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"Catching the Sun"  (click on image to enlarge) |
"Two for One"  (click on image to enlarge) |
"Who..Me ??"  (click on image to enlarge) |
These are two fine examples of the "Chartreuse" breed of cats, with their pure gray-blue coat, piercing big yellow eyes and perhaps with ancient and mysterious origins. Popular folklore says they originally descended from some cats brought from the Holy Lands by Crusaders. It is believed that they were given as thanksgiving to the monks who had supported the knights by repairing their armor and provisioning their expeditions. Others believe they were brought to Europe by missionaries from the southern tip of Africa. Some others attribute them to a royal lineage and trace their origins to the courtesans of the ancient Egyptian Pharaohs. Legend has it that in those turbulent times during the Middle Ages, when cats were often feared and hunted because they were considered satanic beasts and their gray-blue coats were thought to retain magical powers. Despite this bleak outlook, the Chartreuse assured their own well-being and owners' affection in the monasteries and farms of Europe. They kept the monks' and farmers' storerooms and living quarters free of mice and vermin, which consumed the food stock, already in short supply and brought diseases such as pestilence. Today the breed is officially recognized by Feline Societies worldwide as a separate and distinct breed; they are considered strong and fearless cats. They're known as great mousers even now! The Chartreuse is strong, big-boned, has an expansive chest, wide face, large paws and robust legs with large copper-green eyes. They are very outgoing and friendly, especially with children. They are basically quiet, very loyal and make great companions, especially in pairs.
Credits: Photos by the Webmaster.
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