Have you ever dreamed of owning a wild cat but without the hassle of dealing with permits, regulations, and safety issues? If so, you might consider the Chausie, a domestic breed with a touch of the jungle in its genes. The Chausie is a hybrid of domestic and jungle cats with origins in ancient Egypt and Southeast Asia. These stunning cats have a large size, athletic build, grizzled coat, and friendly demeanor that make them stand out from the crowd. This article will explore the Chausie cat breed’s history, characteristics, care, and health.
Breed Overview
| Weight | 15 to 25 pounds |
| Length | 20 to 22 inches |
| Coat Length | Short to medium length hair |
| Coat Colors | Black, brown, brown ticked tabby, black grizzled ticked tabby |
| Eye Colors | Yellow, green, gold |
| Personality | Energetic, intelligent, friendly, family-oriented |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Good with Kids | Yes, if well-socialized and supervised |
| Good with Pets | Yes, if well-socialized and supervised |
| Origin | Egypt, South Asia (hybrid of jungle cat and domestic cat) |
History of the Chausie Cat
The name “Chausie” is derived from the scientific name for a jungle cat, Felis Chaus. Jungle cats are wild cats that live in wetlands and forests across Asia and Africa. They are not closely related to other big cats like lions or tigers but have similar appearances and behavior.
Hybrid cats have existed for thousands of years, and some Chausies share similarities with mummified cats found in Egyptian tombs. Ancient Egyptians revered cats as sacred animals and may have crossed jungle cats with domestic cats to create loyal and majestic companions.
The modern Chausie breed was developed in the US in the 1990s when breeders crossed jungle cats with Abyssinians and domestic shorthairs. The goal was to create a domestic cat that looked wild but had a gentle and sociable personality. The breeders also wanted to provide an ethical alternative to owning big cats, which are often exploited and mistreated in captivity.
The Chausie cat breed was formally recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1995. Today, the breed is still rare and exclusive but has gained popularity among cat enthusiasts who appreciate its exotic beauty and lively character.
Appearance
The Chausie is a medium to large cat, with males weighing up to 25 pounds and females up to 20 pounds. They have a muscular body that is long and slender, with well-defined features. Their coat is short to medium in length and comes in four colors: black, brown, brown ticked tabby, and black grizzled ticked tabby. The grizzled pattern is unique to the Chausie and gives them a wild look.
The Chausie has a rounded head with prominent whisker pads, large ears set high on the head, and striking eyes, usually green or gold. Their tail is short in comparison to their body and thick and muscular without much of a taper.
Personality
The personality and temperament of the Chausie are as impressive as their appearance. They are intelligent, active, social, playful, and loyal cats that love to interact with their human family. They are not lap cats but enjoy being near their owners and following them around the house. They are also curious and adventurous cats that like to explore new places and things.
The Chausie is similar to other hybrid breeds like the Abyssinian and the Bengal but has some distinctive traits that set it apart. For example, the Chausie is larger than both breeds, has a shorter tail than the Abyssinian, and has a grizzled coat pattern that is different from the Bengal’s spotted or marbled coat.
Care
The Chausie is not a low-maintenance cat. They require a lot of attention, stimulation, and exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Here are some tips on how to provide proper care for your Chausie:
- Provide enough space for your Chausie to run, jump, and play. Athletic cats need room to stretch their muscles and burn off their energy. A large house or apartment with access to a safe outdoor area is ideal for them.
- Provide plenty of toys, scratching posts, and high perches for your Chausie to enjoy. They are playful cats that love chasing, pouncing, scratching, and climbing. They also like to have a high vantage point where they can survey their territory.
- Socialize and train your Chausie from an early age. They are smart cats that can learn tricks, commands, and manners with positive reinforcement methods. They also need early exposure to different people, animals, sounds, and situations to prevent them.
- Handle your Chausie’s grooming needs with care. They have a short to medium-length coat that does not shed much but still needs regular brushing to remove dirt and loose hair. They also need their nails trimmed, ears cleaned, teeth brushed, and eyes wiped with a damp cloth. You may also need to bathe your Chausie occasionally if they get dirty or oily.
- Enrich your Chausie’s life with fun and challenging activities. They are bored easily and need mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. You can take your Chausie for walks on a leash, play interactive games with them, teach them new tricks, or provide them with puzzle toys and food dispensers. You can also rotate their toys and change their environment to keep them interested.
Health of the Chausie
The Chausie is generally a healthy cat breed but may be prone to some health issues that affect both domestic and jungle cats. Some of these issues include:
- Dental problems
- Kidney disease
- Obesity
- Allergies
To keep your Chausie healthy, you should take them to the vet for regular check-ups, vaccinations, parasite control, and spaying or neutering. You should also watch out for any signs of illness or distress in your Chausie, such as changes in behavior, appetite, weight, litter box habits, or appearance. If you notice anything unusual or concerning, you should contact your vet as soon as possible.
Where to Buy a Chausie
The Chausie is a rare and exclusive breed that is not widely available or affordable. If you are interested in buying a Chausie cat, you should be prepared to do some research and spend some money. The price of a Chausie cat can vary depending on the breeder or seller, the location, the demand, and the quality of the cat. The average price range for a Chausie cat is between $1,500 and $5,000.
If the price tag on these incredible cats didn’t shock you, we’ve compiled a couple of resources to get the search for your new kitten underway:
- Chausie Breeders The International Cat Association (TICA)
- Chausie Cats Guide chausiebreed.com
The resources found on those pages are not created or maintained by us, always do your own due diligence when looking for your new cat.
Conclusion
The Chausie is a unique and fascinating breed that combines a jungle cat’s wild looks with a domestic cat’s friendly personality. They are intelligent, active, social, playful, and loyal cats that need a lot of attention, stimulation, and exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They are not suitable for everyone, but if you have the time, space, and resources to care for them properly, they can make wonderful companions!
Do you have a Chausie cat, or are you thinking of getting one? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below!
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FAQ
Q: What is a Chausie cat?
A: A Chausie cat is a domestic breed that is a hybrid of domestic and jungle cats with origins in ancient Egypt and Southeast Asia. Modern Chausie cats were developed, presumably using similar breeds, in the United States in the 1990s.
Q: How big is a Chausie cat?
A: A Chausie cat is medium to large, with males weighing up to 25 pounds and females weighing up to 20 pounds. They have a muscular body that is long and slender, with well-defined features.
Q: How do you care for a Chausie cat?
A: A Chausie cat needs a lot of attention, stimulation, and exercise to keep them happy and healthy. You should provide them with enough space, toys, scratching posts, and high perches. You should also socialize and train them from an early age and handle their grooming needs with care. You should also feed them a balanced and appropriate diet, avoiding foods that contain vegetables or grains that they cannot digest well.
Q: What are some health issues that may affect a Chausie cat?
A: Some health issues that may affect a Chausie cat include dental problems, kidney disease, obesity, and allergies. You can prevent or reduce these problems by brushing their teeth daily, providing them with fresh water at all times, measuring their food portions, and avoiding or minimizing their exposure to allergens. You should also take them to the vet for regular check-ups, vaccinations, parasite control, and spaying or neutering.
Q: How much is a Chausie Cat?
A: Chausie cats range from $1,500 to $5,000.
