Chausie

The history of the Chausie may go back to ancient Egyptian times when people would domesticate jungle cats and even mummify them! However, it was in 1990 that jungle cats from the swamps of south central Asia were intentionally bred with the Abyssinian, likely in the United States, and the outcome was the Chausie.

Despite the breed’s wild cat heritage, the Chausie is actually renowned as a super social, people-friendly cat. The Chausie was officially granted championship status by the International Cat Association (TICA) in 2013. These days, you may find Chausies in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. So make sure to consider adoption if you decide that this is the breed for you!

The Chausie is a large-sized cat breed. As is often the case, exact size standards might vary.

Most Chausies weigh in at 15 to 30 pounds. That said, some may be larger or smaller than average.

First of all, there’s no getting around the fact that the Chausie retains a lot of their wild cat traits. This breed will be active for long spells of the day and prefers to act in an athletic manner, rather than a delicate and dainty one. The Chausie is a cat who makes a lot of demands on their owner and needs a high degree of interaction and play time. In many cases, the breed has shown a willingness to play fetch with toys!

The Chausie is also known to be a very intelligent feline so you’ll want to constantly keep them challenged with a series of smart and interactive toys that you rotate on a regular basis. Still, despite the Chausie’s energetic traits, they’re also a cat who will form very strong and loving bonds with the adult humans in their life, and there’s definitely an affectionate side to the feline.

Chausies are generally considered to be healthy cats; although, it’s important to schedule regular wellness visits with your cat’s vet. While most Chausies are healthy, they can become prone to some of the same conditions that the Abyssinian breed faces. Some of the more common health problems Chausies suffer from include:

• Obesity: Obesity in cats is a prevalent and serious health concern that can affect their overall well-being. It occurs when a cat consumes more calories than it expends, leading to an excess accumulation of body fat. Several factors contribute to obesity in cats, and understanding them is crucial for prevention and management.
• Intestinal issues: Chausie cats, like all cat breeds, can be susceptible to various intestinal issues. However, it’s essential to note that the risk and prevalence of specific health concerns can vary among individual cats, and genetics, environment, and overall health play crucial roles. Their short intestinal tracts, inherited from their wild parent, prevents them from processing plant ingredients.

As with all cats, it’s important to keep up your Chausie’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your cat healthy. It’s important to note that the Chausie requires a very specific diet that’s totally comprised of meat. Feeding the breed cat foods that include grains and plant matter can lead to digestion issues.

Beyond diet, you’ll definitely want to add at least one scratching post to your living environment. This can help promote healthy scratching and keep the cat’s nails in good condition. The Chausie’s ears should also be examined regularly for signs of dirt building up or possible infection. It’s advisable to talk with your vet about starting a regular teeth brushing regimen that will suit your Chausie. Your vet can advise you about specific brands and techniques.

As with any breed that has high energy levels, the Chausie will need to be provided with enough space to run around and explore, so you’ll want to add a couple of cat trees to your living situation. It is essential that the Chausie can partake in enough exercise–not least to ward off the chances of feline obesity setting in.

The Chausie’s coat comes in three colors: Brown tabby, solid black, and grizzled tabby.

When it comes to grooming, the Chausie is a very low maintenance breed of feline. You can brush their coat once a week, which will help lessen the chances of hairballs or mats forming. But in general, this is not a cat who sheds much or requires a lot of hands-on grooming from their humans.

When it comes to climate, the Chausie is generally an adaptable breed of cat. Although, you should always make sure that there’s enough shade and fresh water available during the hotter months.

The Chausie is not usually recommended as a cat who does well with young children. This is because the breed retains some wild instincts and traits from their Jungle Cat heritage. When it comes to other household pets, the Chausie fares well with many domestic animals, especially dogs. However, you’ll want to supervise early interactions between the new cat and existing pets. Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this breed. Make sure to reward your Chausie for good behavior when you bring them home to your family!

It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Chausies because they are a somewhat rare mixed breed. However, you may want to try shelters and rescues that cater to all types of cats, including Chausies, as well as your local shelter. Here are some nonprofit rescues you can try:

• Hope For Paws
• Best Friends Animal Society
• Chausie Rescue
• Bengal And Hybrid Rescue