Chausie

Chausie

Never heard of a Chausie? You’re not alone. This exotic breed is the result of careful breeding between wild “jungle” cats and domestic cats. Chausies were first bred in the 1960s and 1970s as a safer alternative to keeping jungle cats in the home. The goal in breeding Chausies today remains the same as it was when they were first created: a breed that has the looks, grace, and size of a wild jungle cat, but the gentle disposition of a domestic cat. Today, the most common domestic breed used for producing Chausies is the Abyssinian, as it has the same look as a jungle cat but is significantly smaller. Because adult males can reach as much as 25 pounds, Chausies require large spaces and a lot of activity. Though Chausies are not recognized by the CFA, they were granted status in The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1995. Chausies are large and heavy-boned, with long slender legs and strong, muscled bodies. Their head is a “Chausies sport piercing oval gold or yellow eyes, and a modified wedge” head, meaning it should look like a triangle with three rounded corners. Male Chausies in the first and third generations are usually sterile, so only Chausies four generations removed from the wild cat ancestor are considered “show quality.” In addition to being extremely loyal to its owners, Chausies have a high energy level, are champion jumpers, and are extremely playful, making them an ideal companion for young children.