Chausie

The Chausie is a tall, long-legged domestic cat descended from the jungle cat — one of the breeds where the wild ancestry is genuine rather than a matter of appearance.

History

It was developed in the United States from crosses between the jungle cat, Felis chaus, and domestic shorthairs, with the aim of keeping the wild cat's athletic outline in an animal that lives indoors. Registries generally require several generations of distance from the wild parent before a cat counts as a Chausie, and local law sometimes has views of its own.

Temperament

The breed is known for being highly active, intelligent and closely bonded to its people, with a strong play drive and considerable jumping ability. It is not a placid lap cat and does not pretend to be.

Care

The short coat is easy; the athleticism is not. This cat needs height, secure space and sustained play, and it tends to do better with feline company than alone.

Health

The wild ancestry brings a shorter digestive tract in some lines, which makes food sensitivity and a meat-heavy diet a practical concern. These are known patterns for the breed and a matter for a breeder and a vet; the measured facts and trait ratings are in the panels.