The Aegean cat is a charming and lively breed known for its warm Mediterranean origins and endearing personality. Of course, native to the Aegean Islands in Greece, these cats have been cherished companions of the local population for centuries. Surely, the Aegean cat is a breed that exudes the spirit of the sunny Greek islands, with a playful and affectionate nature that has won the hearts of cat enthusiasts worldwide.
Furthermore, the Aegean is a great family cat, with their social disposition credited to their history as one of the oldest ever domestic cat breeds around. Additionally, they’re brave and intelligent kitties who get on well with kids. Although, as the breed isn’t afraid of water, it’s not normally a great idea to adopt a cat of this breed if you have a fish tank at home.
When considering an Aegean, it’s advisable to prioritize adopting from rescue organizations or shelters to provide a loving home to a cat in need. However, if you decide to purchase an Aegean kitten, it’s crucial to choose a reputable breeder. Conduct thorough research to ensure that the breeder follows ethical practices and prioritizes the well-being of their cats. Reputable Aegean breeders always prioritize the health and temperament of their cats, conduct necessary health screenings, and provide a nurturing environment for the kitties. This active approach ensures that you bring home a healthy and happy kitty while discouraging unethical breeding practices.
Quick Facts
- Origin: Greece. They are one of the oldest domesticated breeds in the world.
- Size: Medium
- Breed group: Natural
- Lifespan: 13-15 years
- Coat: Medium-length, semi-longhaired, with a variety of colors and patterns
- Temperament: Intelligent, playful, and affectionate
- Exercise needs: Moderate
- Training: Trainable
- Grooming: Moderate
- The Aegean cat is the only native cat breed to Greece.
- Aegean cats also are known for their love of water. They can often be found swimming in the sea or playing in puddles.
- They are considered a national treasure in Greece.
Aegean Cat Pictures
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Affectionate with Family
Some cat breeds are typically independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since kittenhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; cats who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
See Cats Less Affectionate with Family -
Amount of Shedding
If you’re going to share your home with a cat, you’ll need to deal with some level of cat hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary among the breeds. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. This furniture cover can make it easier to clean up cat hair and keep it off your sofa!
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General Health
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems. This doesn’t mean that every cat of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk. If you’re looking only for purebred cats or kittens, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in.
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Potential for Playfulness
Some cats are perpetual kittens—full of energy and mischief—while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful kitten sounds endearing, consider how many games of chase the mouse-toy you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other animals who can stand in as playmates. A classic wand cat toy like this one is perfect for playful felines!
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Tendency to Vocalize
Some breeds sound off more often than others with meows, yowls, and chattering. When choosing a breed, think about how the cat vocalizes and how often. If constant “conversation” drives you crazy, consider a kitty less likely to chat.
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Kid-Friendly
Being tolerant of children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a nonchalant attitude toward running, screaming youngsters are all traits that make a kid-friendly cat. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual cat will behave; cats from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences and personality.
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Friendly Toward Strangers
Stranger-friendly cats will greet guests with a curious glance or a playful approach; others are shy or indifferent, perhaps even hiding under furniture or skedaddling to another room. However, no matter what the breed, a cat who was exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a kitten will respond better to strangers as an adult.
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Easy to Groom
Some breeds require very little in the way of grooming; others require regular brushing to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a cat who needs daily brushing. You should definitely pick up this awesome de-shedding tool for cats of any hair length!
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Intelligence
Some cat breeds are reputed to be smarter than others. But all cats, if deprived the mental stimulation they need, will make their own busy work. Interactive cat toys are a good way to give a cat a brain workout and keep them out of mischief. This scratcher cat toy can keep your smart kitty busy even when you’re not home!
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Pet Friendly
Friendliness toward other household animals and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some cats are more likely than others to be accepting of other pets in the home.
Aegean History
The Aegean cat breed hails from the Greek islands of Cyclades, which are situated in the Aegean Sea. It’s speculated that originating so close to the sea is why these felines are not afraid of water.
The breed’s friendliness towards humans is also said to come from their upbringing, being around sailors and fishermen all the time. In Greece, the Aegean is a super popular cat breed, although it is rarer to come across them in other countries.
If you’re considering adding an Aegean to your family, remember that many have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you!
Aegean Size
The Aegean is a medium-sized cat. As is often the case with cat breeds, exact size standards might vary.
Most male Aegean cats weigh in at nine to ten pounds and most female Aegeans are between seven and nine pounds.
Aegean Personality
The Aegean cat is one of the most friendly and sociable cat breeds around. They make great additions to any large family and will constantly look to seek out human interaction, whether that’s to relax together during down times or for energetic play sessions.
These athletic cats are also highly intelligent–in many cases Aegeans have been taught to perform tricks. While the Aegean has an independent streak, they do best in a bustling household where there’s always activity going on that the cat can check out. This breed loves to be part of the action!
The Aegean also has a love of being outdoors, so if you can provide a safely-enclosed catio, they’ll very much appreciate it. Just be warned: Due to Aegeans being part of a rare group of cats who enjoy water, they might come to see any pet fish as an opportunity for a snack session.
Aegean Health
Aegeans are generally considered to be healthy cats–and to date there are not any breed specific health issues associated with the cat. Although, as with any breed, it’s important to schedule regular wellness visits with your cat’s vet.
Aegean Care
The Aegean cat has a well deserved reputation as a smart and athletic feline, so you’ll need to ensure that the breed is always kept physically and mentally stimulated.
Ideally, you’ll want to purchase a cat tree for your Aegean to interact with, and if you live in an environment with furniture that the cat can safely climb up and down, they will very much appreciate the opportunity to explore.
Leaving smart toys and interactive treat dispensers around the home is also a great way to keep the Aegean mentally stimulated.
Along with scheduling yearly wellness vet visits, your Aegean will need their nails checked on a regular basis. Ask your vet how best to do this if you’re new to feline maintenance. You’ll also want to examine the cat’s ears for signs of dirt building up or possible infection, and clean them if needed.
Also, make sure to speak to your regular vet about a teeth brushing regimen for your Aegean.
Aegean Coat Color And Grooming
The main color of the Aegean’s coat is white, and it usually has spots and markings in colors including black, gray, and blue. The markings on the cat vary on an individual basis.
The Aegeon is relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming, although their plush coat will get thicker in winter. Shedding is mostly moderate, and brushing the breed a couple of time a week should suffice.
As with all breeds, keep a close eye out for any mats that might be starting to develop while you’re grooming the cat. Remember, regular brushing will help keep the cat’s coat clean and healthy.
When it comes to climate, the Aegean is a generally seen as an adaptable cat who can usually live happily in most climates. Just remember to always make sure adequate shade and fresh water is provided when the temperature spikes.
Children And Other Pets
The Aegean is wonderful with children. The cat will quickly form loving bonds with the kids in your home. Just be sure that early socialization takes place and boundaries are properly set on both sides–and supervise early interactions between kids and cats.
When it comes to other household pets, the Aegean is also usually fine around other domestic animals–although, as mentioned above, this is not a cat to leave unsupervised around fish or other water-based pets.
Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this breed. Make sure to reward your Aegean for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regime when you bring them home to your family.
Aegean Rescue Groups
It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Aegeans because they are a somewhat rare outside of Greece. However, you may want to try shelters and rescues that cater to all types of cats, including Aegeans, as well as your local shelter. Here are some nonprofit rescues you can try:
