Chausies are hybrid cats that belong to the tomcat family. Their breed is created by crossing Abyssinians with jungle cats, specifically Jungle Curl breeds, and this is how they acquired their name.
The goal is to create semi-long-haired cats that resemble those in the Jungle Curl family. As a result of the breeding of domestic cats with a species of wild cat called the Jungle Cat (Felis chaus), the Chausie (pronounced “chow-see”) was developed.
In appearance, Chausies appear to be wild creatures, but this breed is a friendly, affectionate, good-natured, and sociable household pet.
Chausie cats are bigger than Abyssinians, so if this sounds like what you are looking for, you are on the right track! These extraordinary felines have been developed by crossing jungle cats from Southeast Asia with domesticated Abyssinians, which are also known as swamp cats or reed cats.
Therefore, they have inherited their appearance from exotic wild cats of the same species. Chausie typically has a round head with a long nose and upright ears that are medium in size and erect.
Usually, they don’t have too long whiskers and their eyes can be any type or color of cat eye, whether green, blue or orange. There are different genetic variations when it comes to the length and density of their fur, so they have sleek and glossy coats.
It is one of the largest domesticated cats, with a weight of up to 30 pounds. Chausie cats are unique individuals that each have a big personality to match the size of an Aussie. Chausie cats form strong bonds with their families and dislike being left alone.
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History of the Chausies cats
A Chausie (Felis chaus) is a hybrid breed created by breeding domesticated cats with the wild jungle cat, which is referred to as the Jungle Cat (Felis chaus).
The Jungle Cat is an ancient wild cat that has been around since the days of the ancient Egyptians. The Egyptians are said to have domesticated these ancient cats and kept them as pets over the generations.
There are drawings and jungle cat mummies that have been found alongside their human owners in Egyptian tombs that attest to this fact.
It is generally believed that the Chausie is found from the Nile Valley to the Caspian Sea, as well as in South Asia as far as Vietnam. In fact, Chausies were so highly regarded that mummified Chausie hybrids began to appear all over North America and Southeast Asia.
When the breed was mated with domestic cats, such as the Abyssinian, and although this occurred centuries ago, the first hybrid breeding was recorded in 1990.
Breeders of domestic cats set out to create a domestic cat breed that closely resembled the Jungle Cat in the 1990s. Several types of domestic cats were used in the early Chausie breeding program, including the Abyssinian and domestic shorthair (mixed-breed short-haired cats).
In 1995, The International Cat Association formally recognized the Chausie cat breed. TICA awarded championship status to the breed in 2013, allowing your cats to compete for titles in cat shows.
How big do Chausies get?
Compared to traditional domestic breeds, Chausie is medium to large in size. There are some Chausies who are a little smaller than a male Maine Coon, for example, but most of them are a little larger than a Siamese. The average adult Chausie male weighs from 11 to 16 lbs. Most adult Chausie females weigh between 8 and 13 pounds.
They are large, athletic cats that often resemble domestic tabby cats. Cats of this type come in a variety of colors and patterns (including black) and usually have lush coats.
They have very large ears with tufts at the ends, and their likeness to lynxes is not accidental since they were created by crossing domestic cats with wild jungle cats such as bobcats and servals.
Chausie cats live for about 12 years on average. If you plan on keeping a Chausie as a pet, be prepared to find a home for kittens since they reach sexual maturity at 5 months old.
Apartment living is not recommended for these cats, which require at least average amounts of space. The best place for them is a house with a large yard or garden where they can run and play at their leisure.
The appearance of the Chausie
This exotic cat’s diet and behavior have been marked by the wild genes of the Chausie, who left a distinct mark on them. They are, however, most significant in terms of determining the breed’s physical appearance.
Like the Egyptian jungle cat, the Chausie has a very athletic physique, as does its direct ancestor, the Egyptian jungle cat. Breeds with long legs, which are slightly longer at the rear, reveal just how good their pedigree cats are at running and jumping.
This species has a wedge-shaped head with strong cheekbones and wide-spaced eyes which gives an exotic appearance. They are characterized by a strong chin, rounded ears, and striking tufts of hair that remind me of a lynx.
Chausie differs significantly from cats like the Lynx or other hybrids like the Savannah or Caracal in that it does not have any striking markings.
This animal has short-to-medium-length fur that is banded and mainly brown or black, but silver can also be present. It is possible to divide its possible colors into the following three categories:
- Black
- Brown Ticked Tabby
- Grizzled Ticked Tabby (silver)
Generally, the fur on Chausie’s stomach and prominent chin is lighter than the rest of the fur on the animal. Their walnut-shaped eyes are usually yellow or gold in color, however, they can also be hazelnut-brown or light green in color.
