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Externally, this breed of cats is very similar to the Scots - plush fur, amber eyes, blue color. But in fact, Chartreuse is a true Frenchman with a special character, habits and habits. Just we will consider them in this publication, as well as the history of cats and the features of caring for them.
Appearance
The main feature of animals is a blue, dense, water-repellent fur. The length is medium, there are silver inclusions on the tips. It is noteworthy that the level of hair density directly depends on how old the cat is - the older it is, the thicker and denser it will be.
In cats under two years of age, a more fluffy and thinner coat is allowed. Breeders argue that first of all, in exhibition animals, they turn to the condition of the fur, and only after that its color is preferable to blue, although gray is also acceptable.
Chartreuse simply has incredible eyes - they are expressive and attentive, and the look is attractive. Eyes can have a different color, usually from copper to deep gold. The green color of the eyes in cats of this breed is unacceptable.
Cartesian cats are quite large, well-developed chest, and broad shoulders. They have well developed muscles, animals are wonderful hunters. The weight of females can reach 4 kilos, and males - up to 7 kg.
After the Second World War, cats were crossed with Persians - this was necessary in order to save the breed. At present, in places where the recessive gene has been inherited by both parents, chartreuses with long hair can be found. In Europe, they are fighting to ensure that this species of breed is recognized as official, but breeders of chartreuses are categorically against this - since this can significantly change the appearance of cats over time, the breed of which was already difficult to maintain.
Origin history
In the monasteries there were a huge number of rats, as well as mice - and so, this breed was bred specifically in order to destroy them. That is, frankly speaking - this breed of amazing beauty was roughly used by people for their own, selfish purposes. However, this is not the most terrifying fact in the history of cats. They were bred in order to get tasty, fresh meat, as well as valuable, beautiful and dense fur. For almost 500 years, this breed has been treated with affectionate and gullible animals.
Origin Options
It is worth saying a word about where did all the same come from, who are the descendants of this glorious cat, since there are a lot of versions. Consider them all:
- Some experts say that chartreuse is a descendant of Siberian cats. There is an assumption that individuals naturally crossed with manuli - it is due to this that chartreuses have such good health, a wide and developed skeleton. Also, do not forget that this breed is hunting, so there is some truth in the assumption.
- There is another version - it is believed that the animals were brought to France on merchant ships.The name of the breed comes from the name of the city of Chartres, which is also located in France.
- Researchers, however, believe that the breed was bred naturally. The name of the breed has a separate story. Chartreuse - the so-called fabric that is brought from Spain. It is soft, but quite dense and pleasant to the touch. The fur of these cats is exactly the same - that is why they were given such a name.
Before World War I, animals lived in France, caught rats and mice, and bred. But after the hostilities the breed was destroyed almost completely. To restore the life of chartreuse, scientists and researchers managed to make a lot of effort - but now we can enjoy the beauty and unpretentious character of these pets.
To date, the breed of Cartesian cats has been elevated to official status, and this factor is recognized by the Association of Cat Lovers and other organizations that are involved in the evaluation of animal breeds. The only company that did not recognize the breed - the British Cat Association - since the chartreuse looks very similar to the British, and, naturally, recognizing the breed is simply unprofitable.
Description of appearance and character
About the appearance of pets has been said above - they are very similar to the British breed, but an experienced breeder will always distinguish the types of cats. So, briefly about the appearance of cats:
- The shape of the head in cats is wide and trapezoidal, if the head of the animal is elongated, this factor is already counted as a defect.
- The nose of the chartreuse is wide and straight, the lobe should be exclusively gray, at this point breeders always pay attention.
- Ears are set high, slightly inclined forward, medium in size.
- The tips of the ears are slightly rounded - sharp are considered a sign of the presence of impurities of other breeds.
- The eyes are set close, but they are large and round.
- It’s normal if the little kitten that has just opened its eyes has an iris of blue color, and over time, if the cat is really thoroughbred, the eyes will turn yellow or golden copper.
- The short neck goes almost immediately to the shoulder joints and chest.
