Your guide to finding and caring for a Chausie in Portland
Adopt a Chausie today
While we don't have enough cats near Portland, keep in mind that many rescues may offer transport.
M, 3-7 y., 56 miles
Bengal
M, 6 mo.-2 y., 78 miles
Bengal
M, 7 y., 88 miles
Bengal
M, 9 y., 104 miles
Bengal
M, 6 mo.-2 y., 198 miles
Egyptian Mau, Bengal
M, 1 y., 198 miles
Egyptian Mau, Bengal
F, 0-6 mo., 198 miles
Persian, Egyptian Mau
M, 3-7 y., 198 miles
Egyptian Mau, Bengal
F, 0-6 mo., 198 miles
Snowshoe, Egyptian Mau
F, 0-6 mo., 198 miles
Egyptian Mau, Bengal
The Chausie is a tall, long-legged domestic cat descended from crosses between the jungle cat, a wild species of Asia and the Middle East, and domestic breeds such as the Abyssinian. TICA accepted the breed for registration in 1995 and granted it championship status in 2013. Its lean, athletic body, large ears set high on the head and short coat in black, black ticked tabby or the breed's distinctive grizzled tabby give it a wild look.
Cats several generations removed from the jungle cat are fully domestic, and many are described as intelligent, playful, social and very active. They often dislike being alone and do best with companionship from people or another lively cat. Some inherit a sensitive digestive tract, and early-generation hybrids are more demanding and restricted in some places. Chausies are rare in shelters, so patience helps.
Having a Chausie in Portland
A Chausie blends the striking build of its jungle cat ancestors with the sociable nature of a domestic cat. These cards cover its high energy, need for company, digestive sensitivities and the space and enrichment that keep this athletic cat content.
Chausies tend to be confident, curious and affectionate with their families, and many enjoy being involved in everything. They often bond strongly and dislike long periods alone, so another active cat or a busy household helps. Some are talkative. Early-generation hybrids can be more independent and less predictable than the domestic later generations most homes see.
Most Chausies need a lot of daily activity: chase games with wand toys, fetch, climbing and puzzle feeders. Many learn tricks or walk on a harness. Without enough stimulation, these clever cats may invent their own entertainment by opening cabinets or raiding counters. Plan several vigorous play sessions a day, especially for young cats.
No breed-specific disease is well documented in the Chausie, but some inherit a digestive tract closer to their wild ancestors and can be sensitive to certain foods, often doing best on high-protein diets. Watch for signs of food sensitivities, such as an upset stomach. Regular veterinary checkups, dental care and a healthy weight matter for this long-legged athlete.
A Chausie can live in an apartment or a house as long as it has vertical space, sturdy cat trees and plenty of toys. These jumpers reach high shelves easily, so fragile items may need new homes. Indoor living with secure windows suits them best. Homes where someone is around often, or with another cat, fit them well.
| Expense | Typical cost | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Food | $30 to $60 per month | $360 to $720 |
| Pet insurance | $30 to $65 per month | $360 to $780 |
| Routine vet care | $150 to $350 per year | $150 to $350 |
| Other* | $450 to $1,150 per year | $450 to $1,150 |
| Estimated yearly total (after year one) | $1,320 to $3,000 | |
Other costs are national averages for Chausies; we don't have costs specific to Portland yet.
* Litter, flea prevention, a dental cleaning allowance, sturdy climbing furniture and toys, and simple home grooming.
Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below have cats available in and near Portland.
Here are the rescues & shelters in the Portland area with cats available for adoption, worth asking whether a Chausie is coming in.
No, Chausie cats are not generally dangerous. Cats several generations removed from the jungle cat, the ones TICA allows in championship shows, are domestic cats with domestic temperaments. They are large, strong and very active, so rough play needs redirecting to toys. Early-generation hybrids can be more wild in behavior and need experienced owners, and some places restrict them.
No, Chausie cats are not hypoallergenic. No cat breed is truly allergen-free, because the main cat allergen is produced in saliva and skin and spreads through grooming. The Chausie's short coat sheds relatively lightly, which may mean less hair around the house, but allergy sufferers can still react. Spending time with a specific cat before adopting is the best test.
A Chausie is a large, athletic domestic cat breed developed from crosses between the jungle cat, Felis chaus, and domestic cats, especially Abyssinians. It is recognized by TICA and has a lean, long-legged body, big ears and a short coat in black, black ticked tabby or grizzled tabby. Chausies are known for being energetic, intelligent and social.
No, Chausie cats are not especially popular; the breed is uncommon and kept by a relatively small group of enthusiasts. Its striking looks attract interest, but limited numbers and high energy needs keep it out of the mainstream. Most adopters will never see one in a typical shelter, though rescues for exotic-looking or hybrid cats occasionally list Chausies or mixes.
Chausies can be excellent pets for active people who want an engaged, social cat. Many are affectionate, playful and smart enough to learn tricks or play fetch. They need a lot of interaction and enrichment, though, and may become bored or mischievous if left alone for long hours. Homes with time to play and room to climb suit them best.
Yes, many Chausie cats can learn to play fetch. They are intelligent, playful and often enjoy chasing small toys, which makes retrieving games a natural extension. Start with a lightweight toy your cat already loves, toss it a short distance and reward the return with praise or a treat. Short, frequent sessions work better than long ones.
Many Chausie cats are curious about water and some genuinely enjoy splashing, a trait often linked to their jungle cat ancestry, since jungle cats live near wetlands and swim well. Individual cats vary, and not every Chausie wants a bath. Supervise any water play, keep toilet lids down and never force a cat into water it dislikes.
Chausie cats are large for domestic cats. Adult males typically weigh about 11 to 16 pounds and females about 8 to 13 pounds, and their long legs make them look taller and rangier than most house cats, often around 14 to 18 inches at the shoulder. Many keep developing muscle until two or three years old.
Chausie cats are quite rare. Only a small number of people work with the breed, and it gained full championship status with TICA only in 2013. Because so few exist, they seldom appear in shelters. Adopters who want one may need to watch breed-specific and hybrid cat rescues over time, and should consider similar-looking Abyssinian mixes too.
Chausie is usually pronounced CHOW-see, with the first syllable sounding like chow and the second like see. The name comes from chaus, part of the jungle cat's scientific name, Felis chaus, the wild species in the breed's ancestry. You may occasionally hear CHOW-zee, but CHOW-see is what breed enthusiasts generally use.
Looking for a different breed? Browse other cats available for adoption in Portland.
