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Chartreux vs Korat
Two rare blue-grey shorthairs; the Chartreux is quiet, independent and sturdy, the Korat a talkative, devoted cat that wants one-to-one attention.
Verdict
These two rare blue-grey shorthairs differ on voice and company. The Chartreux is a calm, observant, quiet cat that rates 1 for voice and 4 for independence, and has a dense, woolly, water-resistant double coat. The Korat rates 4 for voice, 5 for affection and 5 for intelligence, and thrives on one-to-one attention in a calm routine. Both breeds are rare, so expect a wait for a kitten. Choose the Chartreux for a quiet, steady companion and the Korat for a devoted, talkative one.
Choose the Chartreux if
- You want a quiet home companion, with voice at 1.
- You are out for part of the day, since independence is 4.
- You want a sturdy cat of 7 to 16 lb with a dense double coat.
- Your household has children or other pets, since it scores 4 for both against 3.
Choose the Korat if
- You want a devoted, clever cat that bonds with one or two people.
- You live in a quiet, settled home with attentive owners.
- You want a small cat of 6 to 11 lb with a short, fine single coat.
- You prefer a coat that sheds lightly, rated 2 against 3.
Where they are alike
Both cats are rare and recognised as championship breeds by the CFA, and both have a short blue-grey coat. Each has a short health watch-list, so ask your vet and the breeder about testing.
Side by side
| Chartreux | Korat | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | France | Thailand |
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Typical weight | 7-16 lb (3.2-7.3 kg); males are larger | 6-11 lb (2.7-5 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Short, dense, water-resistant double coat with a woolly feel | Short, fine, glossy single coat that lies close to the body |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1987 | Championship breed since 1966 |
| How common | Rare | Rare |
| Affection | 4 | 5 |
| Energy | 3 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 1 | 4 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 1 |
| Shedding | 3 | 2 |
| Good with children | 4 | 3 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 3 |
| Happy alone | 4 | 2 |
| Trainability | 4 | 5 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The dense double coat sheds, and people who react to cats may still react to a Chartreux. | No breed is hypoallergenic. The single coat sheds lightly, but people who react to cats may still react to this one. |
| Suits | A quiet home that wants a calm, observant cat that bonds closely and does not need constant noise. | A quiet, settled home with one or two attentive people who like a clever, devoted cat. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants a talkative, fast-moving or lap-sitting cat, or who cannot wait for a kitten. | A noisy household with rough play, or a home empty for most of the day. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026