Cyprus Cat
The Cyprus Cat (officially the Aphrodite) has a claim to being one of the oldest domestic cat populations on Earth — archaeological evidence from Shillourokambos, Cyprus dates cat-human cohabitation on the island to at least 9,500 years ago, predating Egyptian cat domestication.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Cyprus
Lifespan
12–15 years
Weight
3.5–7 kg (8–15 lbs)
Height
28–38 cm (11–15 in)
Diet
Obligate carnivore — high-quality food appropriate for a large, athletic breed.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
The Story
The Cyprus Cat (officially the Aphrodite) has a claim to being one of the oldest domestic cat populations on Earth — archaeological evidence from Shillourokambos, Cyprus dates cat-human cohabitation on the island to at least 9,500 years ago, predating Egyptian cat domestication. A cat was found buried beside a human in a Neolithic grave, suggesting a valued relationship at least 1,500 years before cats appear in Egyptian art. The cats of Cyprus developed in isolation over millennia into a large, athletic, adaptable breed suited to the Mediterranean climate. The breed is being formally developed as the "Aphrodite Giant" by Cypriot breeders.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Cyprus Cat is a large, muscular, semi-long-haired cat with a strong, athletic build adapted for active outdoor life. The coat is dense and semi-long with a distinct seasonal variation — fuller in winter, shorter in summer. The face is a moderate wedge with large, expressive eyes. Body type is more robust than most oriental breeds but less extreme than Maine Coon or Norwegian Forest Cat.
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Cyprus cats are athletic, active, and adaptable — they have been shaped by millennia of semi-feral living in Mediterranean conditions. They are sociable with their family but retain a degree of independence. They enjoy climbing and outdoor activity.
Living Profile
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Brushing 2–3 times weekly. Active environment with climbing opportunities preferred. Generally a robust, easy-keeping breed. Regular dental care.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Health Overview
One of the genetically healthiest cat populations on Earth due to millennia of natural selection without inbreeding. Few documented hereditary conditions. HCM occurs at low rates. Routine veterinary care recommended.
Common Conditions
Fun Facts
A 9,500-year-old cat was discovered in a human grave at Shillourokambos, Cyprus — the earliest known evidence of a close human-cat relationship, predating Egyptian cat domestication by at least 1,500 years.
Cyprus has a legendary association with cats — Saint Helen (mother of Emperor Constantine) is said to have imported cats to Cyprus in the 4th century CE to help control a snake plague, establishing the famous Monastery of Saint Nicholas of the Cats.
The cats of Cyprus were so numerous and valued historically that foreign ships stopping at Cyprus ports were taxed in cats — foreign traders were required to provide cats to the island in exchange for trading rights.
