Chausie
Chausie cats, if you have ever seen one you may not be picturing a wild cat. They are a large cat who resembles the jungle cat. They are loving and affectionate cats who are a perfect addition to the right home. Read on to learn more about these amazing cats.
History
Chausie cats are closely related to the jungle cat (Latin name felis chaus).
This wild ancestor is sometimes also nicknamed the swamp cat or reed cat and is native to many areas of the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Jungle cats are considered medium-sized wildcats and live primarily by lakes and rivers or in swampy, wetland environments.
Historically they have also been prominently found along the Nile Delta and there’s evidence of Ancient Egyptians co-existing with these uncharacteristically social wild cats.
Domestic cats were common and significant to Ancient Egyptian culture. They were held in high regard and often given traditional death ceremonies upon their passing – historians have documented mummified remains of both domesticated and wild breeds of cats, carefully prepared for their afterlife.
This is where Chausie cats are believed to have originated from, as a cross between the jungle cats of Ancient Egypt, and domesticated breeds that were common at the time. Despite these ancient roots, the breed wasn’t properly established until the 1990s, when dedicated breeders began to lay out the groundwork for the breed standard as they crossed the jungle cat with a variety of different domestic breeds – most notably, the Abyssinian Cat. The name Chausie is an homage to the wild roots of its ancestor, the jungle cat, felis chaus.
The International Cat Association officially recognized the Chausie breed in 1995.
Today’s Chausie cats are usually far removed from their wild ancestors, but they maintain many of the jungle cat’s physical attributes and have more dynamic and engaging personalities compared to other cats. The unique breeding history has resulted in a typically sturdy, healthy, and highly intelligent companion breed. They are very social and interactive, making great pets for those willing to commit to their needs (and accommodate their more “wild” and kitten-like tendencies). It’s important to source a reputable breeder for any pet, but particularly important in breeds such as the Chausie cat, due to its hybrid roots and the resulting complexities around responsible breeding and lineage.
Physical Attributes
- Weight: 8 – 16 lbs
- Height: 14 – 18 in
- Length: 16 – 22 in
- Life expectancy: 10 – 15 years
Chausie cats are a large domesticated breed with a rather strong resemblance to the jungle cat from which they were bred. Each cat is an individual, and attributes such as size, coloring, and temperament will vary due a number of factors such as lineage and upbringing of the particular Chausie.
Those researching this breed online are likely to read that Chausie cats can weigh on the upper end of 25-40 lbs.
However, a number of breed experts consider these numbers are commonly exaggerated, reporting that the weight of an adult Chausie is actually within the range of 8-16 lbs. (See more here) Male Chausie cats are generally larger (11-16 lbs) than females (8-13 lbs).
However, depending on the particular lineage, it’s not unheard of for Chausie cats to be (sometimes significantly) larger than this. Chausie cats look much bigger than they are because of their long, tall, muscular builds. They are lean and long-legged, strong and gracefully built.
Chausie cats have a particularly exotic look to them and are sometimes called “mini cougars” due to the physical features they share with the wildcat. A Sloping muzzle and high cheek bones highlight their distinctive eyes. Ranging in shades of green and yellow, the eyes are flatter on top and round on the bottom, almost like a half-moon that creates the effect of a very strong, intense gaze in Chausie cats. Their large, tufted ears further add to their exotic look.
Their coats are short, and come in a variety of colors. A trait normally unique to wildcats is the grizzling in their pattern, which can be found in some Chausies due to their shared lineage with the jungle cat. Their coats are generally low maintenance, comparable to other domestic short hair breeds.
Chausie cats are tall and have very strong legs, making them prolific jumpers. Prospective pet owners must be prepared for their Chausie to be able to leap up onto very high surfaces and plan accordingly by keeping fragile or dangerous items out of reach.
Many people report training their Chausie to walk on a leash. They tend to be very high energy and do well with owners who can give them lots of attention and stimulating activities. They have a very high prey drive and are built to be excellent hunters.
