Chausie. Information, FAQs and Pictures on the dog-like Chausie. Chausie breed description, history and origins of Chausies and more...

With long legs and a lean, powerful body, the Chausie [pronounced 'chow'-see'] is a highly active and athletic cat; one which manages to keep busy in all manner of mischief.

Chausies are almost dog-like in their eagerness for nonstop play and their deep devotion to their owners.

History

The Chausie (also known as the Jungle Cat) was found in ancient Egypt and was accorded sacred status in the time of the Pharaohs, perhaps for their role in helping to keep rats from infesting grain supplies.

In fact, it is the tall, slender, elegant physique of the Jungle Cat that is immortalized in the Egyptian feline statues which honor the goddess Bastet.

Some Jungle Cats were trained by Egyptian royalty to hunt wild water fowl. Others were entombed with the Pharaohs to be their companions in the afterlife.

The name 'Chausie' was derived from the Latin name for the breed's wild ancestor, the Jungle Cat, which is felis chaus. The objective of Chausie breeders is to develop a cat that retains the appearance and superior intelligence of the Jungle Cat, but has a fully domestic temperament.

The Jungle Cat is a distinct species and one of the largest among the smaller wild cats.

Chausies were and are a breeding between a Jungle Cat and a domestic shorthaired cat. Early Jungle Cat hybrids were bred to offer those interested in exotic cats a more reasonable alternative to the often ill-fated attempts to make a pet out of a wild animal.

What do you get when you cross a wild African Jungle Cat with a domestic? The gorgeous, playful and affectionate creature known as the Chausie! These exotic and extremely beautiful cats are a new breed that is gaining immense popularity throughout the world.

The Chausie has a long, graceful and slender body with long legs that give this cat it's amazing jumping ability.

The Chausie has a long neck and large ears that contribute to its wild, exotic look. Males can weigh up to 30 pounds and females up to 22 pounds.

Their silky, shiny coats come in a wide range of shades including golden, black, silver-tipped and leopard spotted. (The last two are quite rare).

Characteristics and Temperament

The Chausie personality should be friendly, outgoing, non-threatening, active, alert, responsive, and affectionate.

Chausies are very playful, intelligent and inquisitive. They make excellent companions and wonderful family pets.

Special Requirements

Although the Chausie is a highly domesticated breed they still maintain the grace, movements and speed that has evolved in them over centuries of natural selection.

The chausie is extremely intelligent, active and loyal. They need a lot of attention and objects (toys, etc.) to keep their very active minds busy especially during the kitten phase of their life.