The reed cat, or marsh lynx, in the wild lives in Central Asia, Africa, Transcaucasia, Pakistan, India. This interesting animal is found in our country - in the Volga delta. This cat is absolutely wild, and does not make contact with people. Moreover, it is quite difficult to see it in the wild, because it settles mainly in moist dense thickets along the banks of water bodies. However, if you wish, you can have almost the same pet at home.
Breed history
It used to be that people found little kittens by the river, sea or lake and took them home, taking them for ordinary ones. But, of course, sooner or later it turned out that these were young marsh lynxes. Kittens, unlike adult animals, were tamed quite well. Therefore, in the end, American breeders decided to breed a new breed. The marsh lynx and the usual domestic cat were chosen for her parents . The result is actually an original and very interesting mixture. They called it "chausi," or the domestic reed cat. Features of the breed and the house content of such animals will be considered by us in this article.
Wild ancestors
In nature, reed cats prey on rodents, snakes, turtles and all kinds of waterfowl. They eat fish. Unlike most cats, they are completely not afraid of water and are wonderful swimmers. The breeding season in bog lynxes begins in late winter - early spring. During this period, they behave in the same way as domestic cats, that is, they fight and call out females with shouts. A young reed cat hatches for about 2 months. By six months, kittens become completely independent. They have puberty at 18 months.
Wild reed cats are usually not too catchy. The hue of their fur is most often reddish, merging with grass that has dried in the sun. There are stripes on the skin, but they are almost invisible. The legs of wild reed cats are very long, and they can weigh up to 15 kg. The length of their body is about a meter. In this case, a third falls on a very thin tail.
Breed features
So, let's see if the only habitat of such an animal as a reed cat is nature? Or can a breed with similar characteristics be bred at home? Of course, keeping wild cats of this species is highly discouraged. However, you can still get a similar pet. After all, as already mentioned, American breeders managed to bring a mixture of bog lynx with ordinary domestic cats.
In our country, unfortunately, the chows are still not bred. Only a small number of professionals in America do this. For the purity of the breed of reed cats, breeders monitor very carefully. Chausi are crossed only with an Abyssinian and ordinary shorthair cat. With other breeds mating is not allowed. And even if the short-haired or Abyssinian cat is the second parent, both ordinary kittens and chauses will be born. It is possible to distinguish who is the real representative of the breed only after the babies are three months old.
Externally, the American reed cat is very similar to its wild ancestors - it has a gray-black reddish color and large size. The main features of this breed include:
large ears with tassels;
a massive head with an elongated muzzle;
the presence of "fraudulent" eyes on the back of the ears;
green or bright yellow eyes;
shiny, smooth, thick short coat;
powerful body;
wide chest;
long paws;
small tassels on the ears.
Character Features
The domestic reed cat, the contents of which will be discussed below, is an animal that is very affectionate and kind, quickly gets used to the owners and does not differ in a too obstinate disposition. However, the "wild" genes in his character still sometimes appear. Experts advise not to have such cats for families with small children. The character of the chausi is very active and playful. Most of the days, these cats are mobile, and therefore are very fond of large rooms. Like their wild ancestors, Chows are completely not afraid of water and are not averse to swimming.
An American reed cat learns very easily and quickly from the tray and claw. However, if too little attention is paid to the animal, it can also misbehave. The loneliness of the Chows does not tolerate. Other pets of this breed are well treated. This does not apply only to all sorts of rodents. A rat or a mouse, even if they are homemade, will happily catch the Chausi. In the hands of these cats should not be taken. Firstly, they do not like this, and secondly, their weight is quite large. The size of the Chausi is only slightly inferior to the Mei-Kuns.
What to feed
Like wild ancestors, the reed cat at home loves to eat meat and fish. You can also give the animal all kinds of green “salads”. The ratio of the latter in the diet should be 1/3. These cats are not given fish more than once a week. In the wild, they rarely eat it. Excess of such meat can lead to leaching of calcium from the body. It is not recommended to feed the ready-made dry food for cats to the chausi. The fact is that food in bags often contains cereals. The stomach of this cat may simply not be able to cope with a large amount of fiber.
Care Features
Chausi has a short coat. And therefore, too often to comb this cat is not necessary. Once a week will be enough. Although they love water, they often bathe their chives, rather rarely. “Bath” procedures should be carried out only with severe contamination of the coat. For example, if the animal returns from a walk on a slushy day.
In order for the American reed cat to feel happy, it’s worth putting a small pool somewhere in the yard. You can even run a couple of live fish there. Since the character of this cat is very lively, you definitely need to buy her some rubber toys. Also, owners of cats of this breed should keep in mind that due to increased activity they are very often injured. Therefore, the condition of their skin, bones and joints should be carefully monitored. And, of course, like any other cats, Chausi should be vaccinated regularly.
How much is a kitten
It is very difficult to get an animal of this breed in Russia. As already mentioned, chows are bred only in America. Because of the rarity, these cats are very expensive. For a purebred kitten you will have to pay at least 300-400 thousand rubles. So to purchase and maintain such an animal as a reed cat at home is a real luxury.
Breed standards
Real cats are considered only those cats that have in their pedigree wild ancestors and at least three generations of domestic animals. In TICA certificates, they are labeled SBT or C. This means that in the fourth or slightly larger generation they had wild reed cats. If in the documents the animal is marked as “A” or “B” - it was crossed with other domestic breeds to improve the exterior.
According to the certificates, a real American reed cat must also have a completely black color, brown ticking or black tabby. For all sorts of serious contests, only such animals are allowed.
As you can see, chausi - a domestic reed cat - is a very attractive breed both in appearance and in character. However, to get such an animal affordable, of course, not all Russians. This is especially true for cats with an elite color and a good pedigree.