Chausie
Origin
Egypt, South Asia
Height
14"-18"
Adult Weight
12-25 pounds
Life Span
10-15 years
TEMPERAMENT
Energetic, intelligent, friendly, family-oriented
OTHER NAMES
Jungle Curl, Mountwain Cougar, Stone Cougar, Jungle Cat, Nile Cat, Miniature Cougar Cat
Group
Large short-haired
Price
$500-$2500
Personality and Temperament
If the Chausie cat reminds you of an extra-large Abyssinian, you’re on the right track! These incredible felines were developed by crossing jungle cats – also known as swamp cats or reed cats – from Southeast Asia with domesticated Abyssinians.
Weighing in at up to 30 pounds, Chausies are among the largest domesticated cats in existence. As a hybrid, every Chausie cat is a unique individual, with a big personality to matChausie it’s size. Chausie cats develop strong bonds with their families and do not like to be left alone.
Care
- NUTRITION
- GROOMING
- EXERCISE
- HEALTH
The Chausie requires an all meat diet. Many Chausie cats are incapable of breaking down plant matter, so it’s important to avoid foods that contain vegetables or grains.
Chausie cats have short coats that require very little attention. A weekly brushing gives you an opportunity to bond with your cat while reducing shedding.
Because Chausie cats are so energetic and playful (and so large!), it’s a very good idea to keep their claws clipped short. They don’t mean to damage their families’ belongings, but it can happen easily.
Chausie cats require plenty of exercise. Their wild nature demands access to a tall cat tower, multiple scratching posts, and plenty of toys. A Chausie cat happily engages in exercise on its own, but appreciates interaction from human family members.
Chausie cats are generally healthy, but can suffer from malnutrition without a diet that consists of animal products alone.
Characteristics
Affection Level
90%
Activity Level
100%
Pet-Friendly
20%
Kid-Friendly
50%
Sociability
70%
Intelligence
100%
Playfulness
100%
Independence
80%
Vocality
30%
Grooming
10%
History
The Breed Standard
Body
The body should be long and slender, with well-defined musculature. Females typically weigh 15 to 20 pounds, while males average 25 pounds.
Head
The Chausie cat has a rounded head with pronounced features and prominent whisker pads.
Eyes
Chausie cats have striking eyes with an intense gaze, usually in shades of green or gold.
Ears
The ears are large and well proportioned, with wide bases that taper to rounded tips.
Legs & Paws
The legs are muscular, with a powerful appearance. The hind legs are slightly longer than the front legs.
Tail
The tail is short in comparison with the body; it is thick and muscular, without much of a taper.
Coat
The coat is short with a plush undercoat and a coarser upper layer.
Color
Chausie cats have grizzled coat colors, typically in shades of tan, black, and brown. Often, there is cream to white shading at the muzzle. TICA recognizes three patterns: solid black, grizzled tabby, and brown ticked tabby.
Chausies appear in three pretty patterns — brown-ticked tabby, solid black and grizzled tabby. The brown-ticked tabby pattern displays barring on the inner legs.