Name This Rare Cat Breed

It is my pleasure to introduce Rudy Purrs-alot!  Rudy is large cat with a powerful muscular body.  His long hind legs make him an exceptionally agile cat.  He has an impressive vertical leap.  As his name suggests, Rudy is an affectionate guy who enjoys spending time with people.  I am told he never stops purring around his family.  Study the pictures and answer the following questions:  1) Name the breed.  2) List the three color variations observed with these cats.  (Hint:  This breed has small tufts of hair on their ears that do not show up well in these pictures.)  

                                                         

Diagnosis:  Chausie – The three color variations are:  brown ticked tabby, solid black and sliver tipped

This breed was created by mating Jungle Cats, Felis chaus with domestic cats.  Hence the name, Chausie.  The wild Jungle cat lives along the Nile River.  Mummified Jungle cats have been found in Egyptian tombs.  Thus Chausies are sometimes referred to as “Nile Cats”.  Chausies have short thick coats that require little grooming.  Males are a little larger than females.  They often tip the scale at more than twenty pounds!  Because of their appearance, some people mistake them for a wild feline.  

Chausies are high energy cats with a never-ending sense of curiosity.  Their antics will amaze and delight you as they explore the environment.  Their inquisitive personality may also cause problems in the home.  It is just a matter of time before a bored Chausie gets into trouble.  For that reason, I recommend a lot of exercise and behavioral enrichment for these cats.  As I have said before, “A tired animal does not get into trouble.”  Fortunately, I have it on good medical authority that Rudy Purrs-alot is exceptional in every way.   

Published by kristennelsondvm

Dr. Kristen Nelson grew up on a farm in Watertown, Minn., where she developed a deep love for animals of all kinds. She received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine. Kris then completed a small-animal internship at the prestigious Animal Medical Center in New York City. In addition to writing and speaking, she cares for small and exotic animals in Scottsdale, Az. Dr. Nelson is widely quoted in the media. Her credits include Ladies’ Home Journal, USA TODAY, the Los Angeles Times and numerous radio and television interviews. Dr. Nelson has written two books, Coated With Fur: A Vet’s Life and Coated With Fur: A Blind Cat’s Love. Kris and her husband Steve share their home with rescued cats, birds and a dog.