Chartreux vs Russian Blue NZ: Two Grey Cats That Are Not the Same

The Chartreux and the Russian Blue are both blue-grey cats that attract owners who appreciate understated elegance. People regularly confuse them — or ask whether they're the same breed. They're not. They have different origins, different temperaments, and meaningful differences in how they interact with their families. Here's how to tell them apart and choose between them.

At a glance

How to tell them apart

Chartreux: A robust, muscular, medium-large cat with a rounded head, orange or copper eyes, and the distinctive "smile" created by their facial structure. Their coat is a solid blue-grey at all life stages. The Chartreux has a wool-like, water-resistant double coat.

Russian Blue: A slender, fine-boned cat with a wedge-shaped head, prominent whisker pads (creating a similar "smile" effect), and vivid green eyes. Their coat is a slightly silvery blue-grey — the silver comes from the pale tip of each hair. The Russian Blue's coat is short, dense, and very fine.

The green eyes are the most reliable distinguisher: Chartreux always have amber/copper/gold eyes; Russian Blues always have green eyes after 6 months of age. A kitten is harder to sex at birth, but adult cats are unmistakable if you know this rule.

Personality differences

Chartreux (friendliness 5/5, trainability 4/5): The Chartreux is one of the friendliest cat breeds — consistently affectionate, devoted, and people-oriented. They are often described as being like a calm, gentle companion that chooses to be in the same room as their human rather than seeking solitude. They adapt well to children (5/5) and other pets (4/5), making them genuinely versatile family cats. They can be taught simple tricks and respond well to positive interaction.

Russian Blue (friendliness 4/5, trainability 3/5): The Russian Blue is also affectionate, but selective about it. They bond deeply with one or two people and are notably reserved with strangers — some Russian Blues will hide entirely when guests arrive, only emerging for their trusted person. This loyalty is one of their defining traits and part of why they're popular in households that want a cat that feels genuinely "theirs." They're less adaptable with strangers and other pets (3/5) than the Chartreux.

Both breeds are quiet — neither is a vocal breed. Both suit NZ apartments well (5/5 each).

Lifespan: Russian Blue significantly ahead

The Russian Blue's lifespan of 12–18 years is notably long — well-bred Russian Blues regularly live into their mid-to-late teens. The Chartreux lives 12–15 years, which is solid but shorter. The Russian Blue's health score (2/5 = fewer concerns) also suggests slightly fewer inherited health tendencies than the Chartreux (3/5).

For a family investing long-term in a cat companion, the Russian Blue's longevity is a meaningful practical advantage.

Grooming: both low, Russian Blue lower

Chartreux (grooming 2/5): The woolly double coat requires weekly brushing — not intensive, but not zero. During seasonal shedding (twice yearly), more frequent brushing is needed. The double coat also means the Chartreux is somewhat warm — they handle NZ winters well but may seek cool spots in Auckland summers.

Russian Blue (grooming 1/5): The fine, dense single coat sheds very little and requires only minimal brushing — once a week or less. It is one of the lowest-maintenance cat coats available. Russian Blues are noted for producing lower levels of the Fel d 1 protein (the primary cat allergen) than some other breeds, which may be relevant for NZ households with mild cat sensitivities — though no cat is genuinely "hypoallergenic."

NZ availability

Chartreux are very rare in New Zealand. There are very few registered breeders, and this is a breed where importing (with MPI compliance) may be necessary for some buyers. Prices when available run $1,500–$3,000.

Russian Blue breeders exist in NZ and are more accessible than Chartreux breeders, though still far less common than mainstream breeds. Prices vary; check New Zealand Cat Fancy for current breeder listings.

Which is right for you?

Choose a Chartreux if:

• You want the friendliest, most adaptable of the two grey cats (5/5)
• Your household includes children or other pets
• The Chartreux's copper/amber eyes and rounded, robust appearance specifically appeals
• You're prepared to wait for a rare NZ breed

Choose a Russian Blue if:

• You want a deeply loyal cat that bonds intensely with you specifically
• You want a very long-lived cat (12–18 years)
• You prefer the slender, silvery appearance and green eyes
• You want the lowest-maintenance coat of the two

Both are excellent choices if:

• You live in a NZ apartment and want a calm, low-noise, adaptable cat
• You want a grey cat without the large-breed grooming commitment of a British Shorthair or Chartreux's wool coat

Related guides

• Russian Blue vs British Shorthair NZ
• Best cats for busy professionals NZ
• Best low-shedding cat breeds NZ
• Cat bed types NZ
• Find a breed tool
• Compare breeds tool

---

References

• New Zealand Cat Fancy, registered breeder listings: https://www.nzcatfancy.gen.nz/
• SPCA New Zealand, cat welfare: https://www.spca.nz/advice-and-welfare/
• MPI Code of Welfare: Companion Cats: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/animals/animal-welfare/codes/all-animal-welfare-codes/code-of-welfare-companion-cats/

---

*Profile scores sourced from PetMall breed profiles. Chartreux are rare in NZ — confirm breeder availability with New Zealand Cat Fancy. "Lower allergen" claims for Russian Blues refer to reported lower Fel d 1 levels, not confirmed hypoallergenic status. Not a substitute for veterinary advice.*