The Aegean, a natural cat from the Greek islands, elegant and friendly.
The Aegean, the Free Spirit of the Cyclades
The Aegean is a natural cat breed originating from the Cycladic islands in Greece. It is considered one of the oldest domestic cat breeds and has not been developed through selective breeding. It is recognizable by its short to semi-long coat, often bicolor or tricolor with white, and its muscular and agile body, adapted to outdoor life. Its eyes are green or golden, giving it an expressive gaze.
This feline is appreciated for its friendly, lively, intelligent, and adaptable temperament. It is independent but loves its family's company and is known for its love of water, making it a unique companion.
Our Feline Specialist's Advice
By the CatName.com team, published on November 11, 2025.
My personal tip : The Aegean's coat is easy to maintain; weekly brushing is sufficient to keep it clean. It is an active cat that enjoys games and exploration. If you live near water, it might even enjoy swimming. It is sociable and gets along well with children and other pets, but also appreciates its independence. Provide it with a stimulating environment with opportunities to climb and play.
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Identifying the Aegean : Characteristics of its Coat and Silhouette
The robustness and natural charm of the Aegean reflect its island origin.
The Aegean is a medium-sized cat, muscular and elegant, with a natural and rustic appearance.
Size: Medium-sized cat, with a muscular and agile body.
Coat: Short to semi-long, dense. Always bicolor or tricolor with white (at least 50% white). Other colors can be black, red, cream, blue, tabby, or spotted.
Head: Medium, with a rounded triangular shape, a strong muzzle, and a well-developed chin.
Eyes: Large, almond-shaped, green, golden, or amber in color.
Ears: Medium to large, broad at the base, slightly rounded at the tips, well-spaced.
Tail: Medium-long, thick at the base and tapering, well-plumed.
Dimensions and Key Information (Aegean)
Characteristic
Male
Female
Average
Size (at shoulder)
25 – 30 cm
20 – 25 cm
20 – 30 cm
Weight
3.5 – 5 kg
3 – 4.5 kg
3 – 5 kg
Life Expectancy
10 – 15 years
10 – 15 years
10 – 15 years
Diet
Strict carnivore
Strict carnivore
High-quality kibble and wet food
Litter Size (kittens)
-
Variable
Generally 3-6
These figures indicate that the Aegean is a medium-sized cat, with a robust constitution, and its growth is completed around 1 year of age.
Behavior and Personality : The Friendly and Independent Companion
The Aegean is a cat with a friendly, lively, intelligent, and adaptable temperament. It is known for its independence while being affectionate with its family. It is very playful, curious, and loves to explore, feeling comfortable both indoors and outdoors if accustomed. It is particularly recognized for its affinity with water, enjoying playing with it or even swimming.
It generally gets along well with children and other pets. The Aegean is a communicative cat, but not excessively vocal. It needs mental and physical stimulation, and will appreciate an environment that allows it to exercise its natural hunting and exploring instincts.
Origin and History
The history of the Aegean is deeply rooted in the Cyclades and other Greek islands, where it has evolved naturally without significant human intervention. It is considered the national cat of Greece and is one of the few cat breeds whose development is not the result of a selective breeding program.
This breed was officially recognized in Greece in the 1990s by the Hellenic Cat Breeders Association. The Aegean is a descendant of the first domestic cats that arrived on the islands thousands of years ago, adapting to the environment and developing its own distinctive characteristics, including its love for fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Aegean
What makes the Aegean cat unique?
The Aegean is unique because it is a natural breed, developed without human intervention, originating from the Greek islands. It is known for its love of water and its friendly and independent temperament.
Is the Aegean cat a good family pet?
Yes, the Aegean is an excellent family companion. It is friendly, sociable, intelligent, and gets along well with children and other pets, provided it has enough space and stimulation.
Does the Aegean need a lot of grooming?
No, the Aegean has a short to semi-long coat that only requires weekly brushing to remove dead hairs and maintain its cleanliness. It is not a demanding cat in terms of grooming.
Is the Aegean a hypoallergenic breed?
No, the Aegean is not considered a hypoallergenic breed. Like most cats, it produces allergens (Fel d 1) in its saliva and on its skin.
What is the life expectancy of an Aegean cat?
The average life expectancy of an Aegean cat is generally between 10 and 15 years, or even more, especially if it receives good care and a balanced diet.
