Whether your cat is a purebred chausie, or a chausie mix, learning about their breed can explain a lot about your pet’s personality, habits and overall health. Or maybe you're looking to adopt a chausie and want to do a bit of research first — we can help with that.
Chausie means jungle cat, and it’s not random that these striking felines got that name. These pets descended from wild cats and have been bred with various domestic cat breeds, including orientals, Bengals and Abyssinians, Dr. Emily Singler, VMD, a veterinary consultant for Fetch, explains.
Since they were bred with domestic breeds, chausie cats are now considered housebroken, unlike their wild ancestors, and make great pets for certain households.
This cat breed is known for its jungle-cat look and large, athletic build.
“Chausies are big cats,” Dr. Singler says. “Their adult weight is typically between 13 and 26 pounds, and their height is about 14 to 15 inches tall.”
One of chausie cats’ most striking features are their green or gold eye coloring. When it comes to their fur, chausie cats are typically tan, black and brown with a dense hair coat, so they need to be brushed weekly. Although no pets are truly hypoallergenic, chausie cats don’t typically shed as much as long-haired breeds.
And although these felines are domesticated, they still resemble their wild cat ancestors. “Chausies still maintain a lot of wild cat characteristics, both in terms of physical appearance and behavior,” Dr. Singler shares.
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“Chausies are safe to have in homes, but not with young children,” Dr. Singler says. “Their behavior and style of play may be too rough to be safe in a household with young kids. But they can do very well in households without young children, especially with other cats and dogs, since they don't like to be left alone.”
Although they might not be the best cats to have in a home with children, Dr. Singler says they love to be around humans and form tight bonds with their parents. And planning physical activities is a great way to engage with chausies. These cats need a lot of exercise like leash walks outside, toys to keep them busy (such as cat towers) and regular play sessions with their parents.
Luckily, chausies aren’t known to have any common health issues, but they need a specific diet in order to stay healthy.
“Since chausies still retain many of the characteristics of their wild ancestors, their digestive system is not able to break down plant material,” Dr. Singler explains. “They’re strict carnivores, and any vegetables, grains or gluten in their diet can result in inflammation and malnutrition.”
Some parents decide to make their chausie’s food at home, but Dr. Singler advises that if you choose to do this, you need to have the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist.
“Apart from their diet, they need a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy,” Dr. Singler says.
Are you interested in adopting a chausie, chausie mix or any pet at all? Check out our shelter partners to find your new best friend.
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
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