Exclusive sellers of Chanson Bleu Chartreux/ no where else on Earth!

The term 'blue cat' is a term used in the cat show world to describe a gray cat. The cat breeds which are traditionally described as 'blue' are the Chartreux, the Koret, and the Russian Blue. The Blue Cat Farm and Spa is named after these cats. The Chartreux is an infinitely civilized breed and yet there is a part of their heart which remains forever wild. They are a strange and wonderful combination of the mundane and the sublime. "He was really just my 'old gray cat'....but no, he was also French...and that has made all the difference!" I have always enjoyed working breeds. Animals in this category reflect great intelligence, the ability to survive in diverse circumstances, independence, and verve. This temperament makes interesting, entertaining companions . Chanson Bleu Chartreux have a certain unshakable 'joie de vivre' combined with a sweet temperament which makes us very proud. The Chartreux are a late maturing breed and take two or more years to mature. "Highly adaptable, intelligent, peaceful" - good traits in a cat For more information contact Judy Belden chansonbleu@comcast.net Chanson Bleu females are very refined: understated elegance and sophistication. Our females will look something like this kitten of five months/5 pounds ... a typical age for adoption. Judy: 603 763-5600 or chansonbleu@comcast.net CFA CAT

SHOW/Boxborough, MA: 3rd and 5th and 9th BEST KITTENS!!!! CFA Judges Pearson, Hutzler, and Watson work their magic with the kittens... some girls kiss and dance!

The showgirls/next generation Chanson Bleu The Vision: Chanson Bleu Chartreux Chanson Bleu Chartreux was established in 2003 to preserve the American Chartreux in all its visual diversity. The kittens we produce have imported lines blended with the American lines to increase the vitality of the offspring. The result are kittens of exceptional vigor and beauty. Judy brings her training as a kindergarten teacher to the cattery to provide support for the developmental needs of the kittens. Husband Steve brings his 20 year love affair with the camera to Chanson Bleu Chartreux to document the life and times of the Chartreux as perhaps no one else in the Chartreux world does. For more information contact: Judy Belden (603) 763-5600. or chansonbleu@comcast.net Sandburg wrote: "the fog comes on little cat feet"... was he thinking of a Chartreux, perhaps? Notice their feet/legs support large bodies Also note the iridescent silver glow to their coats Collete compared to a pigeon's breast. The Chartreux is one of only eight natural cat breeds on Earth. The breed has survived near extinction twice. At one time it was hunted for its fur. The years between WWI and WWII were difficult years for the breed. Thanks to the conservation efforts of various individuals in France and the US the breed is still available today for you to enjoy. The coat breaks indicate a luxurious, plush coat. The eye color is the much coveted

copper. Chanson Bleu cats have fine boned legs and delightfully small feet. Both sexes have a 'high' ear set which completes the look of the finest Chartreux. A very old, natural breed favored in the Middle Ages for its hunting abilities, the Chartreux can still look very much like its ancestors. Legend has it that they were brought back by the crusaders as gifts to the monks who made their armor. Even today, some lines maintain an aristocratic Old World look. While we do not actively breed this look, we use these older lines to support our more charming American lines. Below are two examples of our European Chartreux. Our kittens may nurse until they are eight to twelve week old. We let the mothers decide when their babies should go on solid food. Kittens are late bloomers with their big bodies and tiny legs.

Kittens with character. On their way. The journey begins! chansonbleu @comcast.net

Chanson Bleu Chartreux fun pictures Since Chartreux kittens are kittens for 24 + months, consider buying two or be prepared for a lengthy personal commitment to play with them!

Bon appetit! Bags packed and ready to go!

Under special circumstances we will ship. Contact Judy at chansonbleu@comcast.net

Please use the phone if E mail doesn't work. I answer mail within 4 days. The Chartreux may be one of The Cat Fanciers Associations oldest new breeds. Chartreux history is steeped in legend, even though the breed was only advanced to championship status in 1987. Recent research has proven that the origin of these cats was in ancient Persia. They probably arrived at the French monasteries with knights returning from the Crusades. Some cats remained behind and became a vital part of monastic life. 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. The Chartreux is a study in contrasts. Often described as a potato on toothpicks, the Chartreux has a robust body, broad shoulders and a deep chest, all complemented by medium short, finely boned legs. The Chartreux is well muscled, which would enable the cat to meet its obligation as the fine mouser it is reputed to be in French literature. Unlike any other cat, the Chartreuxs blue fur is medium in length and woolly, with the proper coat breaking at the neck, chest, and flanks. A dense undercoat gives it resistance to the elements and a feeling of sheeps wool. The Chartreux is known for its smile. The rounded head with its softly contoured forehead tapers to a narrowed muzzle. This gives the Chartreux an image of smiling. The nose is straight with a slight stop at eye level. The Chartreuxs eyes are one of its most endearing features. They are rounded, but not as round as the Persians. The outer corners curve slightly upward. Color ranges from gold to copper, the latter being most preferred by breeders. This preference could actually describe the Chartreux as a sweet potato on toothpicks. The ears should be medium in height and width, set high and erect on the head. Most importantly, the Chartreux should enjoy being handled for exhibition. Chartreux quickly become attached to one family and frequently follow them from room to room. Known for their dog-like behavior, these cats can be taught to fetch a ball, and most will respond to their names. By tradition, all kittens born in a given year are named beginning with a specific letter of the alphabet for that particular year. Breeders use only 20 letters, omitting K, Q, W, X, Y and Z. The Chartreux is a quiet breed, chirping rather than meowing at things it finds interesting. This intelligent cat is fascinated by television and sitting in a sunny window watching birds and other outdoor wildlife. Chartreux kittens are quick to play and interact with

their human companions.

Physical maturity can be three years in coming, with a scraggly stage between kitten and adulthood that puts one in mind of a gawky, adolescent youngster. Then, almost overnight, they put it all together, with stunning results. Environment and attention have everything to do with this breeds adult manners and behavior. Brushing the double coat is a no-no. Instead, running your fingers through the fur on a daily basis will suffice and will also contribute to your cats social demeanor at the same time. Chartreux kittens are generally available by reservation only inasmuch as the breed is zealously protected by its breeders and demand for these endearing cats outstrips availability. During World War II, some French breeders tried to save the breed from extinction by outcrossing to Persians and British Shorthairs, resulting in the European Shorthair. However, the original Chartreux cats that were imported to the United States came from the French countryside, and only those cats were used in breeding programs to produce and preserve the natural status of the present pedigreed Chartreux. This lovely breed was brought to the United States through the efforts of John and Helen Gamon who were committed to finding and acquiring the beautiful cats. Today, many American-bred Chartreux are being returned to French breeders, thus reducing even further their availability in the United States. Pricing on Chartreux usually depends on type, applicable markings and bloodlines distinguished by Grand Champion (GC), National Regional winning parentage (NW or RW) or of Distinguished Merit parentage (DM). The DM title is achieved by the dam (mother) having produced five CFA grand champion/premier (alter) or DM offspring, or sire (father) having produced fifteen CFA grand champion/premier or DM offspring. Usually breeders make kittens available between twelve and sixteen weeks of age. After twelve weeks, kittens have had their basic inoculations and developed the physical and social stability needed for a new environment, showing, or being transported by air.

Keeping such a rare treasure indoors, neutering or spaying and providing acceptable surfaces (e.g. scratching posts) for the natural behavior of scratching (CFA disapproves of declawing or tendonectomy surgery) are essential elements for maintaining a healthy, long and joyful life. For more information, please send inquiries to CFA at cfa@cfa.org.