Aegean Cat: Friendly, Agile, and Playful Companion

The Aegean cat is a naturally developed feline breed and is the only cat breed that has its origins in Greece, specifically from the Cyclades Islands. It has always been present on the Aegean islands where it was used to catch mice, and is still present throughout Greece as a wild breed. In Greece it is treated as a national treasure and stray and wild cats of this species are treated as true jewels.

Very often we can see many cats of this species sitting in harbours waiting for the return of fishermen who never let them miss their share of the catch. They are not afraid of water, so they can also fish independently by diving into shallow water. It is not very well known in the rest of the world, where it has not been recognised as a breed by the most prestigious international feline associations, whereas in Greece it is widespread and is the household cat of many families.

They love water and especially fish, on which they feed very happily, so you must, if you have an aquarium at home, make sure that they are not able to harm your aquatic animals.

Character of the Aegean cat

It is a social pet that tolerates life in a flat rather well, but needs some freedom and to go outdoors. It is very independent and tends to attach itself particularly to one person in the family, but it likes to play and is therefore also suitable for families with children and has no problems with other cats or dogs.

Although it is very affectionate and sociable, this cat has its own distinct personality, so it does not like to curl up on its owner's lap, but knows how to show its affection in a different way. Perhaps by accompanying him as he moves about the house, and it is often by meowing that he seeks the attention of his favorite human.

He is a very active cat, so he needs stimulation such as games and outdoor activities, especially if they allow him to run and chase small prey. Although he is an independent kitten, too long periods of loneliness may weigh him down a little.

On the one hand, the Aegean cat lives peacefully with humans, but on the other hand it retains its independence and feline instincts.

Appearance of the Aegean cat

This is a medium-sized cat with a slender but muscular physique. Its chest is broad and its belly is raised. The paws are long and muscular, proportionate to the body. As far as weight is concerned, males can weigh up to 4.5 kilograms, females one kilogram less.

The head is not very large but wide in relation to the body. The ears are well spaced, fairly wide at the base with rounded tips, the almond-shaped eyes, with the outer tips slightly tilted upwards, are very expressive and can have various shades of a striking green color.

Finally, the coat is characterized by a bicolour or tricolour pattern, with white normally occupying two thirds of the total surface. The colors may be black, blue, grey, cream or red. The fur, soft and silky, is generally medium-long, adhering to the body; no undercoat is present.

Care and health of the Aegean cat

It is a tendentially healthy cat with a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, and to date no specific health problems or hereditary disorders are associated with its breed. They are animals with a robust appetite, but as they tend to be very active they do not tend towards obesity.

As far as their hair is concerned, they shed very little of it, and all that needs to be done is a brush once a week. Everything that is normal for other breeds applies to the Aegean, i.e. cleaning the ears, trimming the nails and every now and then a bath, which, by the way, they will not beg to have.