Cyprus

According to feline lore, the Cyprus cat is an ancient breed that has been living in the mountains of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus for so long that they actually predate Egyptian cats by around 4,000 years!

Back in the 4th Century, the Cyprus cat breed was said to be imported to a Byzantine monastery in a bid to get on top of an infestation of snakes and vermin. Due to the breed’s history of originating from mountainous regions, it’s rare to see a Cyprus living closer to the water.

These days, you may find the Cyprus in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. So make sure to consider adoption if you decide that this is the breed for you!

The Cyprus is a medium-sized cat. As is always the case, exact size standards might vary.

Most Cyprus cats weigh between eight and 16 pounds, with the females often being smaller than the males.

First of all, it’s important to note that the Cyprus cat is a very energetic breed of feline who needs to be kept active. This means regular play times with the humans in their life are a must, along with a living environment that is large enough to let the cat run around and explore.

This is vital to ensure that the Cyprus gets their required daily exercise, which will help keep the cat happy and prevent them from becoming frustrated and possibly developing behavioral issues. Adding a cat tree or other form of cat furniture to your home is an essential requirement for adopting a Cyprus.

Beyond their athletic nature, the Cyprus is also a social feline who will usually enjoy being around the humans in their life; although, it should be mentioned that some accounts of living with a Cyprus have suggested that the breed sometimes does not enjoy being picked up or handled.

The Cyprus is generally considered to be a healthy cat; although, it’s important to schedule regular wellness visits with your cat’s vet.

There aren’t any breed specific health problems associated with the Cyprus, but always keep an eye out for signs that your cat might be in distress or pain.

As with all cats, it’s important to keep up your Cyprus’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your cat healthy.

Beyond scheduling yearly wellness visits with your vet, make sure that you pick up a scratching post for your Cyprus cat’s living environment. This can help promote healthy scratching and keep the cat’s nails in good condition, which is vital for such an energetic breed.

The Cyprus’s ears should be examined regularly for signs of dirt building up or possible infection. Talk to your vet about starting a regular teeth brushing regimen that will suit your Cyprus. Your vet can advise you about specific brands and techniques.

Finally, the Cyprus will appreciate a cat tree to play and interact with. This will help keep the cat active and physically satisfied, so definitely consider adding one to your home!

The Cyprus is usually found sporting a coat with tabby patterns, but they’ve also been spotted in a range of colors.

When it comes to grooming a Cyprus, brushing the cat once a week should suffice. This will help keep the feline’s coat in good condition and also ward off the chances of mats forming. Use the grooming time as an opportunity to bond with your cat.

In terms of climate, most Cyprus cats are fairly adaptable, a virtue credited to their hardy origin in the mountains. Just remember to always make sure that there’s enough shade and fresh water available during the hotter months.

The Cyprus cat is normally a good fit for families with young kids. Just make sure that early socialization takes place and boundaries are properly set on both sides. Supervise early interactions between young children and cats.

When it comes to other household pets, the Cyprus is said to fare well with most other domestic animals. But always make sure to supervise early interactions between the new cat and existing pets. Sometimes these relationships are very much dependent on the individual pets’ personalities.

Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this breed. Make sure to reward your Cyprus for good behavior when you bring them home to your family!

It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Cyprus cats because they are a somewhat uncommon breed in many parts of the world. However, you may want to try shelters and rescues that cater to all types of cats, including Cyprus cats, as well as your local shelter. Here are some nonprofit rescues you can try:

• Hope for Paws
• Best Friends Animal Society

You can also try CatTime’s adoption page that lets you search for adoptable cats by breed and zip code!