Pet Wiki

Aphrodite Giant

Also called Aphrodite, Cyprus cat, Cypriot cat, Saint Helen cat, Saint Nicholas cat

Warm, people-focused and easygoing.

SizeLarge
Weight4.5 to 8.2 kg (10 to 18 lb)males 6.8 to 8.2 kg, females 4.5 to 6.4 kg12
Lifespan12 to 15 years2
CoatShorthair or semi-longhair
OriginCyprus, from the island's mountain highlands1
Recognised breedShort profile
gentle giant with a loving nature
sociable and almost dog-like with its people
sturdy natural breed shaped by mountain life
12

Personality what they are like

Warm, people-focused and easygoing. It tends to attach closely to its family, likes company and is often described as behaving a little like a dog around the home.12

Coat and looks how to spot one

shorthair or semi-longhair

A big, strong, heavy-boned cat with solid muscle. The coat comes in a short and a semi-long version, both soft with a woolly feel, and it grows fuller with an undercoat in the colder months.12

Coloursmost colours and patterns accepted; colourpoint, mink and white spotting on solid colours are not accepted1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Aphrodite Giant. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Nail trimevery 3 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • Litter scoopevery day
  • Litter changeevery week
  • PlayDaily playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An athletic cat that enjoys an active household with room to climb and play.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Shorthaired cats need only a regular brush; semi-longhaired cats do best with brushing every second day to keep the coat tidy and reduce hairballs.2

Home where they are happiest

Being a large cat, it appreciates sturdy, roomy scratching posts and climbing furniture.2

Company who they like around

Thrives with plenty of family contact and generally fits in well with children in an active home.2

The story where it all began

Cats have lived on Cyprus for thousands of years, and the local cats developed largely on their own in the island's mountains. Breeders began writing a standard in 2006, WCF granted full recognition in 2012, and TICA followed with preliminary status in 2017 under the shorter name Aphrodite.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    A burial of a cat alongside a human at Shillourokambos on Cyprus is about 9,500 years old, older than the famous Egyptian cat art.1

  2. 2

    Local legend says Saint Helen sent cats to the Saint Nicholas monastery around 328 AD to keep snakes away, which is why the breed is also called the Saint Nicholas or Saint Helen cat.1

  3. 3

    A 2012 genetic study found Cyprus cats form their own distinct group among Mediterranean cats.1

  4. 4

    The breed is slow to finish growing and can take three to five years to reach full adult size.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the Greek goddess Aphrodite, who according to mythology was born on the island of Cyprus, where this cat breed originated. The 'Giant' part of the name refers to the cat's large, athletic size.1

Name ideas for your new friend

AthenaApolloNikiHeliosOliveMountainZephyrCypressCloverSunnyBreezeAria

A day in the life told by an Aphrodite Giant

This morning I stretched from nose to tail, then padded over to wake my human with a gentle head-butt. After breakfast we played chase-the-feather, and I leaped to the top of the cat tree in one bound. Later I curled up on the sofa while my human read aloud, purring like a motorboat. In the afternoon I followed them from room to room, just to be near. When visitors came I greeted each one with a soft meow and a rub. Now I'm napping in a sunbeam, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

WCF
Fully recognised as Aphrodite's Giant from 1 July 20121
TICA
Preliminary new breed status under the name Aphrodite since September 20171

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Cat-Friendly Pancakes

A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
  • 1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)

How

  1. Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
  2. Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
  4. Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
  5. Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
  6. Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.

How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Tuna Biscuits for Cats

These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
  • Extra water as needed

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
  4. Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
  5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
  8. Allow to cool completely before storing.

How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Aphrodite Giant, and at what times?

Feeding frequency and times depend on your cat's age, activity level, and the type of food you choose. Consult your vet for a tailored schedule that keeps your Aphrodite Giant at a healthy weight.

What should an Aphrodite Giant eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a balanced, high-quality cat food appropriate for its age. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA.3

Does an Aphrodite Giant need baths?

Cats generally do not need baths unless they are very dirty or sticky. If a bath is necessary, use a cat-safe shampoo and consult your vet for advice.4

How often does an Aphrodite Giant need brushing?

For shorthaired Aphrodite Giants, a weekly brush is enough; for semi-longhaired ones, brushing every second day keeps the coat tidy and reduces hairballs. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests weekly brushing.24 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an Aphrodite Giant's claws, and how often?

Trim claws every 2-3 weeks using proper cat nail clippers, cutting just the tip to avoid the quick. Start slowly, doing only a couple of claws per session. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests every 21 days.4 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does an Aphrodite Giant need?

This athletic cat needs daily play sessions with interactive toys and climbing opportunities. Provide sturdy cat trees and scratching posts to keep it active and happy.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an Aphrodite Giant's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth daily with a cat-safe toothpaste to prevent dental issues; Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every two days, with daily being ideal. For ears, check regularly for dirt or redness and ask your vet for specific care advice. Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Aphrodite Giant live?

Aphrodite Giants typically live 12 to 15 years with proper care and a loving home.2

Is an Aphrodite Giant good with children and other pets?

Yes, this warm and easygoing breed often fits well with children and other pets in an active home. It tends to attach closely to its family and enjoys company.12

Can an Aphrodite Giant be left alone?

This people-focused cat thrives on company and may become lonely if left alone for long periods. Ensure it has plenty of interaction and enrichment when you are away.12

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Cyprus cat - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, origin, recognition, weight, coat, colours, history, facts
  2. Aphrodite Giant Cat Breed Information - CatTime cattime.comused for weight range, lifespan, grooming, personality
  3. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.