Group Classification: shorthair
Country of Origin: U.S.
Date of Origin: 1960s
Weight (M): 17-20 lbs.
Weight (F): 15-17 lbs.
Life Expectancy: 10+ years

History
Chausie (pronounced chow-see) are a hybrid created by breeding a domestic can with a Jungle Cat (Felis chaus), that was actually a house pet in the age of the Pharoahs. Obviously a fairly tame creature, the Jungle Cat may actually be the basis of the Egyptian god Bastet.

The first Chausies of these hybrids were bred in the late 60's and early 70's, at a time when many Americans sought wild animals as pets, usually with unsatisfying and sometime calamitous results. Chausie breeders sought to create a more reasonable alternative and by all accounts they have succeeded.

The Chausie was given foundation registry status in The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1995. In February 2001 the breed was advanced to Evaluation status (effective May 1, 2002). In May 2003, the Chausie achieved'Advanced New Breed' status and now competes in the Advanced new Breed (ANB) rings in TICA shows.

General Description
The Chausie, sometimes referred to as the Nile Cat because of its Egyptian heritage, has the tall, leggy, long-bodied look of its Jungle Cat ancestors. The medium-size, gently wedge-shaped head features a long, square muzzle and strong chin. Prominent ears set upright and are wide at the base, tapering to slightly rounded points, which ideally are topped with longer hair tufts, giving the Chausie a wild lynx look that again reminds of their athletic predecessors . Chausies have long-muscled legs built for running, and large, powerful hindquarters give them tremendous leaping ability. Tails can range from the preferred three-quarter length of the Jungle Cat, which has fewer vertebrae, to full length.

The Chausie combines the genial nature of a domestic cat with the beauty and elegance of a jungle cat. This big, muscular breed has large, mobile, tufted ears, long legs and a naturally short tail reaching to the hock.

Color
Brown ticked tabby, called'golden' by breeders, which can range from light tan through tawny and mouse gray to a deep yellow brown; solid black; and silver-tipped black, a striking and unique color found on no other exotic or domestic cat.

Coat
Shorthaired

Health and Care
The Chausie's short coat requires little more than an occasional bath and gentle brushing. Regularly trim the claws as with any cat. They do fine with other cats, and with dogs, but they aren't an ideal choice for people with very young children, lots of decorative breakables or a low tolerance for mischief. They are active, vivacious and highly intelligent with feral grace and agility