Chausie Cats were developed by breeding a few individuals from the non-domestic species jungle cat (Felis chaus) to a far greater number of domestic cats. The Chausie is a relatively new breed and was first recognized as a domestic breed by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1995. The Chausie is categorized as a non-domestic hybrid source breed. Because Chausies are mostly descended from domestic cats, they are completely domestic in behavior and temperament by about the fourth generation of domestic breeding.
Watch the video to discover interesting facts about the Chausie Cat breed and see more details below.
12 Interesting Chausie Cat Facts Video
Chausie Cats Origin
It is believed that the first jungle cat/domestic cat hybrids may have come from Egypt several thousand years ago. The wild jungle cat is native to Southeast Asia, India and the Middle East region. The jungle cat is also found in North Africa on the Nile Delta.
The Jungle Cat
A few breeders began experimenting with breeding jungle cats and domestic cats in the late 1960s and 1970s. The Chausie breed did not truly begin until the 1990s, when a dedicated group of breeders named the breed “Chausie” (after Felis chaus) and developed a planned breeding program. These breeders received registration status from TICA in 1995. The breed worked its way through the New Breed Class from May 2001 through April 2013, and became TICA’s newest Championship breed on May 1, 2013. Chausies are now being bred in both North America and Europe. The breed has also begun the new breed recognition process in the World Cat Federation.
The permissible outcrosses for the Chausie breed during early breed development were the Abyssian and the Domestic Shorthair cat breeds. However, any kind of purely domestic outcross could be used. TICA rules only dictated that cats must be a certain number of generations removed from the jungle cat ancestors and have three generations of registered Chausie ancestors to be eligible for competition at shows. Several domestic cat breeds have been utilized to evolve the Chausie breed and this has given the breed a diverse and healthy genetic foundation.
Chausie Cats Behavior and Personality
This breed is considered intelligent, active and very athletic. They don’t like being left alone and like to have human companions or the company of other cats. They are loyal cats and bond with their human companions.
Chausie Cat Size
The Chausie cat breed are medium to large in size relative to traditional domestic breeds. Most Chausies are a little smaller than a male Maine Coon. Adult Chausie males typically weigh 11 to 16 pounds and adult females are usually in the range of 8 to 13 pounds. Larger male Chausies (with a higher mix of jungle cat) can weight up to 30 pounds.
Chausie Cat Lifespan
The typical lifespan of a healthy Chausie cat is 12 – 16 years.
Chausie Cat Colors and Fur Patterns
The TICA Chausie breed standard allows three colors: solid black, black grizzled tabby, and brown. Because the Chausie breed is relatively new, Chausies are still frequently born that have a variety of other colors and patterns. However, only the three permissible colors are considered ideal and can be entered in new breed classes at cat shows. Three colors are eligible for championship classes. Gold or yellow eye color is preferred, though yellower and lighter shades of green are also allowed.
Interesting Facts About Chausie Cats
- Wild Yet Domestic: Despite their wild ancestry, Chausies are bred to be fully domestic cats, and they have become popular among cat enthusiasts for their mix of wild looks and affectionate demeanor.
- Athletic Build: Chausies are large, muscular cats with long legs, making them exceptionally athletic. They are often described as “jungle-like” with a sleek and graceful appearance.
- Distinctive Appearance: Chausies have a wild appearance, characterized by large, expressive ears that are sometimes tufted, and a lean body. Their eyes can range from gold to yellow to light green.
- High Energy Levels: They are incredibly active and love to jump, run, and explore. Their wild ancestry contributes to their boundless energy and desire for physical activity.
- Social Cats: Unlike some other hybrid breeds, Chausies are highly sociable and bond closely with their families. They do not do well if left alone for long periods and enjoy being part of the household’s daily activities.
- Intelligent and Trainable: Chausies are very intelligent and can be trained to do tricks. They respond well to positive reinforcement, making them quite receptive to commands like “sit” or even learning to walk on a leash.
- Playful Companions: They love interactive play and need a lot of mental stimulation. Toys like puzzle feeders, wand toys, and cat trees can keep them entertained.
- Dog-Like Traits: Many Chausie owners compare their behavior to that of a dog. They can be loyal, follow their owners around, and even enjoy playing fetch.
- Water Lovers: Unlike many cats, Chausies are known to be fascinated by water. They might enjoy playing in a shallow tub of water or dipping their paws in their water dish.
- Dietary Needs: Due to their hybrid nature, Chausies often require a high-protein diet similar to what they would consume in the wild. Many breeders recommend a grain-free, raw or wet food diet to keep them in peak health.
- Not Ideal for First-Time Owners: Because of their high energy and demanding nature, Chausies are often recommended for experienced cat owners who understand the breed’s need for interaction, activity, and stimulation.
- Adaptability: They are adaptable cats but need space to thrive. Ideally, a home with enough vertical climbing areas, such as shelves or tall cat trees, is best for them to satisfy their adventurous nature.
- Legally Controlled in Some Places: Due to their wild heritage, ownership of Chausie cats may be restricted in certain areas. Always check local regulations before bringing one home.
- Low Maintenance Grooming: Despite their active nature, Chausies have short coats that require minimal grooming. A weekly brushing should suffice to keep their coat healthy and shiny.
- Great with Other Pets: Chausies usually get along well with other pets, especially if they are raised together. Their sociable nature means they might even enjoy playing with a well-behaved dog.
- Expressive and Vocal: They have a variety of vocalizations that they use to communicate, ranging from chirps to meows. They are very expressive and will let you know when they need attention.
- Highly Observant: Chausies are known to be extremely observant of their surroundings, which is a trait likely inherited from their wild ancestors. They are always on the lookout, making them seem like the “watchdogs” of the feline world.
- Curious Climbers: Their love for climbing means you might find them perched in unusual places around your home. Creating designated climbing spots will help keep them satisfied.
- Emotionally Sensitive: Chausies are emotionally intelligent and sensitive to their owner’s moods. They thrive in households where they feel secure and where owners provide plenty of interaction.
- Breeding History: The breed began in the 1990s, and careful breeding has helped develop a stable, healthy domestic breed with consistent traits while retaining the wild look that makes them so unique.
- Exotic Coat Colors: Chausies come in three main coat colors: solid black, black grizzled tabby, and brown ticked tabby. The grizzled tabby is particularly exotic-looking and rare in other cat breeds.
- Recognition: The Chausie is recognized by several cat registries, including The International Cat Association (TICA), which recognizes them as a distinct breed, though they are still relatively rare.
- Love for Heights: Given their wild heritage, Chausies love to be up high, where they can survey their environment. This makes them avid climbers, so cat shelves or tall trees are a must for these adventurous felines.
- Bonding Time: Chausies are happiest when they are actively engaging with their humans. Whether it’s interactive playtime or simply sitting close by, they are affectionate cats that love bonding time.
- Escape Artists: Due to their curiosity and intelligence, Chausies have a reputation as escape artists. It’s important to have secure windows and doors, as they may attempt to explore the outdoors.
- Pack Mentality: They seem to exhibit a “pack” mentality, likely due to their wild cat lineage. They enjoy being in a family setting and often show protective behavior towards their household.
- Noisy and Chatty: They are often very vocal cats, and their sounds are not limited to typical meows. They can chirp, trill, and make other unique noises to communicate with their owners.
Chausies are truly a remarkable breed with their mix of wildness, intelligence, and affectionate nature. They make a wonderful choice for those who are experienced cat owners and who can meet their needs for activity and companionship.
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