Chausie Cat Care
It is very easy to take care of these beautiful cats. Despite the fact that they shed little, their coats should be brushed once or twice weekly in order to remove dead hairs that might tangle around their legs or cause mats.
In fact, bathing should only take place when necessary, as over-bathing can strip their coats of their natural oils, leaving them dry and fragile.
Every week, it is a good idea to check inside your cat’s ears. The ears should not be red for too long and there should be no excessive debris inside them. If you notice that the ears are red, contact your veterinarian immediately.
The ears should be cleaned with a pet-safe ear cleaner, cotton balls, or a square of gauze if the ears seem just slightly dirty (do not put cotton swabs inside the cat’s ears).
Scratching is a natural and enjoyable behavior for cats. Provide a variety of acceptable surfaces. For cats who enjoy scratching vertically, scratching posts and cat trees are great. Those cats that like to scratch horizontally are best suited to scratchers made of cardboard or sisal that lie on the ground.
They are extremely social cats and need a family willing to be at home with them as much as possible to provide them with companionship and engagement. Chausies are generally reliable litter box users, though some Chausies with greater wild blood may be more prone to spraying.
Chausie’s diet is extremely important. Owners of Chausies often prepare their cat’s food themselves, following the “Ketogenic (Keto) Diet” which emphasizes meat/animal fats as the main source of nourishment.
Chausie’s owner who does not want to prepare their own food for him can purchase store-bought cat food that adheres very closely to the Keto Diet, allowing minimal amounts of carbohydrates in the diet.
Most pet stores cater to more popular domesticated breeds, so it is hard to find store-bought foods. Check the ingredients carefully when feeding Chausies!
Are Chausie cats legal?
It is highly recommended that all potential Chausie cat owners check with their local laws and regulations before adopting a Chausie cat. Certain areas do not allow hybrid pets, including the Chausie, to be kept as pets.
There is a possibility that in your area, hybrids of the “F4 generation” will only be legal. F4 hybrids, as well as later-generation hybrids, are generally considered domestic and can be sold to the general public.
How much is a Chausie cat?
It is due to this fact that you can find a wide range of prices for this breed since it is quite rare. Chausie cats can be found at various prices due to their rarity. It is estimated that a Chausie kitten can cost between $1,500 and $10,000, depending on their lineage, upbringing, age, and gender.
Are Chausie cats affectionate?
It is true that Chausies are a relatively new breed of cat, but this does not mean that their temperament will be any different from the temperament of a more common household pet.
It is really not possible to predict the behavior of a Chausie without having observed it before and without having observed its previous behavior.
Chausies, as a whole, tend to have moderate activity levels and affectionate personalities in general. Chausies are smart, devoted pet cats who enjoy playing games and being loved by their owners.
Chausies are an active breed of cat who needs a lot of exercise to stay healthy. It is their favorite activity to play fetch, chase balls, and chase toys around the room.
When you have a Chausie in your yard, it is not uncommon to see him darting around at high speeds, trying to catch the small lures that you have set out for him. In order to burn off some energy, it is essential to give them plenty of playtimes before they decide to take a nap in their favorite spot.
Chausies belong to the jungle cat family (which also includes ocelots, margays, and Bobcats), which means they have a stronger prey drive than most domesticated cats. Because of this, they will be especially attracted to small animals of any kind, from insects to birds and mice to rodents.
If you want to keep your pet happy, you should make sure that you provide it with plenty of toys that simulate hunting behavior so that they do not feel the need to go outside just because they are being urged to do so by its instincts.
Chausie breeds enjoy cuddling more than most other breeds, but this does not mean they like being wrapped up in blankets or held down for too long. It is most likely that if you want your cat to curl up next to you while you read a book or watch TV in the evenings, it will come over and purr its way to sleep.
It is true, however, that most Chausies will sit down with you just to see what you have to offer, rather than simply wandering away because they simply do not like being locked in a place for too long.
Is Chausie the right cat for you?
It is important to research the breeding and ownership requirements before purchasing a Chausie. When you buy a Chausie, you should ensure that it will be able to satisfy its natural urges for freedom and exercise without getting bored.
It is essential for this breed to live in harmony that it has ample opportunities to play, possibly with a playmate who is also a cat, and spend time with the family. In conclusion, if you care for this breed in a species-appropriate manner, you will be rewarded with an incredibly affectionate cat that will be loyal to you.
