Raising a Chausie Cat: Temperament and Facts
Chausie Cats are a wild-looking cat breed that takes said wild look from its Jungle Cat ancestry. A relatively recently recognized breed, the Chausie Cat was only acknowledged in the 1990s and is the result of breeding the wild Jungle Cat with selected domestic cats in order to water down the Jungle Cat’s more aggressive, wild nature and produce this highly affectionate breed. Chausies the piercing unfaltering stare and cool confidence of a lion, yet the soft nature and highly sociable personality of a kitten. If you’re thinking of getting yourself Chausie Cat, we’ve put together the key facts and temperament information you’ll need to start your journey.
Breed Overview
Though they were originally wild cats, the Chausie has come a long way over the years. With selective breeding and careful consideration from the breeders, they were able to develop the family-friendly domestic cats we know today.
Breed Highlights
- Chausie cats are not a hypoallergenic breed.
- Because this is a domestic cat bred from jungle cats, they require a lot of regular exercise.
- There are four coat color possibilities of Chausie called the black grizzled tabby, the solid black Chausie cat, brown ticked tabby Chausies, and black ticked tabby Chausies.
- All Chausies are domestic breeds unlike their ancestors, the wild Jungle Cats.
The Chausie Cat Breed Personality
Chausies have earned a reputation of being a fierce-looking, exotic hybrid cat with the gentle nature and playfulness of any other domesticated breeds you might find.
Temperament
Chausies are highly sociable animals that desire the company of their family whenever possible. Many Chausie cat owners find that their little feline friend struggles with isolation and separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. Though they are larger than some other domesticated breeds, the Chausie does generally love a good snuggle with its owner. They’re highly energetic owing to their wild cat ancestry, though unlike wild cats they don’t have the same edge, and have been bred with a much gentler nature.
Around Children
The fact that they are a playful, high-energy breed with a kind nature means Chausie cats go very well with large families with children. They are gentle when it counts and are able to keep playing for long periods of time without wearing out.
However, we must stress that if yours is a household with young children and you’re looking to adopt a Chausie, you must ensure that the children fully understand how to handle a cat properly. Young children have a tendency to be heavy-handed or overly excitable when it comes to having animals around, and may unintentionally cause the cat to become stressed or anxious. When under severe stress cats typically lash out if they feel unable to escape. Cats should not be picked up unless it is absolutely necessary, and grabbing of any kind should be avoided.
Around Other Animals
So long as you have your Chausie from the time that they were a kitten, or ensure that your kitten has a gradual and carefully planned introduction to your existing pets, then you shouldn’t have a problem. They are naturally playful and live for the company of others. So if you can manage to create a harmony with your pets or even a bond, then you can rest assured that your Chausie will be happy at home in your absence.
Slowly introducing your Chausie to your existing pets is not only beneficial for them, but to the pets you already own. You are bringing a new animal into their territory, and as a result, you should consider the pressure or stress this might put your current pet(s) under. Other cats, in particular, can become quite dangerous when they feel a stranger encroaching on their territory.
Training
Chausies are intelligent cats with a natural determination from their wild cat ancestry. They’re also loving and eager to please their owners. As a result, they can pick up well on training. However, that same intelligence can be tricky if you’re dealing with a particularly head-headed Chausie.
You need to develop a bond with your new cat to ensure they understand you and your intentions, only then will you have a more harmonious time of training them. Without the right bond, they may become rebellious, argumentative, and frustrated when being commanded to do something they don’t feel like doing.
Entertainment
As we’ve discussed, Chausies are one of the more energetic cat breeds. As a result, you need to make sure your kitty will have plenty of space to play, plenty of interactive toys, puzzles, and climbing frames to keep them occupied when you’re not around. You also need to be prepared to spend time playing with them when you’re home – not only to help them with socialization but with burning off excess energy too.
Seeing as Chausies have wild ancestors they should be expected to want to go outside. A Chausie is not an indoor cat. It would not thrive indoors, nor would it be happy. If they’re not allowed to leave the house, they will not get enough exercise, which can lead to antisocial or destructive behavior out of frustration and built-up energy. Seeing as they are highly intelligent, Chausies will try to find other ways to occupy themselves, which may not be to your liking.
Quick Personality Facts
- Chausie cats tend to develop strong bonds with their owners and are fiercely loyal.
- The Chausie breed is naturally sociable and capable of meeting a wide variety of people without any real problems.
- Chausie cats are highly energetic and intelligent, meaning they enjoy interactive toys and playtime.
- Chausie cats are very eager to please and will provide lots of affection to win their owners’ praise.
Adopt Don’t Shop
While it may be tempting to purchase a Chausie kitten in order to raise them from infancy, we humbly implore that any future cat-owners thinking of getting a Chausie consider adoption. Abandonment rates have skyrocketed in recent years, with more cats being left or euthanized than ever before. Purchasing from Chausie breeders adds to the problem of overpopulation, whereas adopting a cat gives an already-loving feline a new forever home and a second chance at life.
Chausie Cat Rescues
If you would like to take a look at some of the adoption options, you can contact your local shelter for more information, speak with your vet, or contact any cat enthusiast groups that may be able to point you towards a trustworthy rescue. We have found two rescues for Chausie Cats that may interest you:
Reputable Breeders
If you’re thinking of purchasing a Chausie kitten, it can be difficult to find reputable breeders that can guarantee the appropriate pre-care of the kittens before they’re adopted, and ensure that the parent cats are well cared for. We would suggest sticking with the recommendations of The International Cat Association, as the breeders listed will have signed and agreed to the TICA Breeder Code of Ethics.
However, it is important to note that every prospective owner of any purpose-bred kitten should exercise due diligence when meeting with breeders. Breeders of all cat breeds can vary dramatically in quality, reliability, and cost. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that they are getting a kitten from a trustworthy breeder.
Interesting Chausie Cat Facts
- The Chausie breed’s Jungle Cat ancestors were often mummified and buried alongside their owners in ancient Egypt, to accompany them to the afterlife.
- The breed was first discovered in the 1960s in areas of the middle and far East, making it a relatively new cat breed.
- In 1995 they became the first Jungle Cat hybrid breed recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA).
- Their deep chests allow them to breathe deeply and easily, helping them to maintain energy levels.
- Chausie Cats originate from the Jungle Cat (Felis Chaus), hence their current name.
FAQs:
Q: Are Chausie cats heavy shedders?
A: Chausie cats don’t shed any differently from other wild cat hybrid breeds. They have thick coats, l.ike most wild breeds, which provide protection from the elements. This does mean it is recommended that Chausie cat owners groom their kitty once a week.
Q: Are Chausie kittens easy to litter train?
A: Chausies are highly intelligent cats capable of learning well and can even be taught to play fetch. However, because they are part wild cat, they can be quite strong-willed and you may find that they go against the grain whilst they’re learning – at least until you have developed a good bond with them and have successfully encouraged them to trust you.
Q: Do Chausie cats make good family pets?
A: Chausie cats are kind-hearted, affectionate, and sociable, meaning they love to have a big family around them. They’re generally good with children and adapt well to having fellow pets around if they’re adopted as a kitten.
Q: How much does it cost to buy a Chausie kitten?
A: The price of a Chausie kitten can vary greatly depending on exactly which type of Chausie you are wanting to purchase, their parentage, and where you are purchasing your Chausie kitten from. The average price of a Chausie kitten is anywhere between $1,000-2,500.
