Chausie
Cat breed
For those owners who desire a feline capable of evoking the great outdoors, the strikingly beautiful Chausie retains a bit of the wild in its appearance but has the house manners of our friendly, familiar moggies. Very playful, this cat needs a large amount of space to be able to fully embrace its hunting instincts.
More about the Chausie
The Chausie is a hybrid breed of cat that was developed by the hybridisation of wild jungle cats with domestic cats. The breed has a lean and athletic built, sporting a black-based coat of a ticked or grizzled tabby, or a solid pattern.
Living with a Chausie
A big, athletic cat with a wild look and a jungle cat ancestor, but the heart and manners of a devoted house pet.
Personality & fit
Smart, playful, and deeply bonded to their people, Chausies want to be involved in everything you do, think less lap cat, more shadow with opinions. They do best with owners who have time to interact, play, and problem-solve with them, and they generally get along well with kids, dogs, and visitors.
Exercise & energy
These are high-energy cats with strong hunting instincts, so they need real space to run, climb, and chase. Puzzle feeders, interactive toys, and vertical territory like cat trees help burn off energy indoors, but a Chausie in a small apartment with nothing to do will get bored fast.
Grooming & coat
The short-to-medium coat sheds a moderate amount and is easy to maintain with a weekly brush. Beyond that, routine nail trims and dental care are all this low-maintenance coat needs.
Training
Highly intelligent and food-motivated, Chausies pick up tricks, leash-walking, and even puzzle-solving quickly, they genuinely enjoy the mental workout. Keep sessions engaging and consistent; an under-stimulated Chausie will find its own entertainment, which isn't always what you'd choose.
Health to watch
Chausies are generally a robust, healthy breed with few known genetic issues. As with any cat, regular vet checkups and keeping them at a healthy weight will help them stay that way for their long lifespan.
Good to know
Because of their wild-cat ancestry and high activity needs, Chausies do best with experienced cat owners who can offer plenty of space, enrichment, and daily interaction rather than a quiet, low-key household.
General guidance to help you get to know the breed, not veterinary advice. Always consult your vet for your own pet.
🏠 Adoptable near you
Enter a ZIP code to see Chausies waiting at shelters near you.
Personality
At a glance
Traits at a glance
More filled dots = more of that trait (out of 5).
Breed traits from The Cat API · summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA). General guidance only, every individual pet is unique.