Pet Platform
← ← Back to Atlas
Chausie breed cover photo
Cat

Chausie

Size

Large

Weight

4.5–6.8 kg

Life span

12–18 years

Recognizing organizations

Independent registries that list this breed. Tap a badge to learn more.

These statuses reflect each registry’s recording and show systems. They are not a health, quality, or superiority score.

Breed Traits

Energy Level

Very energetic

5/5
Low energyHigh energy
Child / Family Compatibility

Moderate compatibility

3/5
Low compatibilityHigh compatibility
Grooming Need

Low grooming need

1/5
Low maintenanceHigh maintenance
Trainability

Very easy to train

5/5
Hard to trainEasy to train
Apartment / Home Suitability

Struggles in small spaces

2/5
Needs space / yardExcellent for apartments
Alone-Time Tolerance

Very short alone time (a few hours)

1/5
Needs frequent companyHandles long alone time
First-Time Owner Suitability

Challenging for beginners

2/5
Needs experienced ownerGreat for first-time owners
Compatibility with Other Pets

Generally gets along well with other pets

4/5
Single-pet homes are a better fitHighly compatible with other animals

The Chausie is a medium-to-large, tall and long-bodied cat with a deep chest, flat sides, long legs, lean musculature, and a slightly shorter-than-average tail. Its large upright ears, long sloping forehead, high angular cheekbones, and elongated muzzle contribute to the breed's distinctive wild-inspired appearance.

The short-to-medium coat has a dense undercoat and a slightly resilient outer coat. TICA accepts three color-patterns: solid black, brown ticked tabby, and black grizzled ticked tabby. The grizzled pattern, inherited through the breed's Jungle Cat ancestry, creates alternating light and dark bands along the hair shaft.

The breed was developed from crosses between the domestic cat and the Jungle Cat, Felis chaus. Organised development began in the late twentieth century, TICA granted foundation registration in 1995, and the breed entered championship competition in 2013. Modern pedigree Chausies are selected for a predominantly domestic temperament while retaining the tall, athletic outline associated with their non-domestic ancestor.

Frequently asked questions
Is the Chausie a domestic cat or a wild cat?

The Chausie is a recognised pedigree cat breed developed from historical crosses between domestic cats and the Jungle Cat, Felis chaus. Modern breeding aims for a predominantly domestic temperament while preserving a tall, athletic, wild-inspired appearance.

Are Chausies good family cats?

Chausies can be affectionate and deeply bonded family companions in active, experienced households. Their size, speed, persistence, and energetic play generally make them a better match for adults and respectful older children than for homes with very young children.

Do Chausies get along with other pets?

Many Chausies benefit from a compatible feline companion and can live successfully with confident, cat-friendly dogs. Introductions should be gradual and supervised because individual confidence, play intensity, and previous experience vary.

Can a Chausie live in an apartment?

A Chausie can live in a sufficiently spacious and enriched apartment, but the breed is not naturally easy to accommodate in a small or minimally equipped home. Tall climbing structures, running space, intensive daily play, training, and secure windows and doors are essential.

Can Chausies be left alone during the day?

Chausies generally tolerate isolation poorly and should not be left without stimulation or companionship for prolonged periods. A predictable routine, extensive enrichment, and a compatible human or feline companion can help meet their social needs.

How much grooming does a Chausie need?

The short-to-medium coat is low maintenance and normally needs only occasional combing or light weekly brushing. Dental care, nail trimming, ear checks, exercise, training, and environmental enrichment require more attention than coat care.

Does every Chausie need a grain-free or gluten-free diet?

No breed-wide gluten intolerance has been established for the Chausie. The cat should receive a complete and balanced diet appropriate to its age and health, while vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, or other persistent digestive signs should be assessed by a veterinarian.

What should a responsible Chausie breeder disclose?

A responsible breeder should explain the cat's documented generation and pedigree, registration status, family longevity, known illnesses, causes of death, temperament, socialisation, veterinary care, and any line-specific health screening. Fertility history is also relevant when a cat is intended for breeding.

Species
Cat

More about Chausie

Pet profiles and public accounts open soon. For now, explore verified breed guides in the atlas.

Browse breed atlas