• Celebrated as the national cat of France.
• An ancient breed with origins shrouded in legend, often linked to Carthusian monks.
• First formally documented in 18th-century France.
• Also faced near-extinction during World War II.

Historical Documentation:

• Described by the French naturalist Buffon in the 1700s.
• Valued historically as skilled working and hunting cats.
• Bred almost exclusively in France until the 1970s.
• Gained CFA recognition in 1987.

Physical Characteristics Comparison

Size and Build

Key Difference: The Chartreux is notably more muscular and substantial, with a distinctly compact and powerful physique compared to the Russian Blue's slender elegance.

Head and Face

Key Distinguishing Feature: The Russian Blue's vivid green eyes and wedge-shaped head contrast sharply with the Chartreux's copper-orange eyes and characteristically smiling, round face.

Coat Characteristics

The Silver Factor: Russian Blues possess distinctive silver-tipped guard hairs that create a shimmering effect. Chartreux coats lack this tipping, presenting a more solid blue-gray appearance.

Eye Color Development

Russian Blue:

• Kittens are born with yellow eyes.
• A green ring develops around the pupil at approximately 4 months.
• Eyes mature to a full, brilliant emerald green by 2 years of age.
• Green eyes are a strict breed requirement.

Chartreux:

• Kittens are born with blue eyes.
• Color transitions through gray to yellow.
• Matures to copper, gold, or deep orange.
• A rich, orange-copper color is most desirable.

Temperament and Personality

Russian Blue Personality

Core Traits:

• Gentle, intelligent, and observant.
• Forms deep, devoted bonds with family members.
• Typically reserved or shy around strangers.
• Quiet, well-mannered, and moderately active.

Behavioral Characteristics:

• Often shadows their favorite person from room to room.
• Prefers to observe new situations before engaging.
• Sensitive to loud noises and chaotic environments.
• Generally good with respectful children.
• Playful yet maintains a dignified air.

Activity Level: Moderate
Vocalization: Quiet, uses a soft voice
Independence: Moderate
Intelligence: Very High

Chartreux Personality

Core Traits:

• Exceptionally calm, quiet, and adaptable.
• Affectionate without being overly demanding.
• Amiable and friendly with almost everyone.
• Retains strong hunting instincts.
• Known for a characteristic "smile."

Behavioral Characteristics:

• Enjoys following owners and perching in high places.
• An excellent and gentle companion for children and other pets.
• Can display a clownish side during play.
• Not typically a lap cat, but enjoys being nearby.
• Rarely vocal, often communicating silently.

Activity Level: Low to Moderate
Vocalization: Extremely quiet (often silent)
Independence: Moderate
Intelligence: High

Temperament Comparison Summary

Health Comparison

Russian Blue Health

Generally Healthy Breed: Russian Blues are considered one of the healthiest purebred cats with few widespread genetic issues.

Potential Health Concerns:

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A rare genetic eye disorder.
• Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): Uncommon in the breed, but testing is available.
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): Cardiac screening is recommended.

Overall Health: Excellent
Typical Lifespan: 15-20 years

Chartreux Health

Robust Constitution: Developed as hardy working cats, Chartreux generally enjoy good health.

Potential Health Concerns:

• Patellar Luxation: Displacement of the kneecap.
• Hip Dysplasia: Malformation of the hip joint.
• Renal Issues: Some bloodlines may be prone to kidney disease.
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): Cardiac screening is recommended.

Overall Health: Very Good
Typical Lifespan: 12-15 years

Recommended Health Screening

Estimated Annual Health Costs:

• Russian Blue: $200 - $400
• Chartreux: $250 - $450

Care Requirements

Grooming Needs

Russian Blue:

• Frequency: Weekly brushing is sufficient.
• Tools: A rubber brush or soft bristle brush works well.
• Seasonal Care: Slightly more frequent during spring and fall sheds.
• Bathing: Rarely necessary.

Chartreux:

• Frequency: Weekly brushing, escalating to daily during heavy seasonal sheds (especially spring).
• Tools: A metal comb and bristle brush are ideal for their dense, woolly coat.
• Matting: Possible due to coat density; regular combing prevents this.
• Bathing: Rarely needed; their woolly coat can be resistant to water.

Estimated Grooming Costs:

Exercise and Activity

Russian Blue:

• Benefits from moderate daily play sessions.
• Enjoys interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and climbing structures.
• Appreciates access to vertical space like cat trees.

Chartreux:

• Has lower activity requirements but still enjoys play.
• Loves observing from high perches.
• Short, engaging play sessions are usually sufficient.
• Prone to weight gain, so monitored activity is important.

Recommended Activity Equipment (Estimated Costs):

• Cat Trees: $100 - $250
• Interactive Toys: $30 - $80
• Window Perches: $30 - $60

Nutrition

Russian Blue:

• Generally has good appetite regulation.
• A high-quality diet helps maintain their distinctive coat sheen.
• Weight should be monitored as some individuals can be food-motivated.

Chartreux:

• Can be prone to weight gain due to a robust appetite and lower activity.
• Strict portion control and measured feeding are essential.
• Notoriously slow eaters.

Estimated Monthly Food Cost (Premium Diet): $35 - $60

Costs of Ownership

Initial Costs (Kitten)

Annual Recurring Costs

Estimated Lifetime Cost (15 Years)

Choosing Between the Breeds

Choose a Russian Blue If You:

• Desire a strikingly elegant cat with mesmerizing emerald eyes.
• Want a companion who forms an intensely devoted bond with their family.
• Prefer a more reserved, observant, and dignified personality.
• Can provide a calm, predictable, and quiet home environment.
• Appreciate lower grooming maintenance and exceptional longevity.

Choose a Chartreux If You:

• Are captivated by their unique smiling expression and warm copper eyes.
• Want an adaptable, easygoing, and amiable cat that welcomes everyone.
• Appreciate a robust, cobby build and rare French heritage.
• Seek a quiet, undemanding companion who is content with proximity.
• Are committed to careful weight management and don't mind seasonal grooming.
• Want a cat known for getting along splendidly with children and other pets.

Key Similarities Between Breeds

Despite their differences, Russian Blues and Chartreux share several wonderful traits:

• Beautiful blue-gray coat colors.
• Generally quiet, gentle, and undemanding personalities.
• Above-average intelligence and trainability.
• Overall good health and longevity for purebred cats.
• Primarily indoor-only lifestyles.
• Low to moderate grooming needs (outside of Chartreux seasonal sheds).
• Suitable for family life.

Conclusion

Both the Russian Blue and the Chartreux offer the allure of a blue-gray coat paired with a gentle, quiet spirit. The Russian Blue is the epitome of elegant refinement—a reserved, green-eyed devotee who thrives in a serene home. The Chartreux is the sturdy, smiling charmer—an adaptable and amiable friend who fits comfortably into most households.

Your ideal choice ultimately hinges on personal preference: the Russian Blue's graceful loyalty or the Chartreux's robust congeniality. Whichever you choose, you will be rewarded with years of quiet companionship, beauty, and the unique joy only a feline friend can provide.