- The height of the whole body at the withers can reach 30 cm, the skeleton itself is very strong, musculature is well developed.
- The legs are straight, the tips are slightly rounded, and the front legs are always not as massive as the hind legs - this is due to the hunting skills of animals.
Important! When choosing a pet, you need to pay attention not only to the color of his coat, but also to the legs. Chartreuse and wool, and pads should be blue. If you see that the pads are different from the color of the coat, or have a splash of black or white - before you is not a real Cartesian cat, but a cross.
Growing up and coloring
For Cartesians, the tail should not be fluffy, while it is important that it is proportional to the body of the animal. Females grow up faster - by the age of 3 you have a real sexually mature cat ready to produce offspring. But in males, everything proceeds more slowly - they become truly adults only by the age of 5.
Color can vary - the breeder can tell you exactly about the color palette of cats. Gray, blue, lavender shades are allowed, but the most popular and expensive is light gray-blue color. Animals have a dense undercoat, and the coat itself is usually short, if the cat has long and fluffy hair - this indicates the presence of impurities in the breed. Compared with the British, the French have a slightly longer coat, and the undercoat is dark in color.
If you have a purebred chartreuse, but at the same time the offspring have faint stripes in color - do not be scared. These marks are called tabby, and this is normal - as the individual matures, they will gradually level out and disappear.
What is the nature of the animal?
It is noteworthy that each animal has a different disposition - even experts note this. The animal can be calm and cheerful, sometimes real restless hunters grow up who love to be alone. The only thing that breeders' opinions on this breed agree on is that cats are very loyal to the owners and incredibly jealous. Chartreuses are attached primarily to the owners, and not to the house, cannot endure separation from family members, and they also very hard experience cooperation with other animals, especially if the latter get more attention than the Cartesian.
Also, experts agree that cats are not at all conflict, they are extremely hooligan. If you travel often, change housing - this will not become a problem. Due to the fact that the pet is attached to the owner, it will easily transfer the change of scenery, quickly adapts.
A feature of the character is the silence of cats. It is extremely rare that they give a voice, even if they need something, so you can’t worry about “serenades” and unceasing meowing in the morning. But the cats purr for a long time, and if they are in a good mood - the animal will delight you with a loud and long murmur, imposingly sitting on your knees.
A good feature of the breed is the fact that, despite a pronounced affection for the owner, even if the household does not stay at home for a long time, the animal will not suffer. If you want the kitten to feel comfortable and not bored - it will be enough to leave him a couple of toys.
In a chartreuse house, the first thing to do is choose your own corner. And here - if you want, if you don’t want, you will have to reckon with the opinion of the pet, because the cat will not give the place to anyone, and if necessary, can even compete for it.
Important! Even if you live in cold regions, the Frenchman will feel comfortable. He has not only an incredibly beautiful, but also a warm fur coat with undercoat, so frosts are not scary.
What diseases is an animal susceptible to?
The incisors in cats are quite small, located close. Therefore, if you care about the health of your pet - it is better to immediately take him to the veterinarian so that he removes them in order to avoid problems. The oral cavity in cats is also sensitive, so you need to monitor its hygiene regularly. Ears and eyes should be regularly treated, since problems can also occur if hygiene is not available.
Carthusians are very fond of a tasty meal - and this can lead to obesity, which is extremely undesirable, since overweight in cats, as in humans, can provoke cardiovascular diseases.
Principles of feeding
It has already been said above that the animal is prone to obesity, so the owners need to think over the diet of their animal in advance - it must be balanced, contain vitamins and minerals necessary for the animal. It is impossible to overfeed a pet. The best option is purchased wet and dry food from trusted companies, sometimes the animal can be pampered with natural food, for example:
- low-fat varieties of poultry and fish in boiled form;
- dairy products - kefir, low-fat sour cream;
- hard-boiled egg yolk;
- cottage cheese.
As for the feed, you need to choose only those that have the mark “premium class”. Sprouted grass for cats will also be beneficial - it is sold in specialized pet stores.
Video: Chartreuse cat
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