Known for his woolly blue coat, the Chartreux requires combing, not brushing, to keep it beautiful. He sheds his undercoat a couple of times a year, and you’ll probably want to comb him daily during that time to keep the flying fur under control.The rest is basic care. Trim the nails as needed, usually every week or so. Brush the teeth frequently with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath, and schedule regular veterinary dental cleanings.
The Chartreux’s short, thick coat is easy to care for with weekly brushing. The coat sheds in the spring and may require extra brushing during that time.A bath is rarely necessary. If your Chartreux does require a bath, remember that it can take time to get the water-repellent coat wet enough for bathing.Brush the teeth to prevent periodontal disease. Daily dental hygiene is best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing. Trim the nails every couple of weeks. Wipe the corners of the eyes with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Use a separate area of the cloth for each eye so you don’t run the risk of spreading any infection. Check the ears weekly. If they look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball or soft damp cloth moistened with a 50-50 mixture of cider vinegar and warm water. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can damage the interior of the ear.Keep the Chartreux’s litter box spotlessly clean. Cats are very particular about bathroom hygiene.It’s a good idea to keep a Chartreux as an indoor-only cat to protect him from diseases spread by other cats, attacks by dogs or coyotes, and the other dangers that face cats who go outdoors, such as being hit by a car. Chartreux who go outdoors also run the risk of being stolen by someone who would like to have such a beautiful cat without paying for it.
