Aphrodite's Giant vs European Shorthair

Verdict

These two are close. Both are lively, playful, intelligent cats from old European and Mediterranean cat populations, both are rare, and neither is recognised by the CFA. The one thing that decides it is size and coat. Aphrodite's Giant is a large cat of about 10 to 18 lb with a woolly, short to semi-long coat, and it scores higher for affection and has a moderate voice. The European Shorthair is medium, with a short glossy coat, a quiet voice and a higher independence score.

Choose Aphrodite's Giant if

• You want a large, sociable cat from Cyprus.
• You like a soft, woolly coat that thickens in winter.
• You want the more affectionate cat of the two.
• You have room, as a very small space suits it poorly.

Choose the European Shorthair if

• You want a medium-sized cat with a short coat and almost no grooming.
• You want the more independent cat, who copes better with a workday alone.
• You prefer a quiet voice.
• You like a hardy, barn-cat look in black, blue, red, cream or white.

Where they are alike

Both are active, playful cats that get on well with children and other pets. Neither has a long record of health testing behind it, so ask your breeder what they screen for.