Chausie
The Good
- Incredibly intelligent and trainable - can learn to walk on a leash
- Friendly with children, other cats, and dogs
- Easy-care coat with minimal grooming requirements
- Athletic and entertaining with their playful antics
The Real
- Rare breed that's expensive and hard to find in Australia
- Needs constant companionship and doesn't do well alone
- Requires specialty diet due to sensitive digestive system
- High energy levels demand plenty of space and stimulation
Gallery
Breed Overview
The Chausie is one of Australia's most fascinating feline rarities - a stunning hybrid that brings a touch of the wild into your lounge room. These magnificent cats are the result of crossing domestic cats with jungle cats (Felis chaus), creating a breed that looks like it stepped out of the Egyptian desert but behaves like your best mate's friendly moggy.
What makes Chausies truly special is their incredible balance of wild beauty and domestic charm. They're large, athletic cats that can reach the size of a small dog, with striking angular features, prominent cheekbones, and mesmerising gold or green eyes. Despite their wild heritage, they're absolute sweethearts who form strong bonds with their families.
These cats thrive in Australia's varied climates, from Perth's dry heat to Melbourne's changeable weather, though they do need indoor comfort during extreme temperatures. Their short, easy-care coat makes them perfect for busy Australian families, while their social nature means they're happiest in households with other pets or family members around most of the day. If you're looking for a cat that's equal parts conversation starter and loyal companion, the Chausie might just be your perfect match.
History
The Chausie's story begins thousands of years ago in ancient Egypt, where wild jungle cats naturally mated with domestic cats along the Nile River. These early hybrids were so valued that they appear in Egyptian tomb paintings, suggesting they lived alongside pharaohs and nobility. The breed's name comes from the Latin "Felis chaus," referring to the jungle cat ancestor.
While these natural hybrids existed throughout Southeast Asia and the Middle East for millennia, intentional breeding didn't begin until the 1990s in the United States. American breeders wanted to create a domestic cat with wild aesthetics - partly as an ethical alternative to keeping actual wild cats as pets. They discovered that Abyssinian cats and domestic shorthairs produced the most successful crosses with jungle cats.
The breeding program was challenging, as early generation hybrids often had fertility issues and required careful genetic management. Breeders worked tirelessly to develop cats that retained the jungle cat's striking appearance while possessing completely domestic temperaments. The International Cat Association recognised the breed in 1995, granting championship status in 2013.
Today, Chausies remain extremely rare worldwide, with only a handful of dedicated breeders. In Australia, finding a Chausie requires patience and significant investment, as most must be imported or sourced from the few local breeders who work with this extraordinary hybrid breed.
Traits & Characteristics
Chausie characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Chausies are generally robust cats thanks to their wild heritage, but they do have some unique health considerations that Australian owners need to understand. The most significant issue stems from their shortened intestinal tract, inherited from their jungle cat ancestors. This means they can develop inflammatory bowel disease if fed foods containing plant-based fillers or certain vegetables that they struggle to digest properly.
Food allergies are also more common in Chausies than typical domestic cats, so working with your vet to establish a suitable diet is crucial. Many Australian Chausie owners find success with high-quality, grain-free commercial foods or even raw diets, though always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes.
Australian Seasonal Care Considerations:
During Australia's intense summer months (December-February), Chausies need careful temperature management. In cities like Darwin or Cairns where humidity soars above 80%, ensure excellent ventilation and consider dehumidifiers. For dry heat areas like Adelaide or Perth hitting 40°C+, provide multiple water stations, cooling mats, and air conditioning access. Watch for excessive panting or lethargy as overheating signs.
Winter care varies dramatically across Australia - while Sydney cats might just need a warm bed, Melbourne and Canberra Chausies benefit from heated sleeping areas when temperatures drop below 10°C. Their short coat offers limited insulation, so draft-free indoor spaces are essential during cold snaps.
