Chartreux cats
GP Charleval's Pokemon of Blue Bijou
("Pokie")
For more information about Chartreux cats,
visit the CFA website at www.cfainc.org
or email owners Carolyn & Doug Menzel at cdmenzel@prodigy.net.
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The Chartreux may
be one of The Cat Fanciers’ Association’s oldest new
breeds. Though advanced to championship status in 1987, the Chartreux
history is steeped in legend. There exists a lovely old legend
that the Chartreux lived with, and were named for, the Carthusian
monks of France, and perhaps even shared a tipple or two of their
famous Chartreuse liqueur! Recent research, however, indicates
that because of the woolly character of their fur, they were
given the same name as a well known Spanish wool of the early
18th century. Since this method of naming is common in animal
husbandry, it is very likely the truth. Nevertheless, the presence
of this natural breed of cat was noted in documents as early
as the 16th century, and was acknowledged for its unique coat
texture and color. Whatever the reason, the Chartreux adopted
France with all their native vitality and intelligence, and the
country adopted the breed. Today, the handsome blue cat is considered
as French as Rodin. |
