Quick Facts

• Weight: 15 – 25 pounds | male
  15 – 20 pounds | female

The Look of a Chausie

The Chausie has a wild look, with a long, slender body and large, tufted ears. They are elegant in appearance and statuesque, with a large to medium body. Males are considerably larger than females.

Chausies come in three acceptable colors: brown-ticked tabby, solid black, and silver-tipped.

Traits

• Has wildcat breeding
• Highly active
• Elegant appearance

Ideal Human Companion

• Experienced cat owners
• Families with older children
• Singles with other pets

What They Are Like to Live With

Chausies are very active, assertive cats. They are excellent jumpers and hunters. They need time and attention, especially interactive play.

Despite their wild ancestry, Chausies are affectionate and very people-oriented. They tend to be fearless, which can get them into trouble if they are allowed outdoors.

Things You Should Know

The breed name is pronounced “chow-see.”

Male Chausies are not usually fertile until after four or five generations away from Jungle Cat breeding.

Chausies are very active cats.

Chausie History

The Chausie originated in the 1960s when Jungle Cats (Felis chaus), a wild species found in parts of the Far and Middle East, were bred to Domestic Shorthairs to create a hybrid cat. Jungle Cats were revered in ancient Egypt and have been found mummified in Egyptian tombs.

The Chausie breed was granted foundation registry status by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1995. The breed advanced to Evaluation status in 2002, and one year later, achieved Advanced New Breed. Chausie breeders are currently working toward Championship status.

Top photography: tania_wild | iStock / Getty Images Plus.