Origin of the breed
These cats originally appeared on the islands of the Aegean Sea. The breed appeared independently in nature and is widespread mainly in Greece.
Wild representatives of the Aegean breed still live on the islands. There they feed on fish, which they themselves catch in the sea. The cat was brought to the mainland by sailors. So it spread throughout Greece.
Scientists paid attention to this breed in the 90s of the last century. At the same time, Greek breeders began breeding it. A purebred Aegean cat is very difficult to buy or even just see outside its native country. It is not common in Russia because of its color. You cannot buy such a cat in Russia, because no one breeds them.
Main features
Usually, purebred cats require exceptional care and guardianship from their owners, and these sissies rarely go outside, spending their lives in the house, lazily lying down and touching their owners. The Aegean cat will not be able to sit at home all the time. She needs space and fresh air. These cats require no more care than purebred cats.
Unlike most cats, Aegean cats are not only not afraid of water, but also love to bathe and swim. Washing her will be no more difficult than washing a child.
The favorite food of Aegean cats is fish. They faithfully wait on the shore for their fishermen owners with prey, and sometimes they can bring it themselves.
Photo with Aegean cat
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Appearance
Aegean cats look very similar to ordinary yard cats.
The coat color combines several colors. The main color is white. Additional colors are black, cream, red, blue, gray and brown. There can be two or one additional colors. Most often, colored ears, paws, back, head and tail. There is usually two or three times more white in color than the others.
Eyes can be any shade from yellow to green. They are large, oval in shape and their outer corners are raised up. The head is triangular in shape, the muzzle is elongated, and the nose is straight.
These cats are medium-sized, strong and robust. The body has an elongated shape, the legs are long and large. The coat does not have a dense undercoat, but cats still do not freeze in the cold season. It has medium length and fluffiness.
Breed standard
The experimental breed standard gives the following description of the Aegean cat.
Head
In the form of a medium-sized modified wedge. Set on a strong and muscular neck. The chin and cheekbones are clearly defined, and the whisker pads are well defined. The forehead is straight, the crown has a slightly pointed shape. The entire head consists of slightly smoothed corners.
Eyes
Small or medium, in the shape of tonsils. The color corresponds to the color, but more often in green shades - from olive to rich emerald. Yellow, amber, and topaz colors are acceptable.
Ears
Medium size, widely spaced. They become very sharp towards the ends. They have abundant furring inside.
Body
Strong, lean, with strong bones and a wide back. The muscles are developed.
Paws
Long, strong, proportional, with lean and strong muscles. The pads are round and strong. They have extremely sharp and durable claws.
Tail
Long, proportional to the body. The fur on it is slightly longer than on the body. Straight and smooth, defects such as knots and kinks are unacceptable.
Wool
This is a short-haired breed, but the hair is quite long, especially in the neck, tail and hind legs. There is practically no undercoat. The cover is thick, slightly fluffy and very smooth to the touch. Like many breeds living on the shore, it has excellent water-repellent properties.
Colors
They are varied, but most consist of two or three colors (typical for females). Most of the body is white, it is very clean, without signs of yellowness. The second and third colors are red, cream, black, blue and silver, these spots are located on the head, back and tail. Tabby and tortie designs are possible. The presence of snow in color is a prerequisite.
Weight
This animal is small to medium in size, weighing from 3 to 5 kg. Dimorphism is inherent in this breed - males are slightly larger than females.
Character of Aegean cats
These cats are active and playful; they cannot sit in one place. They love to hunt, perfectly protect the house from rodents, but they pose a danger to small pets.
They are very smart, understanding, love communication and affection, but do not impose themselves. Children are treated patiently and do not scratch. Aegean cats love and try to protect small family members. They are not subject to training.
Aegean cats are as loyal to their owners as dogs, but they are not jealous and easily share affection with other pets and people.
If you talk to this cat, she will answer, in her cat language of course. They love it.
Cats will not tear up wallpaper and furniture, dirty everything around them and ignore the comments of their owners. They are not inclined to misbehave and disobey.
Cats love to be outside, running and playing in the fresh air. Sitting constantly in a house or apartment, they will feel bad and sad. For this cat, the best option would be a private home. If she lives in an apartment, then, if possible, the cat should be allowed to go outside at her own request or be walked daily for a long time, preferably without a leash.
Character and education
Aegean cats adapt well to new living conditions, calmly accompany their owners on trips and are friendly to strangers. A striking feature of the breed is independence, which can be considered as a plus and a minus at the same time. Whether you train the cat or not is not so important, by watching you and family members, she herself will learn the main points of behavior and more. Smart and inventive “Eges” will easily learn to open windows and doors, make a nest on your cashmere items, and settle in the center of the dining table if you do not stop the “independent pet” in time.
The situation is compensated by the friendliness and devotion of Aegean cats; they are happy to make contact and show tolerance, with the proper attitude. However, “democracy” does not apply to attempts at physical violence by people or other animals - “Egeans” know how to give a worthy rebuff. The only exception is children; the cat will run away, hide, call for help, but will not touch the child until her life is in danger.
Caring for Aegean cats
Mandatory care for cats of this breed consists of several mandatory procedures:
- Vaccinations and vitamins;
- Combing fur during shedding;
- Bathing;
- Feeding;
- Treatment as needed.
Like ordinary cats, Aegean cats develop various parasites, and their ears and eyes become inflamed. They catch colds and get injured. Treatment of all these diseases is carried out by a veterinarian and does not require special rare medications. Prevention can be carried out with ordinary antiparasitic drugs, vitamins and good nutrition.
During shedding, the fur should be combed once a day with a wide comb or a special soft brush so that the fur does not gather in clumps and lie all over the house. At normal times, it is not necessary to brush your cat.
You need to bathe an Aegean cat just like a regular cat, if necessary or desired. It does not require mandatory washing. These cats like to bathe, so you can do this to please the animal.
A cat's diet must include fish. This is their common food in the wild and is essential for Aegean cats' health and development. In addition to fish, Aegean cats can eat special dry food and homemade food. It is undesirable to feed your cat very salty, spicy and sweet foods. An unbalanced diet can lead to brittle bones and lack of muscle elasticity, affecting the cat's appearance and activity.
Aegean cats do not have genetic diseases or predisposition to them.
The average lifespan of such a cat is 10 - 15 years.
Maintenance and care
The Aegean cat is very freedom-loving and is not suitable for keeping in an apartment. She needs access to the outside; walking on a leash will not be enough. Since she is genetically accustomed to living on the street, she will be happier in a private home. Aegean cats accept large amounts of fish in their diet better than others. Otherwise, there are no special dietary recommendations. Aegeans can eat both ready-made food and natural products.
Caring for Aegean cats involves the same procedures as for other short-haired breeds - brushing, rare bathing (no more than 2-3 times a year), ear cleaning as needed. It is not recommended to trim the claws of cats that walk outside.
