The leggy, limber and statuesque Chausie is a true athlete in a cat’s body. Graceful and well-balanced, the Chausie is a large-sized, exotic-looking cat with a long, lean body and seemingly endless energy. She has a deep chest, shortened tail and sloping muzzle offset by angular cheekbones and large tufted ears. The Chausie’s short coat can be brown-ticked tabby, solid black or grizzled tabby.
Playfulness
Activity Level
Friendliness to Other Pets
Friendliness to Children
Grooming Requirements
Vocality
Need for attention
Affection towards owners
Docility
Intelligence
Independence
Hardiness
Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, cats are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.
Personality
Athletic, energetic and active, the Chausie — pronounced Chow-see — seemingly is always on the move! She’s laidback and even-keeled, making for a wonderful family companion. Outgoing, affectionate and spirited, the Chausie bonds closely with her human family and enjoys plenty of playtime — she’ll likely retain her kittenlike personality well into adulthood!
History
The Chausie’s history dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who prized these cats for their laidback demeanor and natural hunting ability. In fact, the Chausie’s name was derived from the Latin name “felis chaus,” which translates to “jungle cat.” The Chausie typically resides from the Nile Valley to the Caspian Sea, as well as in South Asia as far as Vietnam. The breed was so highly regarded that mummified Chausies were discovered in Egyptian tombs where they were buried with their owners to serve as companions in the afterlife. Chausie hybrids began to appear from North America to Southeast Asia when the breed mated with domestic cats, such as the Abyssinian, and while this occurred centuries ago, the first recorded hybrid breeding was in 1990. Since then, breeders have worked to further develop the Chausie, one of the largest domestic cat breeds, which was registered with The International Cat Association in 1995 and fully accepted in 2013.
