The Chausie, an elegant hybrid cat with an athletic body and a wild feline air.
The Chausie, the Spirit of the Jungle at Home
The Chausie is a relatively new hybrid cat breed, resulting from the cross between a Jungle Cat (Felis chaus) and a domestic cat. It is famous for its wild feline-like appearance, with its large and athletic body, large pointed ears (often with lynx tips), and short spotted or ticked coat. It is particularly appreciated for its resemblance to its wild ancestors, without the unpredictable character.
This feline is renowned for its exceptional intelligence, boundless energy, and curious and playful temperament. The Chausie is a loyal companion that forms strong bonds with its family, capable of learning tricks and interacting in a very dynamic way.
Our Feline Specialist's Advice
By the CatName.com team, published on October 15, 2025.
My personal tip : The Chausie's short, dense coat is easy to maintain; weekly brushing is sufficient to maintain its shine. This is a very active and intelligent cat with high needs for mental and physical stimulation. Provide an enriching environment with cat trees, interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and opportunities to climb and explore. The Chausie is very social and does not tolerate loneliness. It will thrive in a home where it receives plenty of attention and affection, and where it can interact with its family. It may also enjoy water and appreciate water play.
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Identifying the Chausie: Characteristics of its Wild Appearance
The slender silhouette and distinctive ears of the Chausie give it its exotic look.
The Chausie is a large-sized cat, with an athletic and elegant build that recalls its wild ancestors.
Size: Large to very large-sized cat, with a long, slender, and muscular body.
Coat: Short to medium, dense and resilient, with a soft texture. Accepted colors are solid black, brown ticked tabby (with or without spots), and silver tipped (black hairs with silver tips).
Head: Medium-sized, wedge-shaped (triangular), with prominent cheekbones and a well-defined muzzle.
Eyes: Medium to large, oval to slightly almond-shaped, gold or yellow in color, sometimes hazel.
Ears: Large, tall, set high and erect, broad at the base, slightly rounded at the tips, often with lynx tips.
Tail: Medium-long (about three-quarters the length of a domestic cat's tail), thick at the base and tapering slightly.
Dimensions and Key Information (Chausie)
Characteristic
Male
Female
Average
Size (at shoulder)
30 – 40 cm
25 – 35 cm
25 – 40 cm
Weight
7 – 10 kg
4 – 7 kg
4 – 10 kg
Life Expectancy
12 – 15 years
12 – 15 years
12 – 15 years
Diet
Strict carnivore
Strict carnivore
High-quality food, often raw or protein-rich
Litter Size (kittens)
-
Variable
Generally 3-6
These figures indicate that the Chausie is a large-sized cat with a respectable life expectancy, and its growth is completed around 2-3 years of age.
Behavior: Energetic, Intelligent, and Adventurous
The Chausie is a hybrid cat breed, resulting from a cross between a domestic cat and a Jungle Cat (Chaus), which gives it a wild and athletic appearance. It is a cat of boundless energy, keen intelligence, and insatiable curiosity. Chausies are born explorers, eager for adventure and new experiences, and they retain many instincts from their wild ancestors, making them similar to the Savannah and Bengal in terms of dynamism and exotic looks.
Extremely active and playful, Chausies have a constant need for physical and mental stimulation. They love to climb, jump to impressive heights, and hunt toys. Deeply attached to their owners, they form strong bonds and are often described as "dog-like cats" for their loyalty and ability to learn tricks or walk on a leash. They are also fascinated by water, enjoying playing with it or even swimming.
Chausies are very vocal cats, using a variety of meows, chirps, and hisses to communicate. They generally get along well with respectful children and other animals, provided they have been socialized from a young age. If you are drawn to a cat with a wild look that is highly intelligent and extremely active, the Chausie is a unique choice. For active and exploratory personalities, the Abyssinian, the Egyptian Mau, and the Ocicat are excellent alternatives, offering an equally interactive temperament and a thirst for adventure.
Origin and History
The history of the Chausie began in the 1960s and 1970s in the United States, with the first crosses between Jungle Cats (Felis chaus) and domestic cats. The goal was to create a domestic cat with the elegant and wild appearance of the Jungle Cat, but with a temperament suitable for family life.
The breed was subsequently developed by passionate breeders and was officially recognized by TICA in 1995. The name "Chausie" is derived from the scientific name of the Jungle Cat, Felis chaus. It is valued for its exotic look and its intelligent and affectionate character, although ownership of earlier generations (F1, F2) may be subject to specific regulations due to their wild ancestry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Chausie
What is the origin of the Chausie?
The Chausie is a hybrid cat resulting from the cross between a Jungle Cat (Felis chaus) and a domestic cat, developed to combine a wild appearance with a domestic temperament.
Is the Chausie a good pet for everyone?
No, the Chausie is a very active and intelligent cat with high needs for stimulation. It is best suited for experienced owners who can provide an enriching environment, plenty of attention, and adequate socialization. Early generations may have specific requirements.
Does the Chausie like water?
Yes, like its ancestor the Jungle Cat, the Chausie is often attracted to water and may enjoy playing in it, or even swimming.
How big is a Chausie?
Chausies are large cats. Early generations (F1, F2) are generally the largest, potentially reaching impressive sizes, while generations further removed are closer to the size of a large domestic cat.
Is the Chausie vocal?
Yes, Chausies are known to be vocal cats. They can make a variety of sounds, including meows, chirps, and trills.
