Chausie
Also called Reedcat
From United States; a domestic breed descended from crosses between the jungle cat (Felis chaus) and domestic cats, developed as a formal breed in the 1990s123
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Wikipedia gives these ranges; WebMD gives a wider 15-25 lb (about 6.8-11.3 kg), with females a little lighter. Males are clearly larger and heavier-boned.
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.21
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.124
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.24
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush the short, coarse coat now and then, trim nails monthly and keep up regular tooth care.4
Home where they are happiest
Needs room to move and jump, with tall climbing furniture; they can jump very high.4
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.41
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.12
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 2013.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
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 20132
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Chausie. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
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.145
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.6
How often does a Chausie need brushing?
Brush your Chausie's short, coarse coat about once a week to remove loose hair. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days, and the ASPCA recommends once or twice a week for short-haired cats.46 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Chausie's claws, and how often?
Trim nails monthly, as Furry Diary 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.46 Furry Diary plan
How much play does a Chausie need?
Chausies need daily active play, including running, climbing, and interactive games, plus mental challenges. Furry Diary recommends daily play to keep this bright cat happy.24 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Chausie's teeth and ears?
Brush your Chausie's teeth regularly, ideally daily as Furry Diary suggests every 2 days. For ears, ask your vet for a cleaning routine, as specific ear care is not covered here.4 Furry Diary 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.4
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.124
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.12
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia - Chausie en.wikipedia.orgused for history, recognition, weight, temperament, diet
- TICA - Discover the Chausie (breed seminar) tica.orgused for history, recognition, body, coat, colours, temperament, care, fun facts
- Wikipedia - List of cat breeds en.wikipedia.orgused for origin
- WebMD - What to Know About Chausie Cats webmd.comused for weight, lifespan, grooming, diet, exercise, fun facts
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.