Regular veterinary checkups are vital, and pet insurance is worth considering given their specialty dietary needs and potential for unique health issues related to their hybrid nature.
Feeding a Chausie properly is absolutely crucial and differs significantly from feeding regular domestic cats. Their shortened intestinal tract, inherited from wild ancestors, means they're essentially obligate carnivores who struggle with plant-based ingredients that many commercial cat foods contain. This makes them more sensitive to food allergies and digestive issues than your average moggy.
Many Australian Chausie owners work with veterinary nutritionists to develop feeding plans that avoid problematic ingredients. High-quality, grain-free commercial foods specifically designed for sensitive stomachs often work well, but some owners opt for carefully balanced raw diets or even home-prepared meals. The key is finding foods with minimal plant-based fillers and maximum animal protein content.
Australian Feeding Considerations:
In Australia's varied climate zones, feeding schedules matter. During Perth's scorching summers or Brisbane's humid months, Chausies may prefer smaller, more frequent meals to aid digestion. Consider automatic feeders for consistent meal timing, especially important for cats prone to digestive sensitivity.
Fresh water is absolutely essential - provide multiple water stations around your home, particularly during Australia's hot months. Some Chausies, inheriting their wild ancestors' love of water, enjoy drinking from running taps or water fountains.
Given their large size (up to 11kg), portion control is vital to prevent obesity. Work with your local vet to establish appropriate feeding amounts based on your cat's age, activity level, and individual metabolism. Quality matters more than quantity with these magnificent cats.
Here's some brilliant news for busy Australian families - Chausies are wonderfully low-maintenance when it comes to grooming! Their short, slightly coarse coat needs just a weekly brush with a soft slicker brush to keep it looking fantastic and minimise shedding around your home. During spring and autumn shedding seasons (particularly September-November and March-May), you might want to increase brushing to twice weekly.
Unlike many cats, Chausies actually enjoy water - a trait inherited from their wild ancestors who lived near rivers and wetlands. This makes occasional baths a pleasure rather than a battle, though they're rarely necessary unless your cat has gotten into something messy during outdoor adventures.
Coat Specifications:
- Coat Length: Short to medium length with a slightly coarse texture
- Coat Colours: Black, brown, brown ticked tabby, black grizzled ticked tabby
- Coat Patterns: Solid, tabby, ticked, and unique grizzled patterns
- Hypoallergenic: No - they shed moderately and produce normal levels of allergens
Australian Climate Considerations:
In humid coastal areas like the Gold Coast or tropical Darwin, ensure good air circulation around your Chausie to prevent skin issues. Their water-resistant topcoat helps during Australia's wet seasons, but regular skin checks for any irritation are wise. During winter in cooler regions like Tasmania or the Blue Mountains, their short coat means they'll appreciate warm indoor spaces.
Regular nail trimming every 2-3 weeks and dental care are essential. Start these routines early, as Chausies are intelligent enough to learn that grooming time can be enjoyable bonding time with their favourite humans.
Chausies are among the most trainable cats you'll ever meet, combining high intelligence with an eagerness to engage that makes them absolute stars at learning new skills. Their wild heritage means they have strong hunting instincts and need plenty of mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved in Australian homes.
Start with basics like harness training - many Chausies take to leash walking beautifully, making them perfect companions for exploring Melbourne's cat-friendly parks or strolling along Brisbane's riverside paths. Their athletic build and curious nature make them natural explorers who genuinely enjoy supervised outdoor adventures.
Mental Stimulation Essentials:
Puzzle feeders are fantastic for channeling their hunting instincts, especially important if you're living in a Sydney apartment without garden access. Rotate toys regularly to prevent boredom, and consider interactive toys that dispense treats. Cat trees and climbing structures are absolutely essential - think tall, sturdy installations that can handle a 10kg athletic cat launching themselves around your living room.
