A Chartreux cat lounging on the top of a sofa

Chartreux Cat Insurance, Care and Health Advice

Shorthair Chartreux cats have a very similar appearance to British shorthairs, but with fine-boned limbs. The Chartreux cat&rsquo;s temperament is sweet, resilient and non-confrontational, making it a beloved companion in many households. Here&#39;s everything you need to know about this serene-looking breed

Domestic

Type

12 - 15 years

Lifespan

Medium to large

Size

3.5 - 7 kg

Weight

25 - 30 cm

Height

Intelligent friendly, independent

Temperament

20 - 30 mins per day

Exercise

Medium maintenance

Grooming

Yes, Chartreux cats are known for being friendly and affectionate. They’re good with children and other animals, making them ideal family pets. They enjoy the company of their owners and often form strong bonds.

While Chartreux cats shed very little compared to other breeds, they&rsquo;re not considered hypoallergenic. They have a woolly coat that <a href="/all-things-pet/pet-allergies" title="Link to Everypaw's guide to coping with pet allergies">can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals</a>, though it&rsquo;s usually less of an issue than heavy shedding breeds.

What’s the average Chartreux cat lifespan?

The average lifespan of a Chartreux cat is between 12 to 15 years. With proper care, they can live even longer, offering many years of companionship and, with&nbsp;our <a href="/pet-insurance-for-older-pets" title="Link to Everypaw's Pet Insurance for Older Pets page">Pet Insurance for Older Pets</a> cover, we can be there for you and your Chartreux through it all.&nbsp;

Chartreux cats are relatively rare, particularly outside their native country, France. While their numbers have been increasing, they’re still considered an uncommon breed worldwide.

That’s All You Need to Know About Chartreux Cats

The Chartreux cat breed is a perfect fit for those who appreciate a calm, intelligent, and loving companion. With their luxurious woolly coats, delightful personalities, and ability to adapt to different living situations, they make a wonderful addition to any home.

Whether you&rsquo;re drawn to their history as the &quot;Cat of France&quot; or their modern charm, the Chartreux is a breed that promises many years of loyal companionship. With proper care and attention to health, the Chartreux cat can thrive as a treasured member of your family.&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Vetstream Ltd (online) Chartreux. In: Vetlexicon Felis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: <a href="https://www.vetlexicon.com/felis/breeds/articles/chartreux/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Link to Vetstream's Chartreux Cat freeform page">https://www.vetlexicon.com/felis/breeds/articles/chartreux/</a></li>
	<li>Langley-Hobbs S, Marsella R &amp; Rackard S (online) Patella: luxation. In: Vetlexicon Felis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: <a href="https://www.vetlexicon.com/felis/surgery-orthopedic/articles/patella-luxation/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Link to Vetstream's patella luxation page">https://www.vetlexicon.com/felis/surgery-orthopedic/articles/patella-luxation/</a></li>
	<li>Cannon M &amp; Korman R (online) Kidney: autosomal dominant polycystic disease. In: Vetlexicon Felis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: <a href="https://www.vetlexicon.com/felis/urinary/articles/kidney-autosomal-dominant-polycystic-disease/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Link to Vetstream's AD-PKD page">https://www.vetlexicon.com/felis/urinary/articles/kidney-autosomal-dominant-polycystic-disease/</a></li>
	<li>Crossley D &amp; Smithson A (online) Gingivitis and stomatitis. In: Vetlexicon Felis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: <a href="https://www.vetlexicon.com/felis/dentistry/articles/gingivitis-and-stomatitis/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Link to Vetstream's gingivitis in cats page">https://www.vetlexicon.com/felis/dentistry/articles/gingivitis-and-stomatitis/</a></li>
	<li>Brownlie S, Fox P, Nicholls P, Watson P &amp; Bode L (online) Heart: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). In: Vetlexicon Felis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: <a href="https://www.vetlexicon.com/felis/cardiology/articles/heart-hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-hcm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Link to Vetstream's HCM in cats page">https://www.vetlexicon.com/felis/cardiology/articles/heart-hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-hcm/</a></li>
</ul>

Content provided from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vetlexicon.com/felis/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Link to Vetstream's cat information">Vetstream&#39;s Vetlexicon Felis</a>.

Vetlexicon is the world&rsquo;s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world&rsquo;s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.

