Cat Breed Guide

Chausie

Medium to Large · United States (1990s, jungle cat × domestic)

A tall, long-legged cat bred from the jungle cat (Felis chaus) and domestic cats, mostly Abyssinians. The Chausie keeps its wild ancestor's looks: large upright ears, a long muzzle, a grizzled tabby coat, and a slightly short tail. Energetic, loyal, and surprisingly trainable, it needs space, height, and a family that can keep up.

Quick Facts

Size: Medium to Large
Weight: Males 11–16 lbs (5–7.5 kg), females 8–13 lbs (3.5–6 kg)
Lifespan: 12–14 years
Origin: United States (1990s, jungle cat × domestic)

Key Visual Markers

Grizzled tabby coat, the breed's signature, inherited from the jungle cat and found in no other domestic breed — individual hairs are banded light and dark for a salt-and-pepper sheen; black and black-silver grizzled tabby are the classic colors
Tall, long-legged, statuesque body built for running and jumping — lean and supple with a deep chest and a light, athletic frame
Large, upright ears, wide at the base with rounded tips, preferably tufted — a direct inheritance from Felis chaus
Long forehead and long muzzle with a slightly convex profile; the muzzle is substantial and the chin strong
Slightly short tail, about a third of the body length, carried low
Medium, almond-shaped eyes in gold, yellow-green, or green, set at a slight slant
Short, dense, close-lying coat in the shorthair variety

Temperament & Traits

High energy and athletic — jumps and climbs constantly; needs cat trees, high perches, and daily play
Highly trainable — learns tricks, walks on a leash, and plays fetch; many respond to clicker training
Loyal and devoted to family — follows owners and wants to be part of household activity
Intelligent and curious — opens doors and solves puzzle feeders; boredom leads to mischief
Social with the family, reserved with strangers — early generations especially keep a wilder, more cautious temperament
Prefers heights — tops of doors and refrigerators are favorite perches

Health Notes

Digestive sensitivity — relatively common in the breed and possibly inherited from wild ancestry; loose stools and sensitive stomachs respond to a high-quality, consistent diet and gradual food changes
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — occurs in Chausies; responsible breeders health-test with echocardiograms, and cardiac screening is recommended for breeding cats
Obesity — a tall athletic frame gains weight quickly without exercise; measured portions and daily activity keep the lean build
Dental disease — regular brushing and annual cleanings, as with any cat
Early-generation traits — F1 and F2 Chausies retain more jungle cat behavior and may be regulated in some areas; check local laws before buying

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a veterinarian for health advice specific to your cat.

Similar Breeds

Chausie is often confused with these breeds. Here's how to tell them apart:

Savannah

Savannahs are taller and lankier with hooded eyes, solid round spots, and serval ancestry. Chausies carry the grizzled tabby pattern or solid black, sit on a shorter tail, and come from jungle cat rather than serval crosses.

Bengal

Bengals show rosettes or marbling on a compact, muscular body. Chausies never rosette; they carry grizzled or black coats on a taller, longer-legged frame with a longer muzzle and a shorter tail.

Abyssinian

Abyssinians are small, fine-boned, and ticked with a wedge head. Chausies are much larger, longer-legged, and grizzled rather than ticked, though the Aby contributed its slender build to the breed's foundation.

Explore Other Breeds

Not sure this is the right breed for you? Check out other popular cat breeds below.

Norwegian Forest Cat

A large, sturdy cat built for cold northern winters — thick water-repellent double coat, triangular head, friendly but independent. Originally working farm cats in Norway, they climb, hunt, and remain deeply loyal to their families without being fussy about it.

Abyssinian

One of the oldest cat breeds, the Abyssinian wears a uniquely ticked coat — each hair striped with alternating bands of color. Slim, muscular, and endlessly curious, these cats stay kittenish well into old age. They bond deeply with their people and hate being left alone.

Russian Blue

A blue-gray short-hair with a shimmering silver sheen and vivid green eyes. Russian Blues are reserved with strangers but deeply affectionate with their own people — quiet, gentle, and sensitive. The breed’s double coat stands up from the body, giving the cat a plush, velvety feel that cat breeders call "the smile under the hand."

Scottish Fold

A sweet-faced cat with ears folded forward and down, giving the head a round, owl-like silhouette. Calm, adaptable, and teddy-bear soft — Scottish Folds live up to their appearance. The folded ears trace back to a natural dominant mutation first found in a barn cat in Scotland in 1961.

Persian

The quintessential lap cat — famous for its luxurious long coat, large round eyes, and sweet, placid temperament. Persians are the most popular pedigreed cat breed worldwide, prized for their serene, gentle nature and unmistakable flat-faced (brachycephalic) profile.

British Shorthair

A sturdy, round-faced cat with a dense plush coat and a calm, undemanding personality. The British Blue — a solid blue-gray coat with copper eyes — is the breed’s most recognized look, but British Shorthairs come in many colors and patterns.