Aegean Cat: Characteristics, Personality, and Breed Information

 Aegean Breed Image
 Aegean Breed Image
Overview
Characteristics
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Origin
Greece
Height
8"-10"
Adult weight
7-10 pounds
Life Span
9-12 years
Temperament
Affectionate, social, playful, intelligent
Other Names
None
Group
Medium-sized short-haired
Price
$300-$500
Affection Level
? Breeds with a high affection level want to give and receive a lot of attention, while less-affectionate breeds are not as interested in petting and snuggles.
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80%
Activity Level
? Breeds with high activity levels will engage more in active play and demand more space and attention.
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60%
Pet-Friendly
? How well the breed tends to get along with cats, dogs, and other pets.
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80%
Kid-Friendly
? Breeds with a higher rating in this area tend to be gentle and patient, while lower-rated breeds may feel uncomfortable with children.
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80%
Sociability
? Breeds with a higher sociability rating will want to spend time with you all day, while less-sociable breeds seldom seek out human interaction.
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80%
Intelligence
? Breeds with higher intelligence ratings are more curious, investigative, and easy to train. Less-intelligent breeds are less trainable but often laid-back and easygoing.
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60%
Playfulness
? Breeds that score higher in this area have strong hunting instincts that make them great playtime companions.
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60%
Independence
? Breeds that score higher in this area are able to spend hours alone, while less-independent breeds require plenty of attention.
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40%
Vocality
? A higher rating in this area indicates a breed prone to plenty of meowing and other vocalizations, while less-vocal breeds are happy to stay quiet.
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50%
Grooming
? Breeds with higher grooming scores require more maintenance like brushing and bathing, while lower-scored breeds are virtually maintenance-free.
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Personality and Temperament

The Aegean cat is one of the oldest natural domestic cat breeds in existence. By natural cat breed, we mean to say that this cat was developed without human input.

Aegeans are a relatively rare cat breed outside their native islands. Aegean cats typically have medium hair length, and are of medium size.

Aegean cats are friendly and intelligent. Over the millennia, they have developed a fondness for humans; in Greece and the surrounding islands, they are valued for their rodent catching skills, and are often treated to bits of food by fishermen and other residents. These cats make excellent family pets, as they like almost everyone.

Aegean cats are notably chatty – they have a tendency to enjoy long conversations with their people. Talk to an Aegean cat, and there likely to reply with happy chirps and meows.

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Care

Nutrition

Nutrition

Grooming

Grooming

Exercise

Exercise

Health

Health

Aegean cats have no special nutritional needs in comparison with other domesticated cat breeds. We recommend feeding your cat a high-quality food. Remember to keep fresh water available at all times, too – and don't be surprised if the Aegean cat enjoys dipping their paws in the water dish!

Since the Aegean cat has a medium-length coat, regular grooming is essential – not just to cut down on shedding, but to reduce the potential for hairballs. Use a slicker brush to remove excess hair from your cat's coat 2 to 3 times per week. Not only will you notice far less shedding, the time you spend grooming your cat will strengthen your bond.

Like all other cats, the Aegean benefits from regular dental care. You may also wish to treat your pet to regular nail trims.

Left to their own devices, Aegean cats often choose napping over playtime and exploration. Encourage your cat to exercise by offering a cat tree that can double as a favorite nap spot. Toys – particularly interactive ones such as wands and lasers can bring out your cat's playful side and help prevent obesity.

As the Aegean cat developed on its own without outside influences, it is naturally healthy, with no known health issues.

History

Aegean cats have a history that dates back thousands of years. They are believed to have originated in the Cycladic Islands.

Archaeological evidence suggests that these cats may have been domesticated about 10,000 years ago on the island of Cyprus, which is just off the coast of Greece. If it’s true that ancient people shared their lives with these felines, they are truly one of the oldest cat breeds in existence today.

DNA evidence suggests that Aegean cats share common ancestry with the Angora and other Turkish cat breeds. It's likely that they found their way to Greece and islands throughout the Aegean Sea by hopping aboard the fishing and trading vessels that frequented the region.

The Aegean cat has only been recognized as a unique cat breed since the 1990s – so it’s both a “new” cat breed and an ancient one!

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Eyes

Aegean cats have green eyes in shades that range from light to dark. The eyes are always almond shaped.

Legs & Paws

The Aegean cat has strong, well-proportioned legs and rounded paws. Paw pads come in different colors.

Tail

An Aegean cat has a tail that is proportionate to its body, usually wider at the base and slightly tapered toward the tip.

The Breed Standard

Body

Aegean cats are medium-sized cats with strong, compact bodies that display ample musculature.

Head

An Aegean cat's head has a rounded shape with curved planes. Many Aegean cats show striped facial markings with a pronounced letter M on the forehead.

Ears

The average Aegean cat has medium-sized ears with rounded tips.

Coat

All Aegean cats are semi-long-haired, with soft undercoats that are shed during hot weather.

Color

Aegean cats come in a variety of bicolor and tricolor patterns, all with white being the dominant color. Black, blue, and red patches either with or without tabby striping are displayed.

FAQ

How much does a Aegean cat cost?

Aegean cats cost between $300-$500.

How big do Aegean cats get?

Aegean cats tend to be medium in size. A fully grown Aegean cat might weigh between 7-10 pounds or more and range in height anywhere from about 8"-10" inches tall.

How long do Aegean cats live?

The Average lifespan for Aegean is 9-12 years.

Do Aegean cats shed?

Aegean are short-haired cats. Therefore, they do not shed as much as long-haired cat breeds.

10 thoughts on “Aegean”

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  1. Les

    I have had many cats in about 50 years… pure breeds, rescue cats all sorts.. the one I was ‘adopted by’ a few years ago is an Aegean, white and grey…. A very loving, very chatty cat.. she loves our companionship and her naps.. She’s the best feline friend we have ever had, Fantastic breed.

    Reply
    1. Mallory Crusta

      Aww, Frosty looks so small and alert. Thank you for sharing this video of him being groomed—it’s always a pleasure to see our readers’ cats. Congratulations on becoming a “cat person”!

    2. Wise Hutton

      I had been wondering exactly what breed my little girl, Jewles, is. I do believe she is Aegean. She is very unique, a rescued cat from Florida. She is extremely chatty, comes running when I sing “Amazing Grace.” She loves my big girl, Shiloh, a rescued German Shepherd. Poor Shiloh gets attacked daily (playfully, of course). Jewels is very in tune with my feelings and
      emotions. She has more energy than me and Shiloh together. She carefully watches our neighbors and has been an excellent mouser since the first day I brought her home.

  2. Rebecca Hensley

    Our Aegean, Ambrosia, is really fabulous, very athletic, loves traveling around the edge of my shower, HATES discipline and runs top speed rather than walk.My only question is that she doesn’t meow. Opens her mouth but no sound. Is this normal? Sometimes?

    Reply
    1. Mallory Crusta

      Yes, some cats don’t make any (or much) noise when they meow, but this usually happens only occasionally, while most of their meows do make some noise. I have heard of cats, like yours, who don’t audibly meow at all, and this can be attributed to some deformation of the vocal cords or the result of some injury or illness. As long as your cat is healthy (which it sounds like Ambrosia is), there’s nothing to worry about. It’s possible that a vet may be able to give you a more concrete answer based on her health history. – Mallory