If you are interested in cats, you might find it interesting to learn there are more than 70 breeds in the United States. With so many species, it can be challenging to sort through them all, so many people choose to sort them by size, country of origin, etc. We are going to look at all of the breeds that come from Egypt so you can learn about some of the most ancient cats in the world. For every entry on our list, we will include a photo, along with a short description describing the different breeds so you can learn more about them to see if they are right for your home.
Top 7 Egyptian Cat Breeds
1. Chausie
The Chausie cat is one of the newer Egyptian cat breeds that we first saw in 1995. It’s available in several colors, but the breed standard only allows for three colors, including black, brown tabby, and grizzled tabby. It’s a social breed that is friendly around strangers and has plenty of energy for chasing balls.
2. African Wildcat
We’ve included the African Wildcat because though it is not a domesticated animal, Egyptians used it to create the domestic cats we see today more than 10,000 years ago. You can still find these solitary and peaceful cats living in the area today. Most are a sandy brown or grey color, and they closely resemble domestic cats but tend to be a little larger.
3. Shirazi
The Shirazi is an attractive and cuddly cat similar to the Persian cat. It has large round eyes and a fluffy tail. Most owners mention that this is one of the friendliest cat breeds you can find. It will spend much of its time trying to convince you to let it sit on your lap. It likes warm weather and will often cuddle up in a cozy bed if it’s not on your lap, and it doesn’t like to be alone for several hours at a time.
4. Nile Valley Egyptian Cat
The Nile Valley Egyptian Cat is a modern version of an ancient breed. These cats are the feral domestic cats of Egypt, and some believe the breeds are thousands of years old. The breed is up for standardization, and there are a wide variety of colors and patterns available in three categories: standard, agouti, and lybica.
5. Savannah Cat
Breeders create the Savannah cat by mixing a domesticated cat with a serval, a wildcat native to Africa. Breeders often use the Chausie, Bengal, and Persian cat breeds to create the Savannah cat because of the unique marking the mixture will create. The temperament can vary based on the parents, but most are extremely loyal, never venturing far from their owners. If not properly socialized at an early age, these cats can become fearful, growling and hissing at strangers or hiding away until they leave.
6. Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is a smaller cat breed that is extremely popular worldwide because it is one of the only naturally spotted cat breeds. These cats like to stay active and will spend most of the day chasing after toys. Some cats can run as fast as 30 miles per hour, and they are usually loyal and friendly. Many owners comment on the musical nature of their vocalizations which can resemble singing.
7. Abyssinian
The Abyssinian cat is one of the oldest cat breeds in the world. It’s a shorthair cat with a unique ticked coat that gives it an instantly recognizable appearance. It enjoys following family members around the home and is described by many as a clown, often resorting to elaborate and entertaining tactics to get what it wants. These cats are also smart enough to learn several tricks and will come when you call them.
Conclusion
Out of all the cats on this list, the Egyptian Mau and Abyssinian will be the easiest to find. However, you can purchase the others, except for the African Wildcat, if you look hard enough. Any of these cats will make a wonderful pet while turning the heads of all your friends and neighbors, and they won’t require any special care or housing requirements.
We hope you have enjoyed reading over this list and found a few cats you would like to own. If we have helped you find your next pet, please share these 7 Egyptian cat breeds on Facebook and Twitter.
Featured Image Credit: Fields Photography, Shutterstock
