If you are looking for a new feline friend, you may be wondering which breed is right for you. Two popular breeds of cats are the Chartreux and the Russian Blue. Both have their own unique set of characteristics that make them great pets. So, which one should you choose?
The Chartreux and Russian Blue possess a blue coat, which often leads people to mix up the breeds. While these two cats have plenty in common, they also have key differences. Once you what these differences are, it’s pretty easy to tell these two breeds apart.
Continue reading to discover the unique characteristics of these two cat breeds, along with their history, temperament, and maintenance needs. This article will provide you will all the information you need to decide which one makes the better pet.
Difference Between A Chartreux Cat And A Russian Blue?
The easiest way to tell the difference between a Chartreux cat and a Russian Blue may be to look at its eyes. The Chartreux cat possesses deep orange eyes in shades from copper to gold, whereas the Russian Blue has eyes that are vivid green.
Key Characteristics Of Chartreux And Russian Blue Cats?
The Chartreux and Russian Blue cat have some shared characteristics and points of difference listed in the table below.
| Chartreux | Russian Blue | |
| Height | 9-11 inches | 9-11 inches |
| Weight | 6-12 pounds | 7-12 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 15-20 years |
| Intelligence | High | High |
| Playfulness | Medium Calm Easy to train High prey drive | Low Infrequent shedding Easy to groom |
| Grooming Needs | Low Normal shedding amount Easy to groom | Low Infrequent shedding Easy to groom |
| Temperament | Sociable Friendly towards humans and other pets | Affectionate Shy Friendly towards humans and other pets Strong loyal tendencies |
| Color Variations | Blue / Gray | Blue / Gray |
What Is A Chartreux Cat?
The Chartreux is a historic French cat breed that has been around for hundreds of years. Famous for its blue coat and quiet demeanor, this cat is a calm, independent, and loyal pet that makes a wonderful addition to many families.
This breed is pretty rare in today’s society and can demand a price of $1,000 to $1,500.
What Is A Russian Blue Cat?
The Russian Blue descends from the cold climates of Arkhangelsk, where it evolved its thick winter coat. This breed makes a great pet thanks to its loyal nature, low grooming requirements, and independent streak.
It is a pretty common cat, so you should be able to purchase a Russian Blue for between $400 and $600.
Similarities Between A Chartreux Cat And A Russian Blue?
The most common reason people confuse the Chartreux with the Russian Blue is their appearance. Both cats have blue/gray coats, which can possess a silver shimmer. They both grow to a similar size and share many of the same physical characteristics.
In addition, both of these cats are friendly towards humans and other pets and possess a calm temperament. They are low-maintenance cats with a moderately playful nature and a high prey drive. Plus, they are both highly intelligent and easy to train.
What Are The Differences Between A Chartreux Cat And A Russian Blue?
The Chartreux is an affectionate breed that is friendly but independent. They will follow you around and snuggle up next to you on the sofa, but they’ll also be happy to do their own thing. This breed is an observer and quietly sits watching what is happening around them. When they communicate, it is in more of a chirp than a meow.
Chartreux cats love to meet new people and are extremely accommodating with children. Thanks to their stocky build, they don’t mind a little bit of rough play, though it is essential that you teach your children how to handle a cat properly.
The Russian Blue is a loyal member of the family who develops a strong attachment with their owners, but they can be wary around strangers.
This breed is a loyal and loving companion though they prefer to express their affection in non-physical ways. Russian Blue cats can be pretty talkative, and they will definitely let you know when they’re hungry.
Historical Differences Between A Chartreux Cat And A Russian Blue?
The Chartreux is a naturally occurring breed first documented in France in the 1700s. Breeders began to develop the Chartreux during the 1900s, and they displayed one at a Paris exposition in 1933.
Experts think that the Russian Blue originates from the cold climates of Arkhangelsk in Russia, hence why they developed a thick fur coat. In the 19th century, breeders imported the Russian Blue to England.
Following the second world war, the population of the Russian breed was struggling (sadly, this was common for many breeds at the time), so the English began to cross this cat with domestic shorthairs and Siamese.
Later, these felines were exported to the USA, where breeders continued developing them. Today, there are three distinct types: Russian, British, and American.
Both the Chartreux and Russian Blue are old cat breeds that have been crossed with a British Shorthair at some point in their timeline.
What Are The Physical Differences Between A Chartreux Cat And A Russian Blue?
The Chartreux is a large and muscular cat with limbs that are short relative to its size. They possess a blue coat that is short-haired and water-resistant. The hair can be slightly tipped with silver, giving them an iridescent sheen. However, this silver coloration is less prominent in the Chartreux, meaning they have a darker appearance than the Russian Blue.
This breed possesses a rounded head that is more broad than spherical, with a powerful jaw and full cheeks. And thanks to the structure of their head, the Chartreux often looks like it is smiling. Their neck is short and stout, while their ears are small and erect.
The Russian Bule is an elegant cat with an angular body and wedge-shaped head. It shares the smiling face of a Chartreux, but its head is less round with a long, flat top.
In addition, the ears of a Russian Blue are far bigger – in proportion to the head – than those of the Chartreux.
This breed has a very similar coat to the Chartreux, but the silver tips are more prominent in the Russian Blue. They have short, dense fur that is soft to the touch, covering their lithe bodies and long limbs.
Which Makes The Better Pet: The Chartreux Or The Russian Blue?
Both of these felines make beautiful pets. The Chartreux adapts to any living environment, from a single owner to a large family. These friendly companions will be content as long as they have food, a clean litterbox, and somewhere to snuggle up and sleep.
While the Russian Blue will shy away from strangers and large groups of people, it will form a close bond with its owners. The Russian Blue is not as tolerant of children as the Chartreux, and they will prefer to express their love from a distance. But these cats are sensitive to human moods and will make every effort to cheer you up when you’re feeling down.
Final Thoughts
The only way to know your cat’s breed with 100% accuracy is through checking its pedigree, but there are some key differences between the Chartreux and the Russian Blue. For example, the Chartreux has deep orange eyes, while the Russian Blue’s are a vivid shade of green. Plus, the Russian Blue is a more slender and lithe cat compared to the stockier body of the Chartreux.
Both breeds are loyal, calm, and playful cats who will bring plenty of love into your home.
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