Chausie

Breed: Chausie | Size: Large | Average lifespan: 15+ years | Temperament: Lively, playful, affectionate, and intelligent | Coat: Short/medium-long | Origin: Egypt.

The Chausie, while elegant and unique, is not very well-known because it is still a relatively new breed. One of the reasons why this cat breed is so fascinating is because their ancestors were once the loyal companions of Egyptian pharaohs.

The origins of the Chausie

The Chausie is a wild cat that would be happier in a home with large open spaces.

A wild cross

The Chausie breed came from a cross between a wild feline, the Chaus, and other domestic cat breeds. The Chaus, also known as the jungle cat, is a wild feline that can be found in different parts of the globe, such as Egpyt, Central Asia, India, and even the Caucasus. This cat was very respected in Ancient Egypt. For example, Chaus cats were mummified and drawings of the Chaus were engraved on Egyptian tombs.

Certain breeds in particular were chosen to be crossed with the Chaus to create the Chausie breed, including the Abyssinian, the Bengal cat and other cats with a wild appearance. The goal was the create a breed with the appearance of a true wild cat, all while keeping the gentle character of a domestic cat.

A new breed

The Chausie cat breed saw the light of day in the United States at the beginning of the 1970s. At the moment, the breed is not yet recognized by all cat organizations because it is still a new breed.

The Chausie’s personality

With such a unique cross, we would expect Chausies to be independent and true hunters like their ancestors. However, what is their personality really like?

The Chausie’s qualities

Chausies are very intelligent and affectionate. For example, they are typically very attached to their owner and very demonstrative with their love. Additionally, these cats are very lively, playful, an easy-going. Did you know that the Chausie doesn’t meow very often? Children absolutely love the energy of these cats! Chausies also enjoy spending time with children because they love attention. This cat is very sociable and can even share their home with other animals.

Are there any downsides to having a Chausie?

While this cat breed truly loves the company of their owner and their family, they are not very good at handling solitude. As an owner of a Chausie, you need to be able to spend quality time with them and have a lot of patience. Experienced cat owners will probably know how to deal with this cat’s whims. First-time cat owners, on the other hand, will have to learn to remain firm when faced with this cat’s mischief. When it comes to the Chausie’s eating habits, it is important to be careful. This cat is prone to intolerances and needs to have food that is high quality.

It is important to be careful when playing with this cat or when this cat is in the presence of children. While this cat is far from dangerous, like many other cats, they will show their claws if needed. However, they will only do this if they feel threatened. In addition, this cat holds grudges and knows how to show their frustration. Lastly, the Chausie is not suited to life as an indoor cat. They need a lot of open space that is safe and secure so that they exercise as much as they like. They cannot stay in an apartment all day.

The physical characteristics of the Chausie

This is a particularly large and muscular cat breed. They are able to run long distances.

General

The wild appearance of the Chausie stands out the most. Their elongated and large body makes this cat a stunning cat. With that being said, their wild looks are deceiving! Even though this cat will not hesitate to hunt for little prey that they can find in the garden to offer you as a sign of affection, they are actually not as predatory as it may look.

Head

Chausie cats have a face in the form of a “V”. In the middle of their triangular face sits a long and pointed muzzle. These cats have large oval eyes. This breed is usually found with eyes that are a slight gold color, but they can also have eyes that are pale green or a light brown color. Their large ears are high up and long on the sides, which look a lot like the Chaus.

Body

Chausies are known for their large size and can reach up to 50 cm as adults. When it comes to their weight, they can easily reach more than 7 kg (≈ 15.4 lb). Their muscular body is held by long legs that are made for running long distances.

Coat, color, and grooming

Coat

The Chausie cat breed only has two types of coats:

• short coat
• medium-long coat

Colors

The coat of the Chausie can be several colors. Generally, there is no pattern and the colors are rather simple. For example, the coat can be black, brown, ticked tabby, or silver black tabby.

Grooming the Chausie

The Chausie is not hard to groom. They are rather independent and do not need to be groomed often. However, it is important to regularly visit the vet clinic and make sure that their vaccines are up-to-date. To take good care of the Chausie breed, give them a comfortable and spacious home so that they can live happily. Keep an eye on their stomach as these cats are prone to intestinal issues.

Did you know?

The Chausie is a very active cat and does not hesitate to climb anything and everything. They do this so that they can get a good view of their environment. Because of this, it’s important to keep expensive and delicate items out of reach.

As these cats have kept their hunting instincts, your Chausie might leave you a mouse or other small animal from time to time. Don’t worry. This behavior is a sign of affection towards you. It is important to know that the Chausie is very affectionate. So much so that if they are not completely satisfied with the cuddles that they received, they might be grumpy about it. It’s important to find the cause of your Chausie’s unhappiness so that you can give them the attention that they need and resolve the issue.