The breed was greatly diminished during the first World War and wild populations (Helgren 2013:100-103) were not seen after World War II. A concerted effort by European breeders kept the breed from extinction. The first Chartreux were brought to the U.S. in 1971 by Helen and John Gamon of La Jolla, California. In 1987, the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) advanced the Chartreux breed to championship status (Siegal 1997:27). There are fewer than two dozen active Chartreux breeders in North America . Historically, famous Chartreux owners include the French novelist Colette, Charles Baudelaire and the French president Charles de Gaulle. Chartreux cats tend to be quiet, rarely making noises such as mewing or crying, and some are mute. They are quite observant and intelligent, with some Chartreux learning to operate radio on/off buttons and to open screen door latches. They take about two years to reach adulthood. Chartreux cats are playful cats well into their adult years; some can be taught to fetch small objects in the same manner as a dog. Chartreux are good with children and other animals. They are non-aggressive, affectionate, good travelers and generally very healthy. Chartreux tend to bond with one person in their household, preferring to be in their general vicinity (often following their favoured person from room to room), though they are still loving and affectionate to the other members of the household. The mascot of the world's largest jazz festival, the Montreal International Jazz Festival, is a blue Chartreux affectionately named 'Ste Cat ', after the festival's hub, Sainte Catherine Street in Montreal. Gris-Gris, Charles De Gaulle's cat, followed him from room to room. French writer Colette made one of her Chartreux the heroine of her books "La Chatte" and "Les Vrilles de la Vigne." Fogle, Bruce (2001). "The New Encyclopedia of the Cat." New York: DK Publishing Inc [Dorling Kindersley]. . Siegal, Mordecai (1997). The breeds. Chapter 2 in "The Cornell Book of Cats: A Comprehensive and Authoritative Medical Reference for Every Cat and Kitten". Second edition. Edited by Mordecai Siegal. Villard:New York. . Simonnet, Jean (1990). "The Chartreux Cat." Translated by Jerome M. Auerbach.