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. bye
The Chausie cat is one of the newer Egyptian cat breeds that we first saw in 1995. It is available in several colors, but the breed standard only allows for three colors, including black, brown tabby, and black. grizzled tabby This is a social breed that is friendly to strangers and has a lot of ball-chasing energy.
2. african wildcat
We included the African wildcat because, while not a domesticated animal, the 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 sandy brown or gray in color and closely resemble house cats, but tend to be a bit larger.
3. shirazi
The shirazi is an attractive and cuddly cat similar to the persin cat. It has big round eyes and a fluffy tail. most owners mention that this is one of the friendliest cat breeds you can find. you will spend much of your time trying to convince him to let you sit on his lap. he likes warm weather and will often curl up in a cozy bed if he’s not on your lap, and he doesn’t like being alone for several hours at a time.
4. egyptian nile valley cat
The Egyptian Nile Valley cat is a modern version of an ancient breed. These cats are the wild domestic cats of Egypt, and some believe the breeds are thousands of years old. the breed is ready for standardization, and a wide variety of colors and patterns are 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 mix will create. temperament can vary depending on the parents, but most are extremely loyal and never stray from their owners. if not properly socialized at an early age, these cats may become fearful, growling and hissing at strangers or hiding until they leave.
6. Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is a smaller cat breed that is extremely popular around the world because it is one of the only naturally spotted cat breeds. These cats like to be active and will spend most of the day chasing after toys. some cats can run up to 30 miles per hour and are generally 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. He is a shorthaired cat with a unique chopped coat that gives him an instantly recognizable appearance. He likes to follow family members around the house and is described by many as a clown, often resorting to elaborate and entertaining tactics to get what he wants. these cats are also smart enough to learn various tricks and will come when you call them.
Related reading: Do Caracals Make Great Pets? Here’s what you need to know!
final thoughts
Of all the cats on this list, the Egyptian Mau and Abyssinian will be the easiest to find. however, you can buy the others, except the African wildcat, if you search hard enough. Any of these cats will make a wonderful pet and catch the eye of all your friends and neighbors, and they won’t require any special grooming or housing requirements.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this list and found some cats you’d like to own. If we’ve helped you find your next pet, share these 7 Egyptian cat breeds on Facebook and Twitter.
featured image credit: field photography, shutterstock
