The Chartreux Cat

Book excerpt: CHARTREUX is the French name for a short-haired, blue-gray cat which was brought from the Middle East during the Crusades. This cat was known in America at the turn of the century by the name MALTESE & these cats develobed through hybridization into the contemporary breed known as the RUSSIAN BLUE. Chartreux cats, however, have kept the form of their ancestors of centuries past. The author provides a detailed & fascinating history of these cats & includes many descriptions of them by the first great naturalists of the 16th-18th centuries: Aldrovandi, Buffon, Pennant, Linnaeus, etc. & descriptions by famous authors such as Colette. A chapter on the first fascinating years of the Persian Cat in Europe is also presented. For the cat fancier & breeder, the book abounds with the details & guidance on selective breeding of the Chartreux. To completely illustrate the beauty of the breed, 81 full color photogravure quality illustrations of European & American Chartreux are included along with centuries old paintings & sketches. THE CHARTREUX CAT will appeal to all those interested in the history of cats. To order contact: J.M. Auerbach, 823 Debra Street, Livermore, CA 94550. (510) 455-9493.