Chausie

The Chausie is a breed of domesticated cats that find its origin back to the time when a few non-domestic jungle cats were bred with domestic cats. Like the Bengal and the Savannah cats, the Chausie has been categorized as a nondomestic hybrid source breed. Although bred from a wild breed, the fourth generation of these cats finds them possessing the characteristics of the domestic breeds.

These cats look slender, with long legs and a lean, deep-chested torso and short coat. They have a rounded and cougar-like face with golden to yellow or green semi-oval eyes, long whiskers, and with ears proportionately larger than the face. They have prominently cheek bones that are long and angular. These cats are not lap cats.

• 

• 

• 

• 

History

The Chausie originated from the jungle cats (Felis chaus) that were bred with the domestic shorthairs. Jungle cats were venerated by the early Egyptians and many mummified relics and bodies have been found in different tombs of the pharaohs and many works of art.

Back in the 1960s, these jungle cats, found in parts of the Far and Middle East, were bred by the breeders. Later, in 1995, the Chausie was recognized with its present registry status for the first time by The International Cat Association (TICA). Furthermore, they got the Evaluation status in 2002, while in the following year, were endowed with the status of Advanced New Breed.

Temperament and Personality

Although a descendant of a wild cat, the Chausies are very active, interactive and assertive by nature. They love people and their company. They are known to be excellent jumpers and for their hunting skills.

They need your time and attention, especially for some interactive play sessions. They would jump, run and leap into the air while playing. They need cat toys to play with and a separate area dedicatedly for their adventure moments. The fearless character of this breed tends to land them into trouble if these cats are allowed to go outside.

• 

• 

• 

These curious felines would learn to open doors and go out, often ending in some mischief. But they are intelligent and alert, and would easily pick up commands from their owners. These cats are ready to please their owners, and are similar to dogs in loyalty.

They are mostly one-man cats, and would prefer to spend every moment with his most-loved person in the household. Although, they are affectionate with other members as well.

Care

Exercise and Training

It is easy to train the intelligent Chausie. Like dogs, they can be leash-trained. Giving them leash training is important since you need to take them out for brisk walk sessions regularly. This should help release some of the energy of this active, mischievous felis. The rest is general training, as is usual for most other cat breeds in general.

Diet/Feeding

As has previously been discussed, the most important thing about the diet of these felids is keeping gluten away. This means, it is wise not to offer them general dry cat food. Commercial cat food contains gluten and wheat. Hence, it would be best for your cat’s health if you keep your cat under raw cat diet routine.

A diet made from good quality meat (white or red), fish, organs, and bone in readily digestible forms are good for your Chausie. Although, only a high-quality premium commercial cat food can be fed.

• 

• 

• 

Interesting Facts

• For this breed, selective breeding is important in order to develop kittens that would develop an even and balanced temperament.
• The ability to jump high is an instinct for catching birds that they inherited from their forefathers.
• At times, the Chausie cats would make unusual sounds.
• At present, the Chausie breeders are working toward the breed’s Championship status.
• Usually, the male Chausies are not fertile until they pass through four or five generations.
• The Chausie cat loves water.