American reed cat: a description of the breed and features of the content in the home

Reed cat, or marsh lynx, in the wild lives in Central Asia, Africa, Transcaucasia, Pakistan, India. This interesting animal is also found in our country - in the Volga delta. This cat is absolutely wild, and people do not come into contact with people. Moreover, it is rather difficult to see it in the wild, since it settles mainly in damp thickets along the banks of reservoirs. However, if you want, you can have almost the same pet at home.

History of the breed

It used to be that people found small kittens by the river, the sea or the lake and took them to their homes, taking for ordinary ones. But, of course, sooner or later it turned out that they were young wild marsh lynxes. Kittens, unlike adult animals, tamed pretty well. Therefore, in the end, the American breeders decided to breed a new breed. Parents for her were chosen marsh lynx and an ordinary domestic cat. It turned out in fact an original and very interesting mixture. They called her "chauzy", or a domestic cat-cat. Features of the breed and the maintenance of the house of such animals and will be considered by us in this article.

Wild ancestors

In nature, reed cats hunt rodents, snakes, turtles and all kinds of waterfowl. They also eat fish. Unlike most felines, they are absolutely not afraid of water and are remarkable swimmers. The reproductive period of the boggy lynx occurs at the end of winter - early spring. They are behaving in this period in the same way as domestic cats, that is, they fight and scream females. Young reed cat nurse about 2 months. By the half-year the kittens become completely independent. Sexual maturity at them comes in 18 months.

Wild cane cats usually have a not too flashy coloring. The shade of their hair is often reddish, merging with dried grass in the sun. Strips on the skin are, but they are almost invisible. The legs of wild cane cats are very long, and they can reach weights of up to 15 kg. The length of their body is about a meter. At the same time, a third is found on a very thin tail.

Features of the breed

So, let's see if the only place of dwelling of such an animal as a cane cat is nature? Or the breed, which has similar characteristics, can be bred at home? Of course, wild cats of this species to keep the house highly discouraged. However, you can still get a similar pet. After all, as already mentioned, the American breeders managed to breed a mixture of marsh lynx with ordinary domestic cats.

In our country, unfortunately, chauzy is still not bred. This is only a small number of professionals in America. For the cleanliness of the breed of cane cats, the breeders are very careful. Only chaisi are crossed with an Abyssinian and an ordinary short-haired cat. With other breeds, mating is not allowed. And even if the second parent is a short-haired or Abyssinian cat, both ordinary kittens and chausis will be born. To distinguish who is a true representative of the breed, it is possible 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 rusty color and large sizes. The main features of this breed include:

• Large ears with tassels;

• A massive head with an outstretched muzzle;

• Presence of "deceptive" eyes on the back of the ears;

• Green or bright yellow eyes;

• Shiny, smooth, thick short coat;

• A powerful body;

• Wide chest;

• Long paws;

• Small tassels on the ears.

Characteristics of character

A domestic reed cat, whose content we'll talk about below, is an animal very affectionate and kind, quickly gets used to the owners and does not differ too obstinate temper. However, the "wild" genes in his character still sometimes appear. Experts advise not to start such cats for families with small children. The character of chow-chi is very active and playful. Most of the day, these cats are mobile, and therefore very fond of large rooms. Like their wild ancestors, the chauuses are not at all afraid of water and are not averse to swimming.

To the tray and kittens the American reed cat is taught very easily and quickly. However, if the animal is paid too little attention, it can also nahuliganit. The loneliness of the chauwi is not tolerated at all. To other pets, cats of this breed are well treated. It does not concern only different kinds of rodents. A rat or a mouse, even if they are domesticated, chauci will readily catch. On the hands of these cats should not be taken. Firstly, they do not like this, and secondly, they have quite a lot of weight. By the size of chauches, they are only slightly inferior to mei-kuns.

What to feed

Like wild ancestors, a cane cat at home likes 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. Fish are given to these cats not more than once a week. In the wild they rarely eat it. Excess of such meat can lead to the elution of calcium from the body. It is not recommended to feed chauzy with dry food for cats. The fact is that the food in the bags often contains cereal. With a large amount of fiber, the stomach of this cat can simply not cope.

Features of care

The wool of chowse is short. And so too often to comb this cat is not necessary. It will be enough once a week. Bathing chow-chow, despite their love of water, is also rare enough. "Bath" procedures should be carried out only with a strong contamination of the wool. For example, in the event that the animal returns from a walk on a slushy day.

In order for an American reed cat to feel happy, it's worthwhile to put him somewhere in the courtyard of a small pool. You can even run a couple of live fish. Since the nature of this cat is very lively, it is necessary to buy her some rubber toys. Also, the owners of cats of this breed should bear in mind the fact that due to increased activity they are often traumatized. Therefore, the condition of their skin, bones and joints should be carefully monitored. And, of course, like any other cat, chauzy should regularly be vaccinated.

How much is the kitten

Acquiring an animal of this breed in Russia is very difficult. As already mentioned, chauzy is bred only in America. Because of the rarity, these cats are very expensive. For purebred kitten it is necessary to pay not less than 300-400 thousand rubles. So to buy and maintain such an animal as a cane cat, at home - this is a real luxury.

Breed Standards

Only those cats that have in their genealogy wild ancestors and at least three generations of domestic ones are considered to be true chauches. In TICA certificates, they are labeled as SBT or C. This means that in the fourth or a little larger generation they had wild cane cats. If in the documents the animal is marked as "A" or "B" - it was crossed with other domestic breeds to improve the exterior.

By certificates, the real American reed cat must also have a completely black color, brown ticking or black tabby. To any sort of serious contests only such animals are allowed.

As you can see, chauci is a domestic reed cat - the breed is very attractive both in appearance and in character. However, to get such an animal can afford, of course, not all Russians. In particular, this applies to cats with an elite color and a good pedigree.