Chausie Cat Breed: Size, Appearance & Personality

Overview

Characteristics

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Origin

Egypt, South Asia

Height

36 - 46 cm

Adult weight

5 - 11 kg

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

Affection Level

? Breeds with a high affection level want to give and receive a lot of attention, while less-affectionate breeds are not as interested in petting and snuggles.

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90%

Activity Level

? Breeds with high activity levels will engage more in active play and demand more space and attention.

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100%

Pet-Friendly

? How well the breed tends to get along with cats, dogs, and other pets.

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20%

Kid-Friendly

? Breeds with a higher rating in this area tend to be gentle and patient, while lower-rated breeds may feel uncomfortable with children.

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50%

Sociability

? Breeds with a higher sociability rating will want to spend time with you all day, while less-sociable breeds seldom seek out human interaction.

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70%

Intelligence

? Breeds with higher intelligence ratings are more curious, investigative, and easy to train. Less-intelligent breeds are less trainable but often laid-back and easygoing.

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100%

Playfulness

? Breeds that score higher in this area have strong hunting instincts that make them great playtime companions.

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100%

Independence

? Breeds that score higher in this area are able to spend hours alone, while less-independent breeds require plenty of attention.

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80%

Vocality

? A higher rating in this area indicates a breed prone to plenty of meowing and other vocalizations, while less-vocal breeds are happy to stay quiet.

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30%

Grooming

? Breeds with higher grooming scores require more maintenance like brushing and bathing, while lower-scored breeds are virtually maintenance-free.

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10%

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.

History

It is believed that Chausie cats share some Characteristics with early domesticated hybrid cats from Egypt and the surrounding area. These cats share similarities with some of the mummified cat remains found in Egyptian tombs.

Even though hybrid cats have been in existence since ancient times, the Chausie cat stands out for its fairly modern roots. Breeders began to experiment with crossing jungle cats (Felis Chaus) with Abyssinians in the 1990s. The result was the Chausie, a robust hybrid cat with wild looks and an independent personality.

The Chausie cat breed was formally recognized by The International Cat Association in 1995.

Did You Know?

The Chausie is capable of making incredible leaps, easily jumping 6 feet straight in the air from a standing position. These cats love to jump and experienced pet parents keep surfaces clear to prevent delicate items from being broken.

Did You Know?

Chausie cats enjoy walking on leashes, and appreciate the ability to explore the outdoors along with their human companions.

Did You Know?

While Chausies are sociable and friendly, they are not ideal for families with small children or little prey-type pets. They tend to do very well with other cats, particularly other Chausies.

The Breed Standard

Eyes

Chausie cats have striking eyes with an intense gaze, usually in shades of green or gold.

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.

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.

Ears

The ears are large and well proportioned, with wide bases that taper to rounded tips.

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.

FAQ

How much does a Chausie cat cost?

Chausie cats cost between $500-$2500.

How big does this breed cat's cat get?

Chausie cats tend to be large in size. A fully grown Chausie cat might weigh between 5 - 11 kg or more and range in height anywhere from about 36 - 46 cm inches tall.

How long do Chausie cats live?

The Average lifespan for Chausie is 10-15 years.

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Chausie: Characteristics, Personality, and Breed Information

Personality and Temperament

Care

Nutrition

Grooming

Exercise

Health

History

The Breed Standard

Eyes

Legs & Paws

Tail

The Breed Standard

Body

Head

Ears

Coat

Color

FAQ

How much does a Chausie cat cost?

How big does this breed cat's cat get?

How long do Chausie cats live?

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