Two Chartreux kittens standing on a desk in front of a bookcase

Chartreux kittens are playful, curious and friendly. They enjoy <a href="/all-things-pet/cat-games-for-cats." title="Link to Everypaw's article highlighting games to play with your cat">interactive toys and games</a>, but they also appreciate quiet time with their family. Early socialisation is essential to ensure that <a href="/cat-insurance/kitten-insurance" title="Link to Everypaw's Kitten Insurance">your kitten</a> grows into a confident, well-mannered adult cat.

A Chartreux cat&rsquo;s kittens will inherit the breed&#39;s signature woolly coat, so it&rsquo;s important to <a href="/all-things-pet/bad-fur-day-read-our-cat-grooming-101" title="Link to Everypaw's Cat Grooming Guide">begin grooming early</a> to get them used to being brushed.

A Chartreux looking at the camera while lying on the sofa

Life with a Chartreux cat is likely to be quiet and comforting. These cats are affectionate but not overly clingy, and they prefer to stay close to their owners rather than seeking attention all the time. A Chartreux cat will happily settle on a windowsill, observing the world from a safe distance, or curl up beside you for <a href="https://www.everypaw.com/all-things-pet/cat-sleeping-do-cats-dream" title="Link to Everypaw's article about the secrets of cats sleeping">a cozy nap</a>.

The Chartreux is a cat that values predictability and will thrive in an environment where it&rsquo;s provided with consistent routines. This makes them excellent companions for people with a structured lifestyle. Chartreux cats are also known for being good with children and other animals, such as other cats or <a href="/dog-insurance" title="Link to Everypaw's Dog Insurance page">dogs</a>, which makes them a popular choice for families. While they enjoy their independence, they&rsquo;re known to form deep bonds with their owners.

A balanced diet is essential for the Chartreux to maintain its health and longevity. The breed is known for its muscular build, so it&rsquo;s important to provide them with food that supports their energy levels and muscle tone. High-quality, protein-rich cat food formulated for adult cats is ideal.

Chartreux cats should have a consistent feeding schedule to maintain their habit-forming nature. Be mindful of portion sizes to <a href="/all-things-pet/obesity-in-dogs-cats-rabbits" title="Link to Everypaw's guide to obesity in pets">avoid obesity</a>, as they&rsquo;re prone to weight gain if not carefully monitored.

Chartreux kittens will need a specialised diet designed for their growth, and regular meals throughout the day can help ensure they develop properly. Always ensure they have access to fresh, clean water.

Though the Chartreux cat has a woolly, thick coat, it&rsquo;s relatively low maintenance compared to other long-haired breeds. <a href="/all-things-pet/bad-fur-day-read-our-cat-grooming-101" title="Link to Everypaw's guide to cat grooming">Grooming</a> should be done once or twice a week to prevent matting and to keep their coat looking its best. Their water-resistant fur requires less frequent baths, but regular brushing will help maintain its plush texture.

The Chartreux is not a heavy shedder, so their grooming needs are more about upkeep than frequent de-shedding. You can use a fine-toothed comb to gently brush through their coat, focusing on any tangles that might form around the neck or chest area. Routine ear cleaning, nail trimming every 3-4 weeks, and <a href="/all-things-pet/how-to-keep-your-cats-teeth-clean" title="Link to Everypaw's guide to cat dental care">regular dental care</a> should also be part of your Chartreux&rsquo;s grooming routine.

The Chartreux is a highly intelligent cat, which makes training possible with patience and consistency. Though they&rsquo;re not typically motivated by treats or toys like some other breeds, they enjoy mental stimulation and will respond well to positive reinforcement.

<a href="/all-things-pet/your-guide-to-cat-exercise" title="Link to Everypaw's Cat Exercise Guide">Exercise is essential to keep your Chartreux cat healthy</a>, but this breed does not require excessive physical activity. A few short play sessions a day should suffice, but they do enjoy exploring room to room, where they can keep themselves entertained by observing their environment. A simple string toy or puzzle feeder can engage their intelligence and satisfy their playful side.

If you&rsquo;re searching for laidback mog, who&rsquo;s smart enough to learn new tricks and independent enough to not need you around 24/7 while still loving a good family cuddle on the sofa, then a Chartreux is the kitty for you. But now, you&rsquo;ve found the perfect partner, it helps to get them protected.

