Are you mesmerized by the elusive and powerful big cats of the world’s jungles and savannas? Have you ever wished you had a cat that looked like a cougar or leopard but was a devoted companion? If that’s the case, you may be interested in learning more about the Chausie cat breed, a mix between the jungle cat and the house cat. In this post, Canvas Personalized will teach you all you need to know about this uncommon and exotic species, from its history and origin to its look and traits, as well as its care and health requirements. Learn more about the Chausie cat and see whether you should have one.
1. History and Origin of the Chausie Cat Breed
The origins of the Chausie cat breed may be traced back thousands of years to ancient Egypt. As with domestic cats, the jungle cat was occasionally mummified by ancient Egyptians because of the high regard in which it was held. Natural hybridization between jungle cats and house cats is said to have occurred in Egypt and along the rivers of Southeast Asia.
However, the Chausie cat breed was developed deliberately in the 1990s in the United States by breeders who sought to produce a domestic cat that appeared wild and provided a more moral alternative to having huge cats.
They tried many different kinds of housecats before settling on the Abyssinian and the domestic shorthair as the ideal parents for the hybrid. The breeders successfully created a new breed, recognized by TICA in 1995 and became a champion in 2013.
2. Appearance and Characteristics of the Chausie Cat Breed
A Chausie has a long, elegant body that is very strong; they weigh between 13 and 26 pounds (6 and 12 kilograms); they have a barrel chest. In addition to their triangular heads and prominent cheekbones, Chausies have shorter tails than typical house pets.
Because of their snub noses and big eyes, they look like statues. They retain the svelte build of their wild ancestors, the cats, and the tufts of fur that grow from their ears, like a lynx.
A short, silky coat in the ‘Grizzled Tabby’ or ‘Brown Ticked Tabby’ pattern is essential to the Chausie appearance. The Chausie’s Abyssinian ancestry is shown by the ‘ticking’ pattern (where two distinct colors alternate on a single hair), yet the Chausie may also have a full black coat. Only dogs of the Chausie breed have a distinctive black coat with silver ticking (also known as “Silver Tipped”).
Because of their thick undercoat and coarse outer hair, Chausies can survive in the humid conditions of the jungle with little upkeep. You can maintain your Chausie looking great with only a weekly brushing.
3. Chausie’s Personality and Temperament
The Chausie is a very energetic breed that requires regular exercise. A catio with cat towers and toys is a great addition to the Chausie’s world, which many cat owners consider the pinnacle of cat habitats. They create strong, enduring ties with their human companions and are eager to please them.
However, because of their often shown wild character, they are not advised for homes with little children or smaller pets. They retain their kitten-like enthusiasm and sense of play even in old age.
4. Chausie Cat Care
Shedding
The Chausie doesn’t shed much, but it’s not good for people with allergies. They have short hair, which means they shed less than cats with longer hair. However, Chausies, like other cats, still need regular grooming.
Grooming
The short, rather gritty coat of the Chausie requires little maintenance. If you brush your Chausie with a soft, slicker brush once a week, you may greatly reduce the amount of hair she sheds. Regular nail cutting and other basic cat grooming practices should be followed. They don’t mind being wet, although most Chausies don’t bother with daily showers.
Exercise
Chausies are the most active of all cat breeds. Their naturally high levels of curiosity and physical activity will allow them to remain moving, but they still need a substantial amount of guided physical activity. Give your Chausie something to do and somewhere to jump, run, and play on. Because of their intelligence and trainability, Chausies are excellent candidates for learning how to walk on a leash.
5. Diet and Nutrition
A particular diet may be necessary for a Chausie due to its short gut and allergy issues. For a Chausie, meat is an essential element, yet commercial cat meals don’t always agree with their delicate stomachs.
Owners may save money by making food for their cats and sticking to the ketogenic diet. You should always check with your vet before feeding your pet any homemade food to be sure it has all the nutrients it needs.
6. Common Health Problems
The small intestines of Chausies are supposed to be a genetic trait passed down from their wildcat ancestors. As a result, their bodies may become less able to process the nutrients included in foods like fruits and vegetables. A Chausie may get IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) if they are frequently infected. Food allergies are common among Chause as well.
The Chausie is a generally healthy cat, except for certain digestive problems. Keep your cat on a balanced diet and schedule regular vet visits to prevent any future health problems that might arise in its lifespan.
7. Is the Chausie Cat Breed Right for You?
The Chausie cat breed is a magnificent mix with characteristics of both the domestic cat and the wild cat. They are, however, not appropriate for everyone. Ideal owners will have prior experience with big cats or hybrids, will be able to give their pet the time and space it requires, will love and appreciate the cat’s energetic and playful nature, and will appreciate its unique look.
You may find trustworthy breeders registered with TICA or other cat groups if you want to bring a Chausie cat into your household. Chausie cats and kittens may be adopted from certain animal shelters and rescues. However, you should anticipate paying a hefty sum for this exclusive breed and waiting quite some time to get one.
8. Purchasing Or Adopting A Chausie Cat
A Chausie cat may cost anything from $100 to $2,000. Depending on its pedigree, environment, age, and gender, a Chausie kitten may cost anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000. Some Chausie breeders located in the United States are listed below. If you want to know more about their rates and availability, you can contact them. If you’re seeking a less expensive alternative, adopting a Chausie cat from a rescue or shelter is another possibility to think about.
| Name | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Krazy Kats Cat Rescue & Kitty Adoptions | Alaska | https://www.facebook.com/AlaskaKrazyKats/ |
| Thomwren Cattery | Arizona | http://www.thomwrencattery.com/ |
| Mimicry Exotic Cats | California | http://www.mimicryexotics.com/ |
>> More from Canvas Personalized:
- Javanese Cat Breed: A Feline Symphony of Beauty
- Devon Rex Cat Breed: Profile, Personality & How to Care
- Lynx Point Siamese: Profile, Personality & How to Care
In conclusion, the Chausie cat breed is a remarkable mix that combines the untamed appearance of the Jungle Cat with the gentle temperament of a domestic cat. Chausies are devoted felines that thrive on human companionship and mental and physical challenges. If you want to learn more about different types of cats and how to teach them, Canvas Personalized has plenty of articles to assist you.
