Pet Wiki

Chausie

Also called Reedcat

Bright, curious and full of fun, the Chausie is a loyal cat that attaches strongly to its people and loves learning games and tricks.

SizeLarge
Weight3.5 to 7.5 kg (8 to 17 lb)males 5 to 7.5 kg, females 3.5 to 6 kg123
Lifespanup to 15 years2
CoatShort to medium, dense coat with a coarser outer layer
OriginUnited States; a domestic breed descended from crosses between the jungle cat (Felis chaus) and domestic cats, developed as a formal breed in the 1990s134
Recognised breedShort profile
very intelligent and trainable
loyal and deeply bonded to family
athletic, can learn leash walking and fetch
32

Personality what they are like

Bright, curious and full of fun, the Chausie is a loyal cat that attaches strongly to its people and loves learning games and tricks. It does not like being left on its own and is happiest with company, either human or feline. Raised together, it can live well with children, other cats and dogs.132

Coat and looks how to spot one

short to medium, dense coat with a coarser outer layer

A tall, long-legged, lean cat built for sprinting and leaping, with a deep chest, flat sides and a slightly short tail. The head has a long forehead and muzzle, high cheekbones and big upright ears set high, ideally tipped with tufts. The coat has a thick undercoat under firmer guard hairs that show off the banded ticking.31

Coloursbrown ticked tabbysolid blackblack grizzled ticked tabby31

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Chausie. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Nail trimevery 3 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • Litter scoopevery day
  • Litter changeevery week
  • PlayDaily playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. Needs daily running, climbing and interactive play plus mental challenges; many enjoy fetch and walks on a harness. Not a match for owners wanting a sedentary cat.32

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush the short, coarse coat now and then, trim nails monthly and keep up regular tooth care.2

Home where they are happiest

Needs room to move and jump, with tall climbing furniture; they can jump very high.2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A meat-based diet. Some individuals do better on a carefully chosen or specialist diet, so plan it with a vet.21

Company who they like around

Dislikes solitude; do best with a feline companion or people at home a lot, and settle best when kept in one home for life.13

The story where it all began

Jungle cats and domestic cats have crossed naturally for a very long time in places such as Egypt, India and Southeast Asia. Deliberate crosses began in the late 1960s and 1970s, and in the 1990s breeders built a structured programme, naming the breed after Felis chaus. TICA registered it in 1995 and granted championship status in 2013.13

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The name comes from Felis chaus, the Latin name of the jungle cat.3

  2. 2

    Its nickname Reedcat reflects the wetland reed beds where jungle cats live.3

  3. 3

    Chausies can leap as high as about six feet (1.8 m).2

  4. 4

    The grizzled coat pattern, allowed only on black, was inherited from the wild ancestor.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'Chausie' is derived from the Latin name for the Jungle Cat, Felis chaus.5

Name ideas for your new friend

JasperCleoRajaSafariZiggyMauKaiNalaSimbaTazLunaOnyx

A day in the life told by a Chausie

I woke up early and stretched my long legs, then padded over to nudge my human awake. After a quick breakfast, we played fetch with a crinkly ball, I love bringing it back! Then I climbed my cat tree to watch birds from the window. Later, my human worked on a puzzle, and I sat nearby, supervising. In the afternoon, we went for a harness walk in the yard, sniffing everything. When my feline buddy came over, we chased each other around the house. Evening meant cuddles on the couch, purring loudly. A perfect day with my family!

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

TICA
Registered 1995 as a breed of hybrid origin; New Breed class May 2001 to April 2013; championship status from 1 May 20133

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Salmon Cat Biscuits

A simple, vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses salmon to create a high-protein treat your cat will find irresistible.

You need

  • 170g skinless and boneless salmon (one tin)
  • 1 egg
  • 120g plain flour

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the salmon and mix it with the egg and flour in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Tasty Tuna Crackers

Cats love tuna, and these simple crackers are a crunchy, protein-packed reward.

You need

  • 6 oz. undrained tuna
  • 1 c. cornmeal
  • 1 c. flour
  • 1/3 c. water

How

  1. Mix all ingredients together.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
  3. Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
  4. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat's daily caloric intake. Offer one or two small crackers per day.

Recipe from ASPCA Pet Insurance

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Chausie, and at what times?

Feeding schedules vary for each cat. Please ask your vet for a plan tailored to your Chausie's age, weight, and health.

What should a Chausie eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A meat-based diet is best, and some Chausies need a specialist diet, so plan with your vet. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA.126

Does a Chausie need baths?

Chausies rarely need baths; only bathe if they are very dirty or sticky. Their short coat stays clean with regular brushing.7

How often does a Chausie need brushing?

Brush your Chausie's short, coarse coat about once a week to remove loose hair. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days, and the ASPCA recommends once or twice a week for short-haired cats.27 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Chausie's claws, and how often?

Trim nails monthly, as Pet Wiki suggests every 21 days, or every ten days to two weeks per ASPCA guidance. Go slowly, trimming only the tip, and do no more than two claws per session at first.27 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does a Chausie need?

Chausies need daily active play, including running, climbing, and interactive games, plus mental challenges. Pet Wiki recommends daily play to keep this bright cat happy.32 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Chausie's teeth and ears?

Brush your Chausie's teeth regularly, ideally daily as Pet Wiki suggests every 2 days. For ears, ask your vet for a cleaning routine, as specific ear care is not covered here.2 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Chausie live?

Chausies typically live up to 15 years with good care. Enjoy many happy years with your lively companion.2

Is a Chausie good with children and other pets?

Yes, when raised together, Chausies can live well with children, other cats, and even dogs. They are loyal and form strong bonds with their family.132

Can a Chausie be left alone?

Chausies dislike solitude and do best with a feline companion or people at home most of the time. They are happiest when not left alone for long periods.13

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Wikipedia - Chausie en.wikipedia.orgused for history, recognition, weight, temperament, diet
  2. WebMD - What to Know About Chausie Cats webmd.comused for weight, lifespan, grooming, diet, exercise, fun facts
  3. TICA - Discover the Chausie (breed seminar) tica.orgused for history, recognition, body, coat, colours, temperament, care, fun facts
  4. Wikipedia - List of cat breeds en.wikipedia.orgused for origin
  5. tica.org tica.org
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.