How to Take Care of an Aegean Cat

Aegean cats are one of the oldest domesticated breeds in the world. Originating from Greece, Aegean cats are a natural breed. They are independent, social, and active cats that make great pets in apartments or for families with children and other pets. To take care of an Aegean cat, groom their coat, provide plenty of exercise and socialization, and consider feeding them fish-flavored food.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Grooming Your Aegean

1
Brush the cat's coat. An Aegean cat has a semi-long haired coat. This means that they will shed, especially during the spring and summer. To help with this, brush the cat once a week to remove dead hair.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Make sure to use a wire slicker brush to brush your cat.
- If your cat doesn't like being brushed at first, try to work them up to it. Start by brushing them right before they eat, that way they associate brushing with something positive.
2
Trim your cat's nails and check their ears. You should perform basic grooming tasks for your cat regularly. This includes trimming their nails and cleaning their ears. You may want to take your cat to the vet to get their nails trimmed if you cannot do it yourself.
- To clean their ears, use a liquid ear cleaner designed for cats and a cotton ball.
- Check their ears for signs of infection, such as discharge, redness, or a bad smell. Regularly cleaning the ears is controversial, as some vets feel it weakens the skin and can make infection more likely. Talk to your vet before cleaning your cat's ears.
- To trim the nails, get your cat comfortable and use the right tool. Make sure you clip only the nail and not the quick. Put the cat on your lap with your dominant arm gently around your cat's upper body to keep it in place. Pick up a paw with your other hand and gently press on the paw to get the claws to come out. Use your dominant hand to trim the nails.
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3
Clean your cat's teeth. You should also keep your cat's teeth clean. Try brushing your cat's teeth with a safe cat toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush. Let the cat taste the toothpaste by putting a little on your finger. Do this for a few days, and then when your cat gets used to that, start rubbing your finger along their gums.
- When they are used to that, put toothpaste on the toothbrush and carefully rub it along the cat's gums. Over the next few days, work the bristles on the toothbrush along the teeth in tiny circles. Keep adding teeth until the cat will let you clean the entire mouth.
- Never use human toothpaste on a cat.
- You should also take your cat to the vet for regular checkups, and make sure your vet gives your cat an oral exam and dental cleaning.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Keeping Your Cat Healthy

1
Feed your cat quality food. Aegean cats are from the Greek isles, and they are natural fisherman, so much of their natural diet is fish. Make sure to feed them fish-flavored food often since they love it so much.^{[2]XResearch source} Cats are supposed to eat a meat-based diet, and need certain amino acids from proteins in meat. Ask your vet to suggest a cat food for you. You may also want to read the label to check the ingredient list.
- Meat should be in the top two or three ingredients. Avoid foods with less than 40% protein. Try to buy a food that is grain free.
- You can look for cat food that is salmon, tuna, or other fish flavored.
2
Take your cat for regular checkups. Aegean cats are generally healthy and don't have any known genetic diseases. However, you should still take them to get regular veterinary checkups. Your cat should go to the vet at least once each year.
- Get your cat vaccinated against common feline diseases to protect their health. They will need booster shots each year.
- You should also deworm your cat, use heartworm prevention, and treat your cat for fleas.
3
Desex your cat. If your cat isn't spayed or neutered, consider getting it done. Cats can be neutered around five to six months, which is before a female cat can get pregnant. Spaying or neutering your cat can also reduce the occurrence of behaviors like spraying to mark territory or behaviors connected with being in heat.
- Being spayed can also reduce your female cat's risk of cancer.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Creating a Nurturing Environment

1
Set up an enclosed outdoor area. Aegean cats love to be outside and lie in the sun. In Greece, they often lay around the docks, interact with fisherman, and even fish for themselves. Because of their love of outdoors, you may consider setting up an enclosed area outside for your cat lay in the sun and even play in the water.^{[3]XResearch source}
- This may be an enclosed deck or an enclosed area in your backyard.
- You can put cat trees or shelves in your outdoor space to give your cat somewhere to lay in the sun. If you have small natural trees you can enclose in the area, you can use those. Just make sure your cat has room to roam and lay in the sun.
- Make sure the enclosure doesn't have any holes that your cat can get out of.
2
Exercise your cat daily. Aegean cats are active and athletic cats. This means they need exercise every day to keep from getting obese. Daily exercise also helps your cat stay mentally stimulated. The breed should average around nine to ten pounds.^{[4]XResearch source}
- You can use laser pointers and feather wands to play with your cat. You can also try to play fetch by throwing soft balls for your Aegean to chase.
- Provide a scratching post for your cat. This gives them a way to play and exercise, and it helps keep their claws healthy.
3
Provide high places to perch. Aegean cats love to be active, and they can be quite independent. Placing cat trees or tall cat shelves around your home will let them expend energy and give them a way to get away by themselves if they want to.^{[5]XResearch source}
- If you build an outdoor area for your cat, you can put cat trees, shelves, tunnels, boxes, or anything else in your outdoor space. Small natural trees enclosed in the area can provide climbing places.
4
Spend time with your Aegean cat. This breed is very social and friendly. They also love people. You should make point to spend time with your cat each day. Play with them, interact with them, and just enjoy being around them. Let them cuddle with you and curl in your lap when they want.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Aegean cats are very vocal and like to talk to their owners. You can try talking to them and letting them vocalize back.
5
Protect any fish in your home. Aegean cats love water and love to fish. If you have any open water areas in your home, make sure to secure them when you bring home your Aegean cat. Otherwise, they will get in the water and try to hunt for fish.^{[7]XResearch source}
- If you have a fish tank or aquarium, make sure you secure it so the cat cannot get into it. If you have a koi or fish pond outdoors, make sure your cat cannot get to it.
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