Socialisation Success:
Chausies thrive on social interaction and actually do better with companions. If you're a FIFO worker or frequently travel for business, consider a second cat or dog - they genuinely enjoy interspecies friendships. Early socialisation with children, visitors, and other pets creates confident, well-adjusted adults.
Their intelligence means they can learn tricks, respond to their name, and even play fetch like dogs. Many Australian owners teach basic commands and find their Chausies genuinely enjoy the mental challenge of training sessions.
Who is an ideal owner?
The perfect Chausie owner in Australia is someone who understands that this isn't your average house cat - they're getting a highly intelligent, social companion who needs engagement and interaction throughout the day. These cats are brilliant for work-from-home professionals in cities like Perth or Adelaide who can provide company during business hours, or families with teenagers and other pets who ensure someone's always around.
Lifestyle Compatibility:
Chausies suit active households brilliantly. Think families who enjoy weekend adventures to the Grampians or regular beach trips to the Sunshine Coast - cats who can be harness-trained for safe outdoor exploration. They're perfect for spacious homes in suburbs like Melbourne's outer east or Brisbane's leafy inner-city areas where there's room for cat trees, play structures, and general athletic antics.
Housing Considerations:
While they can adapt to apartment living, it needs to be a larger space with excellent enrichment. Rental property owners should check pet policies carefully, as Chausies' size and activity levels might concern some landlords. Body corporate rules in apartment complexes rarely restrict specific breeds, but their occasional vocalisation during play might be worth discussing with neighbours.
Not Ideal For:
Single professionals who work long hours in the office, frequent travellers without pet care arrangements, or anyone seeking a low-energy lap cat. First-time cat owners might find their needs overwhelming, and their dietary requirements mean ongoing veterinary relationships are essential.
Interesting facts about the Chausie
Interesting Fact
Chausies are one of the world's most expensive cat breeds, often costing $2,000-$4,000 AUD in Australia
Interesting Fact
They're one of the few domestic breeds that can trace their lineage directly to wild cats still living today
Interesting Fact
The grizzled coat pattern seen in some Chausies occurs naturally only in wild cat hybrids
Interesting Fact
Ancient Egyptian tomb paintings show cats that appear remarkably similar to modern Chausies
FAQ
Not at all! While Chausies have wild cat DNA, they behave exactly like domestic cats. Responsible breeding has eliminated any wild behaviours, leaving you with a friendly, social companion who's perfectly safe around families and other pets.
Many Chausies are 50% Abyssinian, so they share similarities, but Chausies are larger, have wild cat DNA, and possess unique coat patterns like grizzling that pure Abyssinians don't have. Chausies also tend to be more social and water-loving.
Extremely unlikely, as they're one of the rarest breeds worldwide. Your best bet is contacting specialised hybrid cat breeders, though expect waiting lists and prices between $2,000-$4,000 AUD for a quality kitten.
Yes, but only in larger apartments with excellent enrichment. They need space for cat trees, climbing structures, and active play. Consider your neighbours too - while not overly vocal, their play sessions can be energetic! Brisbane and Melbourne's inner-city apartments often work better than smaller Sydney units.
Quite well with proper care! Their short coat means they need air conditioning during 35°C+ summer days in places like Adelaide or Perth, and warm indoor spaces during Canberra's frosty winters. They actually enjoy water, making them easier to cool down than many breeds.
Absolutely. Their sensitive digestive systems struggle with plant-based fillers common in many commercial cat foods. Work with your Australian vet to find high-quality, grain-free options or consider raw diets. Budget extra for premium foods - it's essential for their health.
Fantastic with kids! They're patient, playful, and social cats who often seek out interaction with family members. They're particularly good with school-age children who understand gentle handling. Many Australian families find they're like having a dog and cat combined.
Very little! Weekly brushing handles their short coat beautifully. During autumn and spring shedding seasons, increase to twice weekly. In humid coastal areas like the Gold Coast, regular skin checks are wise, but overall they're wonderfully low-maintenance.