Aegean
Easygoing Greek island cats that genuinely enjoy water.
Aegean cats are a natural landrace from the Cycladic Islands of Greece. Friendly, social, and adaptable, they are unusual among cats for their tolerance of water and skill at fishing. They have semi-long coats and bright, expressive faces.
Key facts
| Origin | Greece |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 7–9 lbs |
| Lifespan | 13–17 years |
| Energy | Medium |
| Vocality | Medium |
| Grooming | Brush weekly |
| Shedding | Medium |
| With children | ●●●●● |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●●● |
| For beginners | ●●●●● |
| Apartment life | ●●●●○ |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Hardy natural breed with few health issues
- Loves water
- Adaptable to family life
- Long-lived
✗ Things to know
- Rare outside Greece
- Needs outdoor access or significant enrichment
- Less predictable appearance than show breeds
Ideal owner
A Aegean may suit you well if you:
- Are a first-time cat owner looking for a forgiving, adaptable breed
- Have children or a busy, sociable household
- Already have dogs or other cats at home
- Live in an apartment or smaller home
A Aegean may not suit you if you:
- Have significant cat allergies
Health considerations
Aegeans are generally considered a robust, healthy breed with no well-documented breed-specific conditions at this time. As with all cats, annual vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and keeping them up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention are the best health investments you can make.
Is a Aegean right for you?
The best way to find out if a Aegean suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Aegean a good cat for first-time owners?
Yes — Aegeans are an excellent choice for first-time cat owners. They are adaptable and forgiving, with a temperament described as: friendly, social, and adaptable to family life.
Are Aegeans good for apartments?
Yes — Aegeans adapt well to apartment living. They don't require a large territory and are content indoors provided they have adequate enrichment and attention.
Are Aegeans good with children?
Aegeans are generally excellent with children. They are patient, tolerant of handling, and social enough to enjoy the energy of family life including young children.
Are Aegeans hypoallergenic?
Aegeans are not specifically hypoallergenic and produce standard levels of Fel d 1, the main cat allergen. If allergies are a concern, consider breeds like the Siberian, Balinese, or Devon Rex.
Does a Aegean suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: Aegean on Wikipedia