The Chartreux is the French cat breed known for its blue-gray coat and copper-to-gold eyes.
The breed has a dense, slightly woolly coat that can range from ash gray to slate blue. Its eye color develops from kittenhood and is typically described as gold, orange, or copper. The Chartreux is also recognized for a sturdy body, broad head, and gentle, quiet temperament.
The breed’s exact early history is uncertain, but French traditions connect these cats with monasteries and describe them as skilled mousers. Modern Chartreux breeding became more organized in France during the 20th century.
The Chartreux is sometimes confused with the Russian Blue because both have blue-gray fur. Their standards differ: Russian Blues generally have vivid green eyes and a finer, silvery coat, while Chartreux cats have warmer eye colors and a more substantial build.