Aegean cat
| Aegean | |
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A juvenile male Aegean house cat.
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| Origin |  Greece |
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Occurs naturally throughout Greece, originates from the Cycladic islands
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| Domestic cat (Felis catus) | |
The Aegean cat (Greek: γάτα του Αιγαίου) is a naturally occurring landrace of domestic cat originating from the Cycladic Islands of Greece. Development of the Aegean cat as a formal breed began in the early 1990s by breeders in the fledgling Greek cat fancy, but the variety has yet to be recognized by any major fancier and breeder organization. It is considered to be the only native Greek variety of cat.
History
The Aegean cat, as its name suggests, originates from the Cycladic Islands in the Aegean Sea, where they occur as a natural landrace.[1] Aegeans are considered one of the oldest domesticated cat breeds.[1] They are common as feral cats in Greece, where they are found amongst fishing ports begging for food.[1] In Greece, Aegean cats are considered a national treasure.[1]
Aegeans as pets
Although the Aegean has only very recently begun to be bred systematically, it has been domesticated for many centuries and thus has become adapted very well to humans. It is a social pet that tolerates living in an apartment rather well. It is intelligent, active, lively and also communicative, not hesitating to draw a person's attention.
Aegean characteristics
Aegean cats are a medium-sized, muscular, semi-longhaired cat.[1] The coat is bicolor or tricolor; one of the colors is always white, without signs of yellowing and takes up between 1/3 to 2/3 of the body.[1] Other colors can be black, red, blue, cream, with or without tabby striping.[1] The paws are medium in size and have a round shape.[1] The ears have a wide base and rounded tips and are covered by hair. The eyes have an almond shape and their color can be any shade of green.[1]
Aegean cats are noted for their affinity for water and fishing.[1] Because of the way they developed[further explanation needed], Aegean cats are free from most feline genetic diseases.[1]
References
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<references />, or <references group="..." />External links
- Short profile of the Aegean cat (Greek language)
- Cat Breeds with Pictures Directory: Aegean Cat Breed
