Color: Chausies' shorthaired coats are recognized in the three colors of the Jungle Cat: brown ticked tabby, called "golden" by breeders, which can range from light tan through tawny and mouse gray to a deep yellow brown; solid black; and silver-tipped black, a striking and unique color found on no other exotic or domestic cat. Markings, seen only on the ticked cats, are limited to a bit of black leg barring and tail rings.

Grooming: The Chausie's short coat requires little more attention than an occasional bath and brushing. Regularly trim the claws.

Best Home: In general, Chausies manage fine with other cats, and dogs as well, but they aren't an ideal choice for people with very young children, lots of precious breakables or a low tolerance for mischief.

Personality: Highly affectionate and active. Chausies demand attention and reward it with obvious affection. Highly intelligent with feral grace and agility. Their antics can be enormously entertaining, but their high energy level can be exhausting.

Appearance: The Chausie, which has also been called the Nile Cat because of its ancient Egyptian heritage, retains the tall, leggy, long-bodied look of its Jungle Cat ancestor; the lean, agile physique of an athlete. The medium-size, gently wedge-shaped head features a long, square muzzle and strong chin. Prominent ears set upright and are wide at the base, tapering to slightly rounded points, which ideally are topped with longer hair tufts, giving the Chausie a wild lynx look. Chausies have long-muscled legs built for running, and their large, powerful hindquarters attest to their tremendous leaping ability. Tails can range from the preferred three-quarter length of the Jungle Cat, which has fewer vertebrae, to full length. Chausies are large cats, typically weighing 16 to 20 pounds and sometimes reaching 16'' at the shoulder. Females generally run one-third smaller.