Chausie Cats are a breed of domestic cats with ancestors from wildcats. These cats were discovered in Egypt.
Today, DailyPets.net will introduce you to these adorable cats!
Origin of Chausie Cats
This is a domestic cat breed that was crossbred from the Felis chaus and wildcats. In the early 20th century, they appeared in the Nile River region, stretching to the Caspian Sea of Egypt. This is why they are also known as Nile Cats. Many records suggest that the ancestors of this breed are descendants of the Jungle Cat during the time of the Pharaohs.
In 1990, the International Cat Association recognized these cats as a new breed. That’s when Nile Cats became well-known worldwide. By 2013, these cats were present on almost every continent.
Physical Characteristics of Chausie Cats
Chausie Cats are classified as medium-sized cats. An adult Chausie typically reaches:
- Height: about 35 – 40 cm (13.8 – 15.7 inches)
- Weight: about 4.5 – 7.5 kg (9.9 – 16.5 pounds) for males and 3.5 – 5 kg (7.7 – 11 pounds) for females.
The head of Chausie cats is round and relatively small. Their ears are triangular, relatively large, with a wide base, usually standing erect and facing forward. These cats have relatively round, large eyes, which are typically green, giving them a distinct appearance. Their noses are small, slender, triangular, and pinkish at the tip. The jaws of Nile Cats are relatively small and sleek, with sharp teeth.
The body of Chausie Cats is well-proportioned. Their backs are long, with straight, sturdy spines. Muscles develop in their chests, hips, and thighs. Their lower bodies are well-developed, with a flat hindquarters. Their skin is relatively thick and soft.
Their legs are slender, fairly long, and strong. The hind legs are usually longer than the front legs. Their paws are small round, with short, pointed claws. The thick padding under the skin helps them move well on various terrains. The tail is long and usually straight, following the line of the legs. Chausie Cats tend to curl their tails upward to navigate at high speeds.
The fur of Chausie Cats is very short. The hair is fine, slightly coarse, small, and feels very soft to the touch. Their bodies are covered with short fur. Whiskers on both sides of their mouths grow long and curve downward. Their ears have hair growing inside the ear flaps.
The coat colors of Chausie Cats are very diverse. Some common coat colors include black, brown, silver, gray, and tabby. Other coat colors are rare. The most common and beloved coat color of Nile Cats is brownish-gold.
Personality Traits of Chausie Cats
Chausie Cats are known to be highly intelligent and responsive. They are quick learners and obedient. They readily absorb what their owners teach them and can execute commands promptly. These cats are popular among families due to their ease of training and quick-wittedness.
They adapt well to different environments and are affectionate toward children. They rarely pose a threat to kids. Chausie Cats can coexist harmoniously with other animals. They enjoy outdoor activities and playing with water.
How Do Chausie Cats Reproduce?
Chausie Cats go through a reproduction process similar to other cat breeds. Their average lifespan is relatively high, typically 12 to 14 years. They usually start their reproductive phase at around 1 year old and conclude it around 8 years old. Throughout their lifespan, a Chausie can have 6-8 litters. These cats typically give birth to about 8-12 kittens in a single litter.
Caring for Chausie Cat
The caretaking regiments of Chausie cats are standard to those of most domestic cats. Understanding how best to care for your cat makes it easier and improves its quality of life.
Diet and Nutrition
Because of Chausie’s shortened intestine and allergen sensitivity, it may require a specialty diet. Commercial cat foods won’t always accommodate their sensitive stomach, especially since meat is a crucial ingredient for a Chausie. Some owners make their cat’s food from scratch and follow a keto diet. Remember, if making homemade food for your pet, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian to ensure the presence of all necessary nutrients. There are high-end, less generic cat food options worth researching as well.
Grooming
The Chausie tends to shed minimally but is not hypoallergenic. They are short-haired cats, meaning they shed less than their long-haired counterparts. Still, Chausies, like all cats, require a grooming routine.
The Chausie’s short, slightly coarse coat is easy to care for. Brushing your Chausie’s fur weekly with a soft, slicker brush effectively keeps shedding to a minimum. Practice standard cat grooming regimens such as periodic nail clipping. Although Chausies are not particularly water-averse, bathing isn’t necessary.
Exercise
Chausies are extremely active cats. While their curious and athletic nature will help them keep moving independently, they still need ample facilitated exercise. Provide your Chausie with toys, play structures, and surfaces on which to jump. Chausies are highly intelligent and trainable, so consider training them to walk on a leash.
Common Health Problems
Chausies are thought to have inherited short intestinal tracts from their wildcat relatives. This can cause a lower tolerance to nutrients from various plants and vegetables. If repeatedly exposed, a Chausie can develop inflammatory bowel disease. Chausies are also prone to food allergies. Besides intestinal issues, the Chausie is considered a naturally healthy cat. All cats can develop health complications in their lifetime, so maintain a healthy lifestyle and visit your vet for checkups.
Chausie Cat Price
The cost of a Chausie cat can vary widely depending on several factors, including the cat’s pedigree, age, gender, coloration, and breeder. On average, Chausie kittens from reputable breeders can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more. Some exceptionally well-bred Chausie cats with desirable traits can command even higher prices.
It’s important to be cautious when considering the price of a Chausie cat. Very low-priced Chausies may come from unscrupulous breeders or sources with inadequate care standards, which can result in health and behavioral issues. Therefore, it’s advisable to do thorough research, choose a reputable breeder, and prioritize the cat’s health and well-being over the price. Additionally, consider the long-term costs of cat ownership, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and other expenses.
