I couldn't describe Chausie cats better in three words than: exotic, active and friendly. This breed developed naturally in Ancient Egypt and regions of Southeast Asia, but intentional breeding projects began in the United States in the 1960s, obtaining certification as a new breed in 1995. Thus, the Chausie is an ancient hybrid breed, a mixture between wild and domestic cats, with origins dating back thousands of years to Egypt.
In the wild, this cat lives in areas of Central Asia, North Africa, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, preferring hard-to-reach, swampy areas. The name of this breed was given by the breeders, who were inspired by the name of the jungle cat (Felis Chaus).
During the breeding programs, it was found that the breedsAbyssinianandDomestic Shorthairwere the most suitable to create this hybrid. The Chausie breed was officially recognized byThe International Cat Association (TICA)in 1995, and in 2013 it obtained championship status, being eligible for competitions.
Subject
General information - Chausie the cat
- Alternative names: Jungle Curl, Stone Cougar, Mountain Cougar
- Personality: Intelligent, active, sociable
- Weight: 6,8 – 11,3 kg
- Length: 50 – 56 cm
- Fur: Short to medium hair
- Colors and patterns: Black, brown, striped or spotted tabby, grizzled tabby
- Eye color: Yellow, green, gold
- Lifetime: 10 – 15 years
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Origin: Egypt
The physical appearance of the Chausie breed cat
The Chausie cat has an athletic build, prominent cheekbones, large ears and golden eyes, making it very similar to its wild ancestors. Despite these wild cat characteristics, the Chausie is also distinguished by an affectionate and friendly personality, which makes her an ideal cat for modern homes with generous spaces to play and run.
The weight of an adult varies between6 and 11 kg, and his posture conveys strength and agility. With long, muscular legs, Chausie excels at jumping and running, showing a natural confidence. The chest is broad and well developed, and the tail, of medium length, adds balance to its athletic appearance.
The head is slightly elongated, and the features of the face emphasize its exotic character. It has a well-defined stop, prominent cheekbones and strong whisker pads, which contribute to the cat's wild image. The eyes, slightly oblique and of medium to small size, are usually deep yellow or gold, rarely light green or brown. Large ears, positioned high on the head, are another distinctive element of this breed.
The Chausie cat's fur ranges from short to medium, always having a supple and soft texture due to the fluffy undercoat. Fur colors respect the natural tones of the swamp cat in the wild, varying betweenBrown-Gold,black-silveror, less often,solid black. This mix of wild traits and refinement makes the Chausie a standout among domestic cats.
Character of the Chausie cat breed
The Chausie cat has a remarkable personality, but also demands to match, being a breed that requires an environment well adapted to its needs. It is not a difficult cat to take care of, but it is very energetic and sociable. Before you look to buy a Chausie cat, keep in mind that this cat is extremely active, with an almost inexhaustible energy level. He needs plenty of space to run, jump, explore and play. For this reason, a small apartment is not the ideal environment for a Chausie. It is best suited to a large house with a cat aviary where it can burn off its energy.
Being a larger cat than the average domestic cat, the Chausie breed stands out for its quickness of reaction and leap in height of almost two meters.
The Chausie cat is an extremely active and playful breed that requires a lot of stimulation and companionship, which is why it is not suitable for owners who spend a lot of time away from home. So, if you are a busy person who needs to be away from home for a long time, this breed may not be a good idea. However, the Chausie can adapt well to households with other animals, such as dogs or cats, if raised with them.
Chausie is a cat very attached to people and quickly suffers in the absence of company. These cats usually choose a favorite master, whom they follow everywhere and to whom they are deeply loyal. The rest of the family also benefits from their affection, but it is more related to the desire for play or attention.
This breed can also be a good choice for families with children. However, interactions between the cat and children should be supervised by an adult, as the Chausie may react by biting or scratching if disturbed.
Health problems and life expectancy of the Chausie breed cat
In general, Chausie cats are considered to be a fairly healthy breed, inheriting the resistance of feral cats as well as Norwegian Forest. However, like any purebred, they can be prone to certain health problems, although these are not yet fully documented due to the relative newness of the breed.
As with other breeds, the Chausie can suffer from common health problems: kidney disease, heart disease, dental problems, internal and external parasites, or obesity (especially if they don't have an active lifestyle). Regular visits to the vet are recommended for routine check-ups, or when problems are noticed.
The life expectancy of a Chausie breed cat is estimated to be between 12 and 15 years, similar to many other domestic cat breeds, but with a healthy diet, regular exercise and proper veterinary care, can reach up to 20 years.
How much does it cost and where to buy a Chausie cat?
As with other cat breeds, the price of a Chausie cat can vary significantly depending on several factors. If you find to buy the cat from reputable breeders who have pedigree cats, the cost of a cat can be very high. You should also keep in mind that Chausie kittens are generally more expensive than adults, and males can be slightly more expensive than females. Prices for a Chausie breed cat can start from 2000 EUR and reach more than 5000 EUR.
Depending on the purity of the breed and if the cats have a championship bloodline or with parents with achievements in exhibitions, the price can reach up to €10,000.
It is very important that before buying a cat of any breed, you do your research on the seller to be sure that he meets all the standards of a cattery.
In conclusion,the Chausie breed cat is fascinating, but it requires commitment and responsibility on your part. Before you make the decision to bring such a cat into your family, do your research and make sure you are prepared to give it all the care it needs.
