Cyprus Cat

The Cyprus cat is a natural, medium-to-large domestic cat from the island of Cyprus, known for its athletic build, thick coat, and gentle, affectionate temperament. It is often called the Aphrodite or Aphrodite's Giant in modern breed registries.

Origin and Recognition

• Cyprus cats are a landrace that developed from feral cats living across Cyprus for centuries, especially in the island's mountainous interior.
• Modern standardized breeds derived from these cats are recognized by organizations such as the World Cat Federation (as Aphrodite's Giant) and provisionally by TICA (as Aphrodite).

Size and Appearance

• Cyprus cats are medium to large, typically around 8–16 lb, with some lines (Aphrodite's Giant) reaching higher weights in robust males.
• They have a strong, muscular but not cobby body, slightly longer hind legs, a medium-long plumed tail, and a long, triangular head with large, open V-shaped ears and oblique, olive-shaped eyes.

Coat and Colors

• The coat is thick and can be shorthaired or semi-longhaired, often getting fuller with an undercoat in winter and lighter in warmer seasons.
• Almost any color and pattern is allowed, but breed standards usually exclude colorpoint/mink patterns, and solid-colored cats should not have random white spots.

Temperament and Behavior

• Cyprus cats are typically energetic, athletic hunters with a history of catching rats, lizards, and even snakes, yet they are also gentle and non-aggressive with people.
• They are affectionate, social, and often described as dog-like in loyalty, enjoying play but also happily curling up on laps; they are not very vocal but will meow for attention or food.

Care, Health, and Suitability

• Average lifespan is around 12–15 years, with no widely documented, unique hereditary disease issues beyond general cat health concerns.
• Their active, social nature makes them a good fit for families and households that can provide play, climbing opportunities, and regular interaction; the semi-long coat variety benefits from routine brushing, especially in shedding seasons.

Summary Table

Trait	Description
Origin	Natural landrace from Cyprus, developed from feral cats for centuries
Other Names	Aphrodite, Aphrodite's Giant
Recognition	WCF (as Aphrodite's Giant), TICA (provisionally as Aphrodite)
Size	Medium to large
Weight	Typically 8–16 lb (some lines reach higher weights)
Build	Strong, muscular but not cobby, slightly longer hind legs
Head	Long, triangular with large, open V-shaped ears
Eyes	Oblique, olive-shaped
Tail	Medium-long plumed tail
Coat	Thick, shorthaired or semi-longhaired
Coat Variation	Fuller with undercoat in winter, lighter in warmer seasons
Colors	Almost any color and pattern (usually excludes colorpoint/mink patterns)
Temperament	Energetic, athletic, gentle, affectionate, social, dog-like in loyalty
Vocalization	Not very vocal, will meow for attention or food
Hunting	Skilled hunters of rats, lizards, and snakes
Grooming	Routine brushing for semi-long coat variety, especially in shedding seasons
Lifespan	Around 12–15 years
Health	No widely documented unique hereditary disease issues
Suitability	Good for families and households that can provide play, climbing opportunities, and regular interaction

The Cyprus cat is ideal for active families seeking an affectionate, athletic companion with a gentle nature and dog-like loyalty.

References

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