Everypaw&rsquo;s <a href="/cat-insurance" title="Link to Everypaw's Cat Insurance page">Lifetime Cat Insurance</a> does exactly what it says on the tin. Offering cover for illness and injury from 8 weeks of age right into their golden years. Plus, you&rsquo;ll also get unlimited access to veterinary support through our <a href="/petcall" title="Link to Everypaw's Petcall page">Petcall</a> service. That&rsquo;s Lifetime Chartreux insurance cover that&rsquo;s built to last.

&nbsp;

Link to get an Everypaw Cat Insurance quote

This <a href="/cat-insurance/cat-breed-guides" title="Link to Everypaw's Cat Beed Guides">breed of cat</a> is also a creature of habit, often sticking to routines and enjoying a quiet environment. A Chartreux will fit well in most households, including those with children and other animals, due to its gentle nature. However, it&rsquo;s worth noting this breed can sometimes be a little more reserved or cautious around very young children.

Originating in 18th-century France where Carthusian monks bred them in the monastery while making Chartreuse liqueur. It&rsquo;s thought that the breed&rsquo;s name is also influenced by the luxurious Spanish wool called &ldquo;La pile des Chartreux&rdquo;, due to their soft, woolly coats.

Following near extinction after World War II the Chartreux breed was saved them through crossbreeding with Blue Longhairs. By the mid-20th century, the modern Chartreux was officially recognised as a distinct breed.

Patella luxation is a condition where the kneecap dislocates from its normal position, causing pain, limping and difficulty walking. In mild cases, it may not cause noticeable symptoms or be easily detected, but in more severe instances, surgery may be required to correct the issue and relieve discomfort.

Regular vet check-ups and early detection can help manage this condition more effectively. <a href="/all-things-pet/how-to-tell-if-you-have-an-underweight-or-overweight-cat" title="Link to to Everypaw's article about how to tell if your cat is over or underweight">Keeping your cat at a healthy weight</a> can also help reduce the risk of developing patella luxation.

Gingivitis is an <a href="/all-things-pet/unhealthy-cat-teeth-spotting-the-signs-of-dental-disease" title="Link to Everypaw's guide to spotting dental disease in cats">early stage of gum disease</a> that causes inflammation, redness, and swelling of the gums. It&rsquo;s commonly seen in cats and is often caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious dental problems, such as tooth loss. Regular dental care can help prevent gingivitis and maintain oral health.

PKD, also known as <a href="/all-things-pet/autosomal-dominant-polycystic-kidney-disease-in-cats" title="Link to Everypaw's guide to AD-PKD in cats">autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (AD-PKD)</a>, is a genetic condition that causes fluid-filled cysts to form in the kidneys, leading to kidney enlargement and impaired function over time. Symptoms may include increased thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss.

Regular veterinary check-ups and early detection are essential to manage the condition and maintain the cat&#39;s quality of life. In severe cases, treatment options may include medication or kidney support therapy.

<a href="/all-things-pet/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-hcm-in-cats" title="Link to Everypaw's guide to HCM in cats">HCM in cats</a> is a condition that affects the heart muscle, causing it to thicken and impair blood flow, leading to potential heart failure.

Early detection through regular vet check-ups is essential for managing HCM, as prompt intervention can improve quality of life and prevent complications. With proper care and monitoring, affected cats can live a healthy, comfortable life.

Common Chartreux Cat Health Problems by Vetstream

Like all breeds, the Chartreux cat is susceptible to certain health problems. Fortunately, with proper care and regular veterinary check-ups, many of these conditions can be prevented or managed. We've teamed up with veterinary experts at Vetstream to provide insights into the potential health issues to watch for in your Chartreux cat.

Shorthair Chartreux cats have a very similar appearance to British shorthairs, but with fine-boned limbs. The Chartreux <a href="/cat-insurance">cat&rsquo;s</a> temperament is sweet, resilient and non-confrontational, making it a beloved companion in many households. Here&#39;s everything you need to know about this serene-looking breed

Chartreux Cat Insurance and Health Advice | Everypaw

Get a quote for your Chartreux's insurance

Chartreux

Link to the advice on when can kittens go outside

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Link to retrieve a previous Everypaw Pet Insurance quote

The benefit values featured in the table may vary across the different levels of cover and will depend on the cover you choose. Please check your cover before purchasing. Be aware, for some breeds of dogs we do not provide our &pound;8k and &pound;10k Lifetime cover. 
 
