Cat Breeds: The Aegean Cat

This breed of cat originated in the Cyclades Islands in the Aegean Sea and it is the only native Greek cat. It is quite prolific in Greece, but very few seem to have been removed from that country. There are several references to a fledgeling Greek Cat Fancy Association attempting to commence proper breeding techniques on these semi-feral cats, but extensive research fails to actually find such an association. Perhaps photographer Hans Sylvester's famous photographs of the cats of the Greek Islands prompted such a group to form, but if it did, it appears to be non functioning at present. At any rate, there is a large colony of these cats spread though the islands, and for want of a better name, they have been called the Aegean Cat. This breed of cat is noted for keeping the rodent population under control as they are excellent predators. Most of them live outdoors and obtain their food from handouts given by visiting tourists and cat loving locals. These cats love fish and line up on the shore when the fishing fleet returns each evening. The local fishermen have taken to tossing them fish that are not merchantable.

They are very social cats and get along well with humans. If taken into a home, they adapt well, even to apartment living. They are intelligent, active, lively and communicative, not being afraid to vocalize to get attention.

Their coat is semi-long-haired in winter, but sheds to a lighter coat during summer months. Their coat is either bi-colour or tri-colour with true white always being one of the colours and covering 1/3 to 2/3 of the body. Other colours can be blue, red, black or cream, with or without stripes.

The Aegean Cat is medium sized with a sturdy muscular build. The body is relatively long with strong, round, medium-size feet. The tail is moderately long and straight. Hair covered ears have a wide base and rounded tips and sit widely spaced on a medium-size head that is wide from side to side. Their eyes are Oriental in shape and are always a shade of green.

The Greek Cat Welfare Society (http://www.greekcatwelfare.moonfruit.com) formed in 1992, is attempting to care for these cats with various programs including spaying, neutering and feeding programs. It is not known if any of these cats are available for adoption.

Until next time,

Teia