Chartreux Cat, also known as Chartreux in English, originated from France and is good at catching mice. It has a large body, solid physique, slightly chubby, and adult Chartreux cats can weigh up to 7kg.
It has well-developed muscles, powerful limbs, and when walking, it has an elegant temperament. Male cats are more powerful in their movements than female cats. Its fur is blue-gray and resilient, with silver tips. The fur is very dense and soft, and it is also waterproof.
Its head is an irregular quadrilateral, slightly large, with bulging cheeks. The nose is straight, and the ears are high. The upper and lower jaws are prominent. The eyes are bright, large, and round, with a color of golden or orange, forming a strong contrast with the blue fur. It often shows a clever and lovely expression.
According to historical records, the Chartreux Cat is a very ancient French breed. It can be traced back to the year 1558, mentioned in the epitaph of a French poet, describing the French Blue Cat as a "mouse killer". There is a legend that the Chartreux Cat is related to the Carthusian sect of France, but there is not enough evidence to prove that they were bred by them. In most cases, this breed is considered to be a naturally occurring breed that began to appear widely in French shops and streets as early as the 18th century.
Its most famous feature is its powerful hunting ability, so it was once widely bred. However, people later discovered the value of Chartreux cat fur and began to sell fur coats at high prices, which caused the number of this cat to decrease sharply. Until the early 20th century, there were very few Chartreux cats left, which attracted people's attention. It was not until two French women started extensive protection of the Chartreux Cat and the Cat Association established unified breed standards.
During World War II, the Chartreux Cat was almost extinct, so some people tried to breed Chartreux Cats by crossing Persians and British Shorthairs, but it was obviously not successful. By the 1950s, the Paris Cat Club banned such hybridization and only recognized purebred breeding of Chartreux cats.
Families and individuals with or without children and other pets (not recommended for people allergic to cat hair)
1, Soft stools and diarrhea
Soft stools and diarrhea in cats are common. Normal feces should be brownish, in the form of well-formed, moist stools.
Causes: catching a cold, changing food, poor food quality, stress reactions, parasitic infections, etc.
Symptoms: soft, sticky, shapeless, watery stools.
Solutions: If it is caused by parasites, it is recommended to deworm the cat. If it is due to stress reactions such as changing to a new environment, it is not a big problem. It is recommended to observe for a few more days. In terms of diet, avoid frequent switching of cat food to reduce gastrointestinal burden. Also, pay attention to controlling the amount of food, feed small meals multiple times a day, and feed at regular intervals. For drinking water, keep it clean and fresh, and do not give the cat mineral water, as it can lead to urinary stones.
2, Depression
Cats are sensitive animals and depression is common.
Causes: lack of companionship, the death of a companion, abuse, being kept locked up for a long time, etc.
Symptoms: loss of appetite, lying down all day, hiding, being sensitive and irritable, timid
Solutions: Cat depression is a psychological issue. It is recommended for the cat owner to spend more time with the cat. You can interact with the cat using treats or a teaser wand during daily life to reduce the cat's stress as much as possible.
Chartreux cats' food is not much different from other cat breeds. It is still mainly based on cat food to ensure balanced nutrition. It can also be combined with vegetables, fruits, and meat for consumption. Remember not to add seasoning, as oily and salty diets can cause skin and kidney problems in cats.
In addition to this, the hygiene of Chartreux cats should also be paid attention to. It is best to brush their teeth every day to effectively prevent oral problems such as periodontitis. Trim their nails once a week and check their ears to prevent ear mites or ear infections. If you find dirt in their ears, it is best to use a damp cotton ball to wipe it, and remember not to use cotton swabs, as they can easily damage the ears.
Grooming time: recommended every three days
1. Relax the cat: Before grooming, you can give the cat a massage. When the kitten purrs, you can proceed with the following steps;
2. Comb along the hair: from the back → waist → hips → tail; you can wet the cat's hair with a small amount of water to reduce static electricity. Comb along the direction of hair growth, from top to bottom;
3. Comb from the chest to the abdomen: Hold the cat and sit on your lap in a human posture, combing from top to bottom. The cat's belly is more sensitive, so the owner must be quick and accurate when combing;
4. Comb the cat's head and face area: You can comb from the cat's head or face towards the neck, but be careful of the cat's eyes;
5. Comb the hair under the armpits and on the belly side: At this time, the cat can be lying on its side, lift its front paws, and comb from the armpits to the side of the abdomen;
6. Finally, use a fine-tooth comb to remove excess hair, smooth the cat's fur, and finish the entire grooming process.