Chartreux vs Colorpoint Shorthair

Which cat breed is right for you?

Chartreux

Size
6–14 lbs
Lifespan
12–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Quiet Loyal Gentle Observant

Colorpoint Shorthair

Size
5–10 lbs
Lifespan
12–16 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Vocal Affectionate Intelligent Playful

About the Chartreux

The Chartreux is a rare French breed with a history stretching back centuries — legend connects them to Carthusian monks, though documentation places them in French literature as early as the 16th century. This medium-to-large breed weighs 7–16 pounds and has a robust, broad-chested build with relatively short, fine-boned legs. Their dense, woolly double coat is exclusively blue-gray with silver tips, and their round face with narrowed muzzle gives the appearance of a perpetual smile.

Temperament & Personality

Chartreux cats are quiet, observant, and remarkably gentle — they tend to watch activities thoughtfully before engaging. They bond deeply with one person while remaining friendly to other family members, children, and pets. Often called the "smiling cat of France," they are playful in short bursts but generally prefer a calm, peaceful environment.

Pros

  • Exceptionally quiet — rarely meows, communicating instead with chirps and trills
  • Hardy, naturally healthy breed with few genetic predispositions
  • Dense woolly coat is surprisingly easy to care for with weekly combing
  • Excellent mouser — retains strong hunting instincts

Cons

  • Can be slow to trust and may seem aloof with strangers
  • Woolly coat sheds heavily — especially during spring and fall
  • Prone to patellar luxation (dislocating kneecaps) due to fine-boned legs
  • Relatively rare — finding one through adoption can be challenging

Enchanted by the mysterious Chartreux? Discover cats looking for forever homes on Puplister.

About the Colorpoint Shorthair

The Colorpoint Shorthair was developed in the 1940s–1950s by crossing Siamese with red tabby American Shorthairs to introduce point colors beyond the traditional four Siamese shades. This elegant, medium-sized breed weighs 5–10 pounds and shares the Siamese's svelte, tubular body, wedge-shaped head, and vivid blue eyes. Their short, fine coat features point coloring in 16 non-traditional shades — including red, cream, lynx (tabby), and tortoiseshell points.

Temperament & Personality

Colorpoint Shorthairs are every bit as vocal, demanding, and affectionate as their Siamese relatives — they will tell you exactly what they think at high volume. They are intensely social cats that bond deeply with their families and can become distressed if ignored or left alone. They do well with older children who can match their energy and with other social cats that enjoy play.

Pros

  • Vivid, unique point colors not available in traditional Siamese
  • Exceptionally intelligent and responsive to training
  • Deeply affectionate and loyal to their chosen family
  • Short, fine coat requires virtually no grooming

Cons

  • Extremely vocal — among the loudest and most persistent cat breeds
  • Prone to the same health issues as Siamese — amyloidosis, asthma, and heart defects
  • Can develop severe separation anxiety if left alone frequently
  • Sensitive and easily stressed by changes in routine or environment

If you love the Siamese personality in new colors, search for Colorpoint Shorthairs on Puplister.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Chartreux and a Colorpoint Shorthair?
The Chartreux is 6–14 lbs sized while the Colorpoint Shorthair is 5–10 lbs sized. They differ in size (6–14 lbs vs 5–10 lbs), lifespan (12–15 years vs 12–16 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Chartreux or Colorpoint Shorthair?
Chartreux is generally good with kids. Colorpoint Shorthair is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Chartreux or Colorpoint Shorthair?
The Chartreux has a lifespan of 12–15 years while the Colorpoint Shorthair has a lifespan of 12–16 years.

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