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Chartreux vs Russian Blue
Two quiet blue shorthairs; the Chartreux is the better with children and other pets, while the Russian Blue is smaller and cleverer.
Verdict
Both are quiet, with voice at 1, both rate 4 for independence, and both bond closely with their people. The one thing that decides it is family fit. The Chartreux scores 4 for children and other pets and rates 4 for play. The Russian Blue scores 3 for each, rates 5 for intelligence and 5 for apartment living, and can be reserved with visitors. Choose the Chartreux for a family home and the Russian Blue for a calm household or a single owner.
Choose the Chartreux if
- Your household has children or other pets.
- You want a more playful cat, with play at 4 against 3.
- You can wait for a kitten from a few breeders.
- You want a sturdy cat of 7 to 16 lb with a woolly, water-resistant coat.
Choose the Russian Blue if
- You want the cleverest of the two, with intelligence at 5 against 4.
- You live in a small flat, with apartment living at 5 against 4.
- You keep a regular routine in a calm home.
- You want a breed that is uncommon rather than rare, so a little easier to find.
Where they are alike
Both cats have a short blue coat that needs light grooming, with grooming at 2. Each is quiet, loyal and a good choice for a calm indoor home.
Side by side
| Chartreux | Russian Blue | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | France | Arkhangelsk region, Russia |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 7-16 lb (3.2-7.3 kg); males are larger | About 5-12 lb (2.3-5.4 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, dense, plush double coat; the guard hairs have silver tips |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1987 | — |
| How common | Rare | Uncommon |
| Affection | 4 | 4 |
| Energy | 3 | 3 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 3 |
| Talkativeness | 1 | 1 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 2 |
| Shedding | 3 | 3 |
| Good with children | 4 | 3 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 3 |
| Happy alone | 4 | 4 |
| Trainability | 4 | 5 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 5 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The dense double coat sheds, and people who react to cats may still react to a Chartreux. | — |
| Suits | A quiet home that wants a calm, observant cat that bonds closely and does not need constant noise. | A quiet household or a single person who wants a gentle, loyal, clever cat and keeps to a regular routine. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants a talkative, fast-moving or lap-sitting cat, or who cannot wait for a kitten. | A noisy house with many visitors, or anyone who wants a cat that greets every guest. |
| 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