Short to medium, dense coat with a coarser outer layer
Origin
United States; a domestic breed descended from crosses between the jungle cat (Felis chaus) and domestic cats, developed as a formal breed in the 1990s134
Ranges cover males and females and every standard linked on the line, so one standard alone may give a narrower range.
Bright, curious and full of fun, the Chausie is a loyal cat that attaches strongly to its people and loves learning games and tricks. It does not like being left on its own and is happiest with company, either human or feline. Raised together, it can live well with children, other cats and dogs.132
how to spot oneChausie coat and colours
short to medium, dense coat with a coarser outer layer
A tall, long-legged, lean cat built for sprinting and leaping, with a deep chest, flat sides and a slightly short tail. The head has a long forehead and muzzle, high cheekbones and big upright ears set high, ideally tipped with tufts. The coat has a thick undercoat under firmer guard hairs that show off the banded ticking.31
Comes inbrown ticked tabbysolid blackblack grizzled ticked tabby31
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Chausie. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Nail trimevery 3 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
Litter scoopevery day
Litter changeevery week
PlayDaily playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
how busy a day looksChausie exercise needs
High. Needs daily running, climbing and interactive play plus mental challenges; many enjoy fetch and walks on a harness. Not a match for owners wanting a sedentary cat.32
where they are happiestChausie at home
Needs room to move and jump, with tall climbing furniture; they can jump very high.2
who they like aroundChausie with people and other pets
Dislikes solitude; do best with a feline companion or people at home a lot, and settle best when kept in one home for life.13
the hands-on bitsChausie grooming and care
Brush the short, coarse coat now and then, trim nails monthly and keep up regular tooth care.2
what goes in the bowlChausie food and feeding
A meat-based diet. Some individuals do better on a carefully chosen or specialist diet, so plan it with a vet.21
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Chausie, and at what times?
Feeding schedules vary for each cat. Please ask your vet for a plan tailored to your Chausie's age, weight, and health.
What should a Chausie eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A meat-based diet is best, and some Chausies need a specialist diet, so plan with your vet. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA.125
Does a Chausie need baths?
Chausies rarely need baths; only bathe if they are very dirty or sticky. Their short coat stays clean with regular brushing.6
How often does a Chausie need brushing?
Brush your Chausie's short, coarse coat about once a week to remove loose hair. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days, and the ASPCA recommends once or twice a week for short-haired cats.26
How do I trim a Chausie's claws, and how often?
Trim nails every two to three weeks. Pet Wiki's plan suggests every 21 days, and the ASPCA suggests every ten days to two weeks. Go slowly, trimming only the tip, and do no more than two claws per session at first.26
How much play does a Chausie need?
Chausies need daily active play, including running, climbing, and interactive games, plus mental challenges. Pet Wiki recommends daily play to keep this bright cat happy.32
How do I look after a Chausie's teeth and ears?
Brush your Chausie's teeth regularly, ideally daily as Pet Wiki suggests every 2 days. For ears, ask your vet for a cleaning routine, as specific ear care is not covered here.2
How long does a Chausie live?
Chausies typically live up to 15 years with good care. Enjoy many happy years with your lively companion.2
Is a Chausie good with children and other pets?
Yes, when raised together, Chausies can live well with children, other cats, and even dogs. They are loyal and form strong bonds with their family.132
Can a Chausie be left alone?
Chausies dislike solitude and do best with a feline companion or people at home most of the time. They are happiest when not left alone for long periods.13
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchChausie health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Chausie. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Sensitive digestion and inflammatory bowel disease
Some Chausies inherit a shorter gut and cope poorly with plant-based ingredients, which can lead to chronic gut inflammation, so diet needs care. Wikipedia and WebMD both describe the shorter intestinal tract and IBD risk ↗
Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Chausie costs
Running costs for a Chausie, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
The name comes from Felis chaus, the Latin name of the jungle cat.3
2
Its nickname Reedcat reflects the wetland reed beds where jungle cats live.3
3
Chausies can leap as high as about six feet (1.8 m).2
4
The grizzled coat pattern, allowed only on black, was inherited from the wild ancestor.3
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed name 'Chausie' is derived from the Latin name for the Jungle Cat, Felis chaus.7
I woke up early and stretched my long legs, then padded over to nudge my human awake. After a quick breakfast, we played fetch with a crinkly ball, I love bringing it back! Then I climbed my cat tree to watch birds from the window. Later, my human worked on a puzzle, and I sat nearby, supervising. In the afternoon, we went for a harness walk in the yard, sniffing everything. When my feline buddy came over, we chased each other around the house. Evening meant cuddles on the couch, purring loudly. A perfect day with my family!
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganChausie history
Jungle cats and domestic cats have crossed naturally for a very long time in places such as Egypt, India and Southeast Asia. Deliberate crosses began in the late 1960s and 1970s, and in the 1990s breeders built a structured programme, naming the breed after Felis chaus. TICA registered it in 1995 and granted championship status in 2013.13
Abyssinian
Savannah
Bengal