Cat breed guide

Aegean

Playful, active, and great for families

Quick answer: The Aegean is a playful, affectionate cat known for its love of water and strong bond with its family.

Playful Active Affectionate Good with kids Love water
Researched Fact-checked Updated Jan 2026
Aegean cat with green eyes playing in water

Personality Traits

Playfulness 5/5
Affection level 5/5
Activity level 4/5
Friendliness 5/5
Intelligence 4/5

Quick Facts

Size
Medium
Weight
6.6–13.2 lb (about 3.0–6.0 kg)
Lifespan
12-15 years
Origin
Greece
Coat
Short to medium, soft
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low

Overview

The Aegean is a charming and affectionate breed known for its love of water and energetic personality. They are playful, intelligent, and form strong bonds with their family. If you're looking for a cat that enjoys interactive play and a bit of fun in the water, the Aegean might be the perfect fit.

Personality & Temperament

Very affectionate

Usually enjoys cuddles and being near people.

Playful & curious

Likes interactive toys and learning games.

High energy

Needs daily activity and enrichment.

Smart & trainable

Learns routines fast; puzzle toys help a lot.

Personality in real life

Aegeans are very playful and active cats. They love exploring and playing with their humans.

They are affectionate and enjoy spending time with their family, often following them from room to room.

They’re highly intelligent and can quickly learn new tricks or routines.

Aegeans are also known for their love of water. Many will enjoy playing in sinks, bathtubs, or even swimming if given the chance!

They get along well with children, other cats, and even dogs, making them excellent family pets.

History

The Aegean is a native Greek cat that has lived alongside people for centuries. Many cat lovers consider it one of the oldest natural breeds in Europe.

It developed naturally around the Aegean Sea, especially on the Greek islands, where cats were often seen near harbors and fishing boats. Over time, they became known for their strong hunting skills and unusual comfort around water.

The breed received official recognition in the 1990s. Even today, the Aegean remains common in Greece but rare outside its home country.

Appearance

Aegeans are medium-sized cats with a muscular, athletic build. They are strong swimmers and agile climbers.

Their coat is soft and short to medium length, with a slightly water-resistant texture. They come in various colors, but the most common are white with patches of tabby.

They have almond-shaped eyes, usually green or gold, and their ears are slightly rounded, giving them a gentle, alert look.

Their tail is long and fluffy, often carried high when they’re excited or happy.

Is a Aegean right for you?

Good fit if:

  • You want an active, playful cat that loves to explore and interact with you.
  • You’re looking for a friendly cat that gets along well with children and other pets.
  • You have a love for water or live in a household where water play could be a fun activity.
  • You want a cat with a low-maintenance coat that doesn’t require much grooming.

Not ideal if:

  • You prefer a very calm, low-energy cat that doesn’t need much stimulation.
  • You don’t have time for interactive play and mental stimulation, as Aegeans need both.
  • You’re not comfortable with a cat that may enjoy splashing in your water sources.

Daily life with a Aegean

Energy level

Aegeans are high-energy cats and need daily playtime to stay happy. They love to explore and interact with their family.

Noise level

They are not overly vocal but may chirp or make soft meowing sounds when they're happy or want attention.

Attention needs

Aegeans are affectionate cats that enjoy spending time with their family. They’re social but don’t demand constant attention.

Grooming

Their short coat requires minimal grooming. They shed very little, so brushing once a week is usually enough.

Things to Know Before Adopting

  • They need regular playtime and mental stimulation. Without enough interaction, they may get bored and cause mischief.
  • Their love for water can lead to accidents around sinks, bathtubs, or puddles of water, so it's important to keep an eye on them.
  • They are highly social and may become lonely or stressed if left alone for too long.
  • Although their coat is low-maintenance, they still need occasional brushing to keep it in good condition.

Interesting Facts

Fact 1 of 4

Aegeans are known for their love of water. Many of them enjoy swimming, playing in puddles, or even trying to drink from running taps.

Reviewed Researched by CatsLib Team Regularly updated
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CatsLib Team

Editorial & Research Team

CatsLib content is written and reviewed by our editorial team. We focus on clear, practical guidance for cat owners and regularly update articles when recommendations change.

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Sources & References (2)

All information on CatsLib is backed by reputable sources. We regularly review and update our content to ensure accuracy.

1
The International Cat Association (TICA) - Aegean
Last checked: Jan 18, 2026
tica.org
2
The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) - Aegean
Last checked: Jan 18, 2026
cfa.org

Our editorial process: Every article is reviewed by veterinarians and feline behavior experts. We cross-reference multiple sources and update content regularly to maintain accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the most common questions about this topic

1
How much do Aegean cats cost?

Aegean cats are relatively rare outside Greece. Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,500 USD depending on the breeder and location.

2
What is an Aegean cat?

The Aegean is a breed of cat native to Greece. They are known for their playful and affectionate nature, as well as their love of water.

3
Are Aegean cats hypoallergenic?

No, Aegean cats are not considered hypoallergenic, but their low shedding makes them a better option for some people with allergies.

4
How long do Aegean cats live?

Aegean cats typically live 12-15 years, although some may live longer with proper care.

5
How much does an Aegean cat cost?

Aegean cats typically cost between $500 and $1,500 USD, depending on the breeder and their lineage.

6
How big do Aegean cats get?

Aegean cats are medium-sized, with males weighing between 4-6 kg and females usually weighing 3-5 kg.

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