Chausie Cat: Wild-Looking, Athletic and Not for Everyone

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

The Chausie looks like a small wild cat that slipped into a living room. Tall, lean and long-legged, with large ears and a ticked coat, it has the build of an athlete. That look comes from the jungle cat, Felis chaus, a wild species from the Middle East and Asia, which was crossed with domestic cats to create the breed. Beautiful as the Chausie is, it is a demanding companion, and it is not for everyone.

Origins of the breed

Wildcat hybrids appeared as curiosities for decades, but the Chausie was developed as a deliberate breed in the 1990s in the United States. Breeders crossed jungle cats with domestic cats, chiefly Abyssinians, to combine the wild look with a more manageable temperament. Early generations are labeled F1, F2 and so on, with a number showing how many generations separate the cat from its wild ancestor. Most cats sold as pets today are fourth generation or later, called F4 and beyond, and they are considered domestic. See the Abyssinian profile for the breed that shaped the Chausie's coat and energy.

Legal issues

Laws on hybrid cats vary widely. Some states and cities ban or restrict early-generation hybrids, require permits or limit ownership, while others treat later generations as ordinary domestic cats. Rules may also affect travel and rental housing. Check state and local regulations, and ask the breeder to document the cat's generation. See adopting a cat from a shelter for ways to find a cat with fewer legal complications.

Appearance

Chausies are tall, long-bodied and muscular, with deep chests and long legs. Males can reach twenty pounds or more. The head is long, with large, tall ears that may carry small tufts. The coat is short, dense and ticked, and appears in three recognized colors: black, black grizzled tabby and brown ticked tabby. Eyes are usually golden or yellow.

Personality

Chausies are intensely active and intelligent. They climb, leap, explore and investigate, and they need an environment that gives them a job. Many are attached to their people and follow them around, though they are not typically lap cats. They tend to bond closely with one or a few people and may be wary of strangers.

They need hours of play, interactive toys, puzzle feeders and perhaps harness training. See indoor cat enrichment ideas and harness training a cat. A bored Chausie can be destructive, opening cabinets and dismantling the house.

They can live with other pets, but their strength and prey drive mean that small animals such as birds and rodents may be at risk. Introductions with other cats and dogs need care. See how to introduce a new cat to your cat.

Space and home setup

A Chausie needs vertical space and room to run. Provide tall cat trees, shelves, wall walkways and a secure catio. See how to choose a cat tree and how to build a catio. Many owners add cat-proof fencing or enclosures. Secure windows and doors, since these athletic cats can jump high and escape quickly. See cat-proofing your home.

Grooming and feeding

The short coat needs only a weekly brush. See how to brush a cat. Nails, teeth and ears need the usual care.

Because of their activity, Chausies need a high-quality, protein-rich diet, and portions suited to their size and energy. Ask your breeder and vet about feeding, and avoid unbalanced raw diets unless professionally formulated. See how to read a cat food label and raw food diets for cats.

Health

Chausies are generally robust, but there are points to watch.

• Heart disease. Screen for cardiomyopathy. See hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats.
• Digestive sensitivity. Some hybrids have shorter intestines, which may make them sensitive to diet changes. See how to switch cat foods.
• Dental disease and weight. See cat dental disease.
• Injuries. From high jumping and fast play.

Vaccinations, including rabies, are essential. See cat vaccination schedule and rabies and cats. Some vets are less familiar with hybrid cats, so ask about their experience.

Is it the right cat for you?

A Chausie suits experienced cat owners with plenty of time, space and energy, who want a very active, intelligent cat and who have checked local laws. It is not suited to first-time owners, small apartments with no enrichment or homes with small pets. If you want a wild look with fewer demands, see the Bengal and Savannah profiles, and consider adopting a domestic cat with a wild appearance. See best cat breeds for first-time owners.

Finding a Chausie

Look for breeders registered with recognized associations, who are open about generation, health testing and living conditions. Visit in person, and avoid sellers who promise early generations or who sell kittens before eight weeks. See how to choose a kitten. Expect high prices and a waiting list.

When to see a vet

Contact your vet if your Chausie vomits repeatedly, has diarrhea or changes behavior. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.