My Chartreux Roommate & BFF
by Emily
(Michigan)
Sage
Meet my best friend and roommate, Sage. Sage is almost 7 years old and is at her "summer" weight of 16lbs. Like most women, she packs on holiday weight during the winter and can get up to 18lbs. I would consider her more of an early morning cat, rather than an evening cat as she prefers breakfast with me rather than dinner.
As a single professional, she greets me at the door when I arrive home each day with bells on. When I previously had roommates she was lovable toward them, but did not greet them. Also, if I was around, she abandoned them to lay by me instead of them. You'll find this is a notable and common quality in Chartreux cats.
A tip: If you want a Chartreux to love you more, it will help if they see YOU putting the food in their bowl.
She is protective of me, similar to that of a dog. She sleeps with her back to me so she can watch the door. Although she is not a lap cat, she is a spoon'er. Her favorite way to sleep is to be smooshed up against me. This is a nice quality to have in a cat as she will never jump on guests and expect attention. Rather, she will just lay next to them. When she naps, she sleeps on her back human-style. I must say, it's adorable.
Although Sage is is quite chubby she is fast on her feet--and I mean fast. When in the mood she attacks her toys and is always up for a good game of "string". Although she is an indoor cat, she still finds time to "hunt". She attacks and hunts hair ties, buttons and crumpled post-its. I can always find them in her dish the next morning. If she is looking for attention, she will leave her "prey" piled up in front of my bed for me in the morning.
Sage is also very quiet, but purrs like mad. I find that she talks most when she wants me to wake up (to show me her "catch" of the night, of course).
Most friends comment on how much she is like me. You know what they say--animals and their humans tend to be quite alike. That couldn't be more true of Sage an I! Chartreux cats will definitely pick up on your moods!
She is very healthy and doesn't seem to have any problems. I notice, however, when the weather gets hot she gets "cat acne". It usually clears up after a week or so. I am unsure if this is common in the breed? Also, she does not like any human food other than tuna (of course). I'm unsure if this is a breed-thing, or a Sage-thing.
She is more loyal than any pet could be and I hope she lives forever!
Emily
I love this photo….especially as my name is Sage, and I have a Chartreux boy who looks exactly like Sage, named Mr. Kipper!
Enjoyed the article…my guy is much the same…getting older now, but as beautiful and loving as ever
Hi Sage, thanks for sharing. Nice to hear from you. The Chartreux is a very nice breed of cat because it is like the 400 year-old original in France, more of less, or should be.