All policies and features are subject to special conditions and exclusions of the insurers, please click the link to read about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.everypaw.com/pet-insurance-policy-exclusions" title="Link to Everypaw's Pet Insurance Exclusions page">our policy exclusions</a>. 
 
Excess is applicable to all vet fees claims. When your pet reaches a certain age, the excess payable may change. The excess will be your set excess plus a percentage of your claim amount.

Getting your furry friend covered shouldn&#39;t just come down to cost. There&#39;s a lot more to it than that, so take the time to do a pet insurance comparison. Think about their breed, the level of cover they might need, and what would be important to you. After all, insurance is there for both of you.

One of the best ways to do that is to compare cover levels. This will give you an idea of how much your pet insurance will cost, how much you can claim against vet bills, as well as the policy benefits. It&#39;s all about finding the Lifetime Pet Insurance that works best for you and your pet.

*Based on Everypaw claims data from February 2024 to March 2025

*Based on Everypaw claims data from January 2025 to January 2026

Deciding which pet insurance your furry bundle of fun needs can be tricky, especially if you&#39;re a new fur-parent. That&#39;s why here at Everypaw.com, we&#39;re trying to keep things simple, we&#39;re all about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.everypaw.com/lifetime-pet-insurance" title="Link to Everypaw's Lifetime Pet Insurance page">Lifetime Pet Insurance</a>.

Our Lifetime cover is available for your cats, dogs and rabbits. And if you&#39;re looking to cover your cat or dog, there&#39;s a range of cover levels to choose from. Lifetime covers your pet up to a set vet fee limit, and the limits reset for every year of cover.

An older dog for pet insurance for older pets

As our furry companions age, they&#39;re more likely to suffer from ailments and illnesses here and there. And we want you to be able to look after your pet well into retirement. That&#39;s why we don&#39;t have age limits on our policies. Our <a href="https://www.everypaw.com/pet-insurance-for-older-pets">pet insurance for older pets</a> can help you do the most important thing &ndash; looking after your pet.

What about younger pets? We also offer <a href="https://www.everypaw.com/cat-insurance/kitten-insurance" title="Link to Everypaw's Kitten Insurance page">kitten</a> and <a href="https://www.everypaw.com/dog-insurance/puppy-insurance" title="Link to Everypaw's Puppy Insurance page">puppy insurance</a>, covered by our cat and dog insurance. No matter how old or young your purr-fect pet is, our pet insurance can give you all-important peace of mind.&nbsp;

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Whether you are looking for a playmate for your pet or if your house is more like a <a href="/dog-insurance" title="Link to Everypaw's Dog Insurance page">dog</a>, <a href="/cat-insurance" title="Link to Everypaw's Cat Insurance page">cat</a> and <a href="/rabbit-insurance" title="Link to Everypaw's Rabbit Insurance page">rabbit</a> smallholding, you need multi-pet insurance that works for you. Everypaw&#39;s policies are just that and give you a discount on every pet too. No matter how many pets you have, from glorious <a href="/dog-insurance/dog-breed-guides/golden-retriever-insurance-care-and-health-advice" title="Link to Everypaw's Golden Retriever Dog Breed Guide page">Golden Retrievers</a> and majestic <a href="/cat-insurance/cat-breed-guides/maine-coon-cat-insurance-care-and-health-advice" title="Link to Everypaw's Maine Coon Cat Breed Guide page">Maine Coons</a> to lovely <a href="/rabbit-insurance/rabbit-breed-guides/lionhead-rabbit-insurance-care-and-health-advice" title="Link to Everypaw's Lionhead Rabbit Breed Guide page">Lionheads</a>, it&#39;s there for every single paw.

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How Does Pet Insurance Work: Getting a Quote

Our pet insurance quote form takes just 3 minutes to fill out. Here&#39;s how it works:

<ul>
	<li>Select which type of pet you&#39;re looking to insure and enter their age, breed and sex</li>
	<li>Enter basic personal details about yourself including your email and home addresses</li>
	<li>Select your vet fees limit</li>
	<li>We&#39;ll give you a pet insurance price! And we&#39;ll show you what the cost is for the year, plus what your monthly instalments will look like if you choose to pay that way</li>
</ul>

Will my pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Ever found the urge to discover what the best dog breeds to train are or maybe you want to get to the bottom of your pet&#39;s worm problem.&nbsp;<a href="/all-things-pet" title="Link to Everypaw's All Things Pet blog">Everypaw&#39;s All Things Pet blog</a>&nbsp;has the content to keep you informed.

