British shorthair and Chartreux: the soft furball and the massive lamb

The British shorthair and the Chartreux are similar in every way. We show you how you can tell the difference.

In our series comparing breeds we have now reached the pair of the British shorthair and the Chartreux cat. Both cats are beautiful and adorable , but the layperson may have trouble telling them apart. Let’s see how you can recognise the characteristics of the breeds.

Origin

Before we dive into an analysis of the differences between the breeds, let’s take a look at the history of their evolution.

A British shorthair has a fascinating history, with origins dating back to ancient Rome. The Romans introduced these cats to Britain around 2,000 years ago, where their popularity is still undiminished.

The Chartreux originated in France. Their exact origins are disputed, but it is most likely that for centuries they lived as cats of Chartreux monks and were held in high esteem.

Appearance

If you take a quick glance at the two cats, you might think that they belong to the same species. But a closer look reveals subtle differences.

British Shorthairs weigh between 3 and 8 kilograms, depending on their sex, while the Chartreux is slightly lighter at 2.5 to 6.5 kilograms. Despite the similar weight, the overall effect of the two animals is very different. The British Shorthair is rounded, the whole cat is like a ball. Strong muscular, massive cat. Although the Chartreux is also a robust cat, because its muscles are rather slim, it may appear thinner than its counterpart.

The British shorthair has a dense, soft double coat, while the Chartreux’s, although also double, has a more lamb-like feel due to the water-repellent top layer. There are also differences in the colours available. While the British shorthair comes in many colour variations – although the best known is grey-blue – the Chartreux is exclusively blue.

Temperament

The biggest difference between the British shorthair and the Chartreux breeds is in the character of the two animals. British shorthairs are renowned for their peaceful, calm nature. They are perfect for prospective owners who want a calm pet to share their everyday life with. They are not particularly active or playful, preferring to laze around when they can. Their own personal space is important to them, they don’t need the owner to be constantly on them.

In contrast, the Chartreux is playful and curious. They are very intelligent and adaptable to any environment – provided their need for exercise is met and they can roam around their home.