Personality

This is a friendly, intelligent, self-confident and affectionate breed, but not intrusively so. Chartreux cats tend to be quiet-voiced and typically do not annoy their owners with constant meowing or crying. They are quite observant and have been known to operate radio buttons and open screen door latches with their faces and paws. Chartreuxs are playful well into their adult years. They are gentle and good with children and other animals. They are non-aggressive and very affectionate. They also are good travelers. Chartreux tend to bond with one person in their household more than others, preferring to be in the general vicinity of that one special person, often following him or her from room to room. However, they are still loving and affectionate to other members of the household.

Activity Level

Chartreux are exceptional hunters. They historically have been and still are highly prized by farmers, even to this day. Their reputation as mousers is legendary in French literature. This is not a particularly high-strung breed, but the Chartreux does need and appreciate regular exercise and activity. It is completely comfortable being entirely a house cat.

Behavioral Traits

Environment and attention are said to have everything to do with the behavior and manners of adult cats of this breed. The Chartreux can take up to three years to reach full maturity. The stage between kitten-hood and adulthood is often scraggly and reminiscent of a teen-aged human. Once the Chartreux cats mature, however, it seems to happen overnight. These cats are very dog-like in disposition and are known to follow their favorite people from room to room. They can be taught to play fetch and typically learn to respond to their names when called. Chartreuxs are relatively quiet cats, but when they do vocalize, they tend to emit soft amusing chirps rather than loud annoying meows. They seem fascinated by television. This feline breed is most happily housed entirely indoors. However, they are reknowned for their hunting prowess, and thus they will reliably keep their households free from rodents.