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Externally, this breed of cats is very similar to the Scots - plush fur, amber-colored 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 the appearance of cats and features of care for them.
Appearance
The main feature of animals is blue, dense, water-repellent fur. Length - average, at the tips there are inclusions of silver color. It is noteworthy that the density level of the wool depends on the age at which the cat - the older it is, the thicker and denser it will be.
In cats that have not reached the age of two, more fluffy and thin wool is allowed.Breeders claim that, first of all, in exhibition animals they turn to the condition of the fur, and only after that its color - blue is preferable, although gray is also acceptable.
At Chartreuse simply incredible eyes - they are expressive and attentive, and look - attractive. The eyes may have a different color, usually from copper to deep gold. Green eyes in cats of this breed are not allowed.
Cartesian cats have a rather large size, a well-developed chest, and broad shoulders. They have well-developed musculature, 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 is inherited by both parents, Chartreuse with long hair can be found. In Europe, they are fighting for this species to be recognized as official, but the Chartreuse breeders are categorically against it - because this can significantly change the appearance of cats over time, the breed of which could already be kept with great difficulty.
History of origin
In the monasteries there were a huge number of rats, as well as mice - so, this breed was wound up specifically 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 from the history of cats. They were bred in order to get tasty, fresh meat, as well as valuable, beautiful and dense fur. For nearly 500 years, this breed was treated with affectionate and trusting animals.
Variants of origin
It’s worth saying a word, since there are a lot of versions. Consider them all:
- Some experts claim that Chartreuse is a descendant of Siberian cats.There is an assumption that individuals naturally interbred with manuls - it is precisely because of this that the Chartreuse have such good health, a wide and well-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 believe that the breed was bred naturally. The name of the breed has a separate history. Chartreuse - the so-called fabric, which is brought from Spain. It is soft, at the same time rather dense and pleasant to the touch. Exactly the same hair and these cats - that is why they were given such a name.
Before World War I, animals lived in France, caught rats and mice, multiplied. But after the war, the breed was almost completely destroyed. To bring the Chartreuse back to life, scientists and researchers have managed to put a lot of effort into it, but now we can enjoy the beauty and unpretentious character of these pets.
To date, the Cartesian cat breed has been elevated to official status, and this factor is recognized by the Cat Lovers Association and other organizations that are involved in the evaluation of animal breeds. The only company that did not recognize the breed was the British Cat Association, because the Chartreuse looks very similar to the British, and, of course, it is simply unprofitable to recognize associations.
Description of appearance and character
About the appearance of pets already mentioned 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 head shape in cats is wide and trapezoidal, if the animal has an elongated head, 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 the breeders always pay attention.
- The ears are set high, slightly tilted forward, are of medium size.
- The tips of the ears are slightly rounded - sharp are considered a sign of the presence of impurities from other breeds.
- Eyes close set, but they are large and round.
- Normally, if the little kitten, who just opened his eyes, the iris has a blue color, and over time, if the cat is truly purebred, the eyes will turn yellow or golden-copper.
- Short neck almost immediately goes into the shoulder joints and chest.
- The height of the whole body at the withers can reach 30 cm, the skeleton itself is very strong, the muscles are well developed.
- The paws are straight, the tips are slightly rounded, and always the front paws are not as massive as the rear ones - this is due to the hunting skills of the animals.
Important! When choosing a pet, you must pay attention not only to the color of his coat, but also his feet. In Chartreuse and wool, and pads should be blue. If you see that the pads are different from the color of the wool, or have blotches of black or white - in front of you is not a real Cartesian cat, but a mixture.
Growing up and color
In Cartesians, the tail should not be fluffy, while it is important that it be proportional to the body of the animal. Females grow up faster - by the age of 3, you already have a real mature kitten, ready to produce offspring.But for males everything proceeds more slowly - they really become adults only by 5 years.
The color can vary - the breeder will be able to tell you exactly about the color palette of cats. Allowed gray, blue, lavender shades, but the most sought-after and expensive is a light gray-blue color. Animals have a dense undercoat, while the wool itself is usually short, if the cat has a long and fluffy coat - this indicates the presence of impurities in the breed. If you compare with the British, then the French have a little longer hair, and the undercoat has a dark color.
If you have a pure-blooded chartreuse, but at the same time the offspring present barely visible stripes in color - you should not be afraid. These marks are called tabby, and this is normal - as they mature, they will gradually even 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 fun, sometimes grow real restless hunters who love to be alone. The only thing that breeders agree on this breed is that cats are very loyal to their owners and incredibly jealous.Chartreuses are attached primarily to the owners, not to the house, they do not tolerate separation from family members, and they also have a very hard time cooperating with other animals, especially if the latter get more attention than the Cartesian.
Also, experts agree on the fact that cats are not at all conflicting, extremely rarely hooligans. If you travel frequently, changing your accommodation will not be a problem. Due to the fact that the pet is tied to the owner, he will easily transfer the change of situation, quickly adapts.
Feature of character is the silence of cats. They rarely give a voice, even if they need something, so you can not worry about the "serenades" and the incessant meowing in the morning. But purr cats for a long time, and if they are in a good mood - the animal will please you with a loud and long purr, imposingly sitting on his knees.
A good feature of the breed is the fact that, despite the pronounced attachment to the owner, even if the household is not long at home, the animal will not suffer. If you want the kitten to feel comfortable and not be bored - it will be enough to leave him a couple of toys.
In the house, Chartreuse will first of all choose his own corner.And here - if you want, you do not want, you will have to reckon with the pet's opinion, since the cat will not give up the place to anyone, and if necessary it can even fight for it.
Important! Even if you live in cold regions, the Frenchman will feel comfortable. He has not only incredibly beautiful, but also a warm fur coat with undercoat, so the frost purr is not terrible.
What diseases does an animal suffer from?
The incisors of cats are quite small, located close. Therefore, if you care about the health of your pet, it is better to take him immediately to the veterinarian so that he removes them in order to avoid problems. The cats' mouth is also sensitive, so hygiene should be monitored regularly. Ears and eyes should be treated regularly, as problems can also begin if there is a lack of hygiene.
Cartesians love to eat tasty food - and this can lead to obesity,which is highly undesirable, since overweight in cats, like 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 in advance about the diet of their animal - it must be balanced, contain the vitamins and trace elements necessary for the animal. Overfeeding pet can not. The best option is purchased wet and dry food from proven companies, sometimes an 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.
With regard to food, then you need to choose only those on which there is a mark of "premium class". Germinated grass for cats will also be useful - it is sold in specialized stores for animals.
Video: Chartreuse cat
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