Bright, lively and talkative, the Aegean enjoys human company and settles well into family life, including in flats. It is curious and playful and can even be taught simple tricks.21
how to spot oneAegean coat and colours
semi-longhair
A medium-sized, muscular cat with a moderate, natural build that is neither stocky nor slender. Its semi-long coat is lighter and less full than a Turkish Angora's, and most cats show a generous amount of white.23
Coloursbicolour with whitetricolour with whitewhite with blackwhite with grey or blue213
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for an Aegean. 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
how busy a day looksAegean exercise needs
Moderate to high. It likes daily play plus puzzles or games that keep its mind busy.1
where they are happiestAegean at home
Adapts well to indoor and apartment living when given climbing spots and toys. Keep aquariums covered, as it is a keen little fisher.21
who they like aroundAegean with people and other pets
Very people-friendly and enjoys interaction every day; it does best with company rather than long stretches alone.12
the hands-on bitsAegean grooming and care
Low maintenance. Brushing a couple of times a week is enough, a little more during seasonal shedding.1
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Aegean, and at what times?
Feeding schedules vary by your cat's age, weight and health. Please ask your vet for a tailored plan and follow the food label's guidance. Pet Wiki's starting plan doesn't include feeding times, so a vet's advice is best.
What should an Aegean eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a balanced, high-quality cat food as recommended by your vet. Dangerous foods include chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, alcohol, yeast dough, and xylitol; avoid these entirely. Always check with your vet before introducing new foods.4
Does an Aegean need baths?
Aegeans rarely need baths unless they get very dirty or sticky. General guidance says to bathe only when necessary, as they groom themselves well. Stick to brushing for routine care.5
How often does an Aegean need brushing?
Brushing a couple of times a week is enough, with a little more during seasonal shedding. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days. This keeps their semi-long coat healthy and reduces loose hair.1Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim an Aegean's claws, and how often?
Trim nails every ten days to two weeks, taking no more than two claws per session at first. Pet Wiki's plan suggests every 21 days. Use proper cat nail clippers and avoid the quick; ask your vet to show you if unsure.5Pet Wiki plan
How much play does an Aegean need?
This bright, playful cat needs daily play plus puzzles or games to keep its mind busy. Pet Wiki's plan recommends daily play sessions. They enjoy simple tricks and interactive toys.1Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after an Aegean's teeth and ears?
Brush your Aegean's teeth regularly; Pet Wiki suggests every 2 days, with daily brushing ideal. For ears, check them weekly for dirt or redness and gently clean with a vet-approved solution if needed. Your vet can show you the best routine. Pet Wiki plan
How long does an Aegean live?
Aegeans typically live 13 to 15 years, bringing many years of bright, lively companionship. With good care, they can enjoy a long, happy life.1
Is an Aegean good with children and other pets?
Yes, the Aegean is bright, lively and people-friendly, settling well into family life. It is curious and playful, so it usually gets along with children and other pets when properly introduced. Early socialisation helps.21
Can an Aegean be left alone?
Aegeans enjoy human company and do best with daily interaction rather than long stretches alone. They can adapt to short periods if given toys and climbing spots, but they thrive with company. Consider a pet sitter if you're away often.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.
per year, in your countryWhat an Aegean costs
Running costs for an Aegean, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
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
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
It is Greece's only native cat breed and is sometimes called a national treasure.2
2
Aegean cats are known for liking water and will happily try to catch fish, so they are often seen around fishing harbours.2
3
On the islands they are skilled hunters of the local Aegean wall lizard.2
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The Aegean cat is named after the Aegean Sea, as it originates from the Cycladic Islands located in that sea, off the coast of Greece and Turkey.2
I wake to the sun warming my spot on the windowsill. I stretch, then trot to the kitchen where my human fills my bowl with crunchy bits. After breakfast, I chase a feather toy across the living room, pouncing and batting it around. Later, I curl up on the sofa for a nap, purring as my human strokes my fur. In the afternoon, I practice the trick my human taught me, pawing at a little bell. When evening comes, I sit by the door, chirping a hello as my family returns. A perfect day.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganAegean history
Cats are thought to have arrived on the Cyclades in the Bronze Age, and over thousands of years a hardy island type formed around harbours and fishing villages. Living close to fishermen made these cats friendly toward people and at ease near water. Greek breeders began shaping the Aegean as a breed in the early 1990s.213
A natural landrace that is not recognised as a standardised breed by any major cat registry; the Greek cat fancy has been developing it since the early 1990s2
Sources (3)
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Turkish Van
Turkish Angora
European Shorthair