Aphrodite's Giant cat breed: facts, temperament and care

About the Aphrodite's Giant

Aphrodite's Giant is a cat from the island of Cyprus. Cats of this type have lived on the island for centuries, and a legend says that cats were sent to a monastery there in the fourth century to control snakes. Modern cats are not proven to descend from ancient Cypriot cats, and breed records rely partly on breeder accounts. Efforts to standardise the local free-living cats began around 2006.

The World Cat Federation (WCF) recognised the breed in 2012. TICA accepted it in preliminary new breed status in 2017, under the shorter name Aphrodite. Some sources describe it as a landrace that is not yet a standardised pedigree breed, so its status depends on whom you ask. Under the rules that govern the breed, outcrossing to other breeds is not allowed.

The cat is large, with males often 15 to 18 pounds and females 10 to 14 under the TICA description. The coat ranges from short to semi-long, soft and woolly, and thickens in winter. Most colours and patterns are allowed, except colourpoint and mink. The cats mature slowly, taking three to five years to reach full size.

Temperament and living with one

Breed descriptions call Aphrodite's Giant affectionate, social and dog-like toward its keepers. TICA requires a gentle, non-aggressive temperament. The cats are said to be active and playful, and to like company.

Because so few pedigreed cats exist, there is little independent information about how they behave in different homes. Expect a lively, people-oriented cat that wants to join the household rather than watch from a shelf. A large cat needs strong climbing furniture and a roomy litter box.

Care: coat, food and play

The coat is not demanding. Brush weekly, and more often when the thicker winter coat is shed in spring. Trim nails and check the teeth and ears as for any cat.

Feed a complete diet in measured portions for a large cat, and keep the weight in check. Provide tall, stable cat trees, scratching posts and daily play. Because the breed is large and slow to mature, ask your vet about the right food for a growing kitten.

Health

No breed-specific health problem is well documented, and little screening data exists. The breed comes from free-living island cats, and kittens from colonies can carry parasites or infections. Ask any breeder or rescue for vaccination and worming records, and see a vet soon after the cat arrives. Large cats of any breed can be prone to joint and heart problems, and a vet can say whether tests make sense for your cat.

Is it right for you?

Aphrodite's Giant suits an owner who wants a large, friendly cat with an unusual history and who is happy with a rare, still-developing breed. Finding a kitten will take effort. For a related cat from the Greek islands see the Aegean. For more common large cats of the same region, look at the Turkish Van or the Turkish Angora.