There aren’t any health complications that are specific to the breed, and most Chausie cats do well with regular vet check ups.
As with all cats, they do best on a high quality diet. Regular, high quality cat food is sufficient. Due to their wild origins, some Chausie cats may have more difficulties with lower quality foods, which tend to be higher in grain and vegetable-based fillers (not natural in the wild diet of a carnivore) and more taxing on the digestive system.
Individual cats will vary in size and colouring depending on their breeding background. In general, a healthy Chausie can have a life expectancy of up to around 15 years.
Personality
Chausie cats are appealing not only for their exotic looks, but also for their engaging personalities. They are very intelligent and will want to be included in the regular day-to-day activities of the household. They are keenly observant and very social, especially compared to other cat breeds.
They form very strong bonds with their family. Their level of care is more comparable to that of a dog than a more typical house cat: While they are independent, most Chausie cats will not tolerate being left home alone. A prospective pet owner should be prepared to accommodate their Chausie cat’s higher need for attention and stimulation. They are known to be playful and kitten-like throughout their adult lives, and are prone to mischief.
Some Chausie cats can be successfully leash trained, especially when they are introduced to the concept early on. They will naturally want to explore and should be allowed to do so. Again, they are well known for their jumping abilities and are very curious! Creating an enriching environment where they can safely jump and play is ideal.
A prospective owner should expect to accommodate the Chausie’s more wild tendencies, rather than try to train them out of these behaviors.
They are trainable to an extent, especially when they are acquired from kitten-hood, but there are some traits that are well ingrained or difficult to predict the occurrence of. For example, they have a very high prey-drive that make them unsuitable company for small pets.
Chausie cats are also not recommended for families with small children, due to the additional safety risk they pose – even it they’re just playing, they are strong enough to accidentally cause harm, and tend to have a lower tolerance for children in general.
They are sociable and get along well with other cats. They are known to do well with dogs when raised together from a young age. Toy breeds or very young dogs may be unsuitable, due to the breed’s intense prey drive and relatively large size.
It’s important to keep in mind that each individual cat will be different based on its background and unique personality! Always supervise your pets while they’re in the company of other animals or children. The Chausie’s sense of loyalty cannot be overstated. They form a lifelong bond with their family. Because of this, a prospective owner needs to ensure they do not make the decision to own a Chausie cat lightly.
All too often, cats and other pets are abandoned when they grow out of their young, “cute phase” and end up being more than their owner had bargained for. It must be understood that the adorable Chausie kitten will grow into a large and extremely energetic cat, requiring a great deal more time and attention compared to other breeds.
Without early socialization and an enriching environment that validates the Chausie cat’s need for human companionship, they may exhibit challenging behaviors, or even become depressed.
An adult Chausie cat who is suddenly abandoned or re-homed for whatever reason, has an extremely difficult time ever adjusting. They are often very difficult to adopt out, because they simply cannot cope with the loss of the family whom they’ve grown attached to. They are far more likely to exhibit lifelong behavioral issues due to the stress of abandonment.
They are loving and worthwhile pets, who deserve owners that are able to commit to them for the duration of their lives.
Cost
The cost of a Chausie cat will vary widely based on a number of factors, including the particular cat’s age, gender, background and lineage. Prices also vary by location and availability of local breeders.
A purebred kitten from a reputable breeder can cost anywhere from $1000 and sometimes as high as $10,000. The average price is more realistically in the $3000 range, depending on the individual breeder and location. It’s important to do adequate research and only use reputable breeders or adoption agencies.
Aside from the initial price of the Chausie cat, it’s important to factor in the ongoing cost of pet ownership such as maintaining a high-quality diet and providing routine vet care. Chausie cats especially need toys and lots of perches, which will need to be occasionally replaced. Some owners opt to invest additional money into creating cat-safe areas of their homes and yards.