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When Can Kittens Go Outside?

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Our Top Tips on How to Calm an Excited Dog

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When Can Puppies Go Outside?

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For that extra peace of mind when your pets get up to mischief, there&#39;s Everypaw. Our pet insurance is for cats, dogs and rabbits, and every policy comes with unlimited 24/7 access to vet nurses and vets. So, if you ever feel a bit &#39;for pet&#39;s sake&#39;, know Everypaw is here for you and your pet when you need us most!

Why Choose Everypaw for Pet Insurance in the UK?

<a href="https://www.everypaw.com/multi-pet-insurance" title="Link to Everypaw's Multi-pet Insurance page">Insure multiple pets</a>&nbsp;for a multi-pet discount

99% of claims paid in 5 working days*

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Manage your UK pet insurance policy online in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.everypaw.com/pet-portal-info" title="Link to Everypaw's Pet Portal Information page">Pet Portal</a>

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Choosing the right pet health insurance isn&#39;t always easy. We know that. And we also know that a key part of deciding is knowing what&#39;s not covered. That way, at least there are no nasty surprises in terms of coughing up for bills that you thought were going to be taken care of by your policy.

So, here are a few of the main exclusions on our pet insurances:

<ul>
	<li>Treatment for any pre-existing conditions</li>
	<li>Treatment for poisoning or any accidental injury that occurs in the first 3 days of your policy*</li>
	<li>Treatment for any illness that occurs in the first 14 days of your policy*</li>
	<li>Treatment related to vaccine-preventable conditions</li>
	<li>Treatment related to breeding, pregnancy or birthing</li>
	<li>Treatment on baby teeth if your pet is over 16 weeks when your policy starts</li>
</ul>

*Switching to Everypaw Pet Insurance? If you can prove your previous insurance runs up to the policy start date, we can waive this for you.

Please see our <a href="/Home/pet-insurance-policy-exclusions.html" title="Link to Everypaw's Policy Exclusions page">exclusions page</a>&nbsp;for further details.

Fingers crossed, you never have to! We want to reassure you that claiming on your pet health insurance is as hassle-free as possible. That&rsquo;s why we have Vet Pawtal. A direct platform for vets so they can submit claims and leave you to care for your pet.

Vet Pawtal is the fastest and most efficient way to claim. There&rsquo;s no more paperwork for you, and we&rsquo;ll keep you updated every step of the way.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

If your vet can&rsquo;t submit the claim, don&rsquo;t worry; you can still submit it in the <a href="https://petportal.everypaw.com/register#login" target="_blank" title="Link to the Everypaw Pet Portal">Everypaw Pet Portal</a>. It&rsquo;s straightforward; just log in and follow the instructions. Alternatively,&nbsp;you can <a href="https://www.everypaw.com/downloads-2020/everypaw-claim-form.pdf" target="_blank" title="Link to download an Everypaw claim form">download a claim form</a>, but this can take longer.

Please refer to the guidance in your policy documents for Third Party Liability claims.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information, head to our <a href="/Home/claims.html">Pet Insurance Claims information page</a>.

We know pets are just as much a part of your family as any human. So, we know how important it is to you that they&#39;re protected. Choose Everypaw for pet insurance in the UK and give yourself that priceless peace of mind.

We know things can be tough right now, with many people facing money worries. If you have such concerns, please get in touch with us, as we may be able to offer some options to help, which could include reducing your cover or increasing your excess.

If you wish to find out more and your eligibility for any options, please call <a href="tel:03445431009" title="Call Everypaw Customer Services and Claims">0344 543 1009</a>.

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Everypaw partners with David Baddiel: Cat Man

Everypaw is proud to sponsor David Baddiel: Cat Man, a brand-new Channel 4 series that celebrates everything we love about cats. Hosted by David Baddiel, Cat Man explores the quirks of cat behaviour, shares heartwarming stories from cat owners across the UK and brings you fascinating feline facts you won&#39;t want to miss.

Don&#39;t miss out and join us in celebrating the wonderful world of cats! You can stream all three episodes now on Channel 4 now.

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Chartreux Cat Insurance, Care and Health Advice

Chartreux Cat Facts

Is a Chartreux Cat Right for Me?

What are Chartreux Kittens Like?

Life with a Chartreux Cat

Caring for Your Chartreux

Dinner time

Grooming time

Training & exercise