 Aegean Cat vs British Shorthair Cat. What are the differences between these two cat breeds? The Aegean is a natural cat breed cat, which means they developed without the need for human intervention. Fans of the breed recognize these felines as smart, energetic, and friendly companions. While not overly affectionate, the British Shorthair tends to get along just fine with everyone. They're mellow and will tolerate other pets, and even though they may not seek out snuggles at every opportunity, they're happy to be scooped up for a good cuddle. The Aegean cat breed hails from the Greek islands of the Cyclades, which are situated in the Aegean Sea. It's speculated that originating so close to the sea is why these felines are not afraid of water. The breed's friendliness towards humans is also said to come from their upbringing, being around sailors and fishermen all the time. In Greece, the Aegean is a super popular cat breed, although it is rarer to come across them in other countries. If you're considering adding an Aegean to your family, remember that many have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you. You may not realize it, but you probably grew up with the British Shorthair. He's the clever feline of puss in boots and the grinning Cheshire cat of Alice in Wonderland. The British Shorthair is native to England. With the rise of cat shows during the Victorian era, cat fanciers began to breed the cats to a particular standard and keep pedigrees for them. Two World Wars devastated the breed, and few British Shorthairs remained after World War II. With the help of other breeds, the Shorthairs, as they are called in Britain, were revitalized. The American Cat Association recognized the British Shorthair in 1967, but the Cat Fanciers Association did not accept it until 1980. Now, all cat associations recognize the breed. The main color of the Aegean's coat is white, and it usually has spots and markings in colors including black, gray and blue. The markings on the cat vary on an individual basis. The Aegean is relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming, although their plush coat will get thicker in winter. As with all breeds, keep a close eye out for any mats that might be starting to develop while you're grooming the cat. Remember, regular brushing will help keep the cat's coat clean and healthy. When it comes to climate, the Aegean is generally seen as an adaptable cat who can usually live happily in most climates. Just remember to always make sure adequate shade and fresh water are provided when the temperature spikes. With his short, thick coat, round head and cheeks, big round eyes, and rounded body, the British Shorthair resembles nothing so much as a cuddly teddy bear. His body is compact but powerful with a broad chest, strong legs with rounded paws, and a thick tail with a rounded tip. The coat comes in just about any color or pattern you could wish for, including lilac, chocolate, black, white, pointed, habby, and many more. The best known color is blue, gray, and the cats are sometimes referred to as British blues. The Shorthair does not reach full physical maturity until he is 3-5 years old. Hello! This video is sponsored by Beemix Pets. Are you looking for high quality cat collars at an affordable cost? Check out, BeemixPets.com. Use coupon code KittenLife, to get 20% off. The Aegean cat is one of the most friendly and sociable cat breeds around. They make great additions to any large family and will constantly look to seek out human interaction, whether that's to relax together during down times or for energetic play sessions. These athletic cats are also highly intelligent in many cases, Aegeans have been taught to perform tricks. While the Aegean has an independent streak, they do best in a bustling household where there's always activity going on that the cat can check out. The Aegean also has a love of being outdoors, so if you can provide a safely enclosed cardio, they'll very much appreciate it. Just be warned, due to Aegeans being part of a rare group of cats who enjoy the water, they might come to see any pet fish as an opportunity for a snack session. The British Shorthair is mellow and easygoing, making him an excellent family companion. He enjoys affection, but he's not Amy, me, me type of cat. Expect him to follow you around the house during the day, settling nearby wherever you stop. Full of British reserve, the Shorthair has a quiet voice and is an undemanding companion. The Aegean require a lap, although he loves to sit next to you. Being a big cat, he isn't fond of being carried around. This is a cat with a moderate activity level. He's energetic during kittenhood but usually starts to settle down by the time he is a year old. More mature British Shorthairs are usually couch potatoes, but adult males occasionally behave like goofballs. When they run through the house, they can sound like a herd of elephants. British Shorthairs are rarely destructive, their manners are those of a proper governance, not a soccer hooligan. They welcome guests confidently. The Aegean cat has a well-deserved reputation as a smart and athletic feline, so you'll need to ensure that the breed is always kept physically and mentally stimulated. Ideally, you'll want to purchase a cat tree for your Aegean to interact with, and if you live in an environment with furniture that the cat can safely climb up and down, they will very much appreciate the opportunity to explore. Along with scheduling yearly wellness vet visits, your Aegean will need their nails checked on a regular basis. Ask your vet how best to do this if you're new to feline maintenance. You'll also want to examine the cat's ears for signs of dirt building up or possible infection and clean them if needed. Leaving smart toys and interactive treat dispensers around the home is also a great way to keep the Aegean mentally stimulated. Also, make sure to speak to your regular vet about the teeth brushing regimen for your Aegean. The British Shorthairs short, smooth coat is simple to groom with weekly brushing or combing to remove dead hairs. A bath is rarely necessary. Brush the teeth to prevent periodontal disease. Daily dental hygiene is best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing. Trim the nails weekly. Wipe the corners of the eyes with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Use a separate area of the cloth for each eye so you don't run the risk of spreading any infection. Check the ears weekly. If they look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball or soft damp cloth moistened with a 50 to 50 mixture of cider vinegar and warm water. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can damage the interior of the ear. Keep the litter box spotlessly clean. Cats are very particular about bathroom hygiene. It's a good idea to keep a British Shorthair as an indoor only cat to protect him from diseases spread by other cats, attacks by dogs or coyotes, and the other dangers that face cats who go outdoors, such as being hit by a car. British Shorthairs who go outdoors also run the risk of being stolen by someone who would like to have such a beautiful cat without paying for it. The Aegean is wonderful with children. The cat will quickly form loving bonds with the kids in your home. