The Chausie (pronounced chow-see) cat is a hybrid breed created by mating a jungle cat with an Abyssinian domestic cat. With a high-energy, sociable and intelligent personality, the Chausie cat is best suited to experienced cat owners and families with older children.
Appearance
Large bodied, the Chausie is a breed with a broad chest, plenty of muscle in a fairly long lean body, and reasonably long legs. Each leg ends in small round paws. The breed is available in a range of colours including black, black smoke, shades of silver, black with silver ticking, and ticked golden to reddish fawn. The body is relatively free of markings but there are some darker colourations on the ears, tails, and legs. In contrast to its long body, the Chausie has a relatively small tail.
High cheek bones, a head longer than it is wide, and a sloping forehead is topped by tall ears ending in lovely little tufts. The shape of the Chausie’s face will remind many of one of the great cats, the cougar.
History of the Chausie cat
Chausies are a hybrid cat created from crossing a Jungle Cat (Felix Chaus, native to North Africa, South East Asia, and India) with an Abyssinian domestic cat.
It wasn’t until the late 1990’s though, that breeders began to cross the two breeds in earnest and start to register their stock. In 2003 the breed received full recognition and in 2013 the Chausie finally received full Championship Status.
Chausie cat personality
The Chausie personality is an extremely intelligent and sociable cat who requires constant mental stimulation and human interaction. They are not a cat for people who are out of the house for long hours every day. Wherever an owner is in the household the Chausie is sure to be close by, keeping an eye on the goings-on of the household.
They are extremely athletic and require plenty of exercise, and will happily engage in games with you that bring out their natural hunting and stalking instincts. Their curious nature will also see them taking full advantage of a large yard as they wander off and explore.
The Chausie is definitely not a laid back lap cat. They have an exuberant, outgoing personality so you need to consider your home life before bringing this breed into your home. If you have small children or like to keep fragile, delicate ornaments on display the Chausie is probably not the cat for you. The Chausie is the perfect pet for an active, outgoing family.
Did you know?
One of the largest domestic cats, they can weigh up to 11.5 kgs (25 lbs) – that’s roughly the same size as a miniature dog.
Like the cougar, the Chausie is a cat bred for hunting and can regularly be seen clearing heights of up to 2.4 metres (8 feet) in a single bound – aided by their muscular hind legs which are slightly longer than the front ones.
Caring for your Chausie cat
As a shorthair breed, the Chausie has minimal grooming requirements. Although, weekly brushing is recommended to help prevent hairballs and shedding, especially during the summer months.
Digestive tract issues can be an issue if grains are included in the Chausie’s diet, so a meat only diet is recommended. Their bodies are unable to digest vegetable matter and absorb nutrients, which can lead to chronic malnourishment over time.
Have you ever met a Chausie cat? Please share your experiences in the comments below.
Such a gorgeous breed. I have never seen one up close though, I would love to.
My human loves Chausies! When we were in Portland, there was one competing in the Alter class, a black one, and he was HUGE and so smart! He would sit in the chair next to his breeder, so happy and well-behaved.