusual proportion.
Health
Chartreux cats are known for their good health and hardiness. However, just like all other cat breeds, they are not immune to genetic diseases.
This breed is prone to polycystic kidney disease and struvite stones in the urinary tract. Chartreux cats may also develop patellar luxation or hereditary kneecap dislocation.
Personality
Sometimes a lap cat and sometimes an agile hunter, a Chartreux cat is definitely the best of both worlds. This type of cat will playfully demand your attention but can also be quiet at times.
Being raised in a monastery, most Chartreux cats are silent but are still communicative in other ways. These French felines are also known to be intelligent creatures.
They enjoy a game of fetch and can be taught simple tricks. Keep their mind challenged by providing puzzle toys and regular play time.
If you have children or other pets in the household, a Chartreux cat will fit right in. When it does not like being handled, it will not scratch and will just prefer to walk away.
They also live harmoniously with cat-friendly dogs like Retrievers and Beagles. Chartreux cats are even regarded as one of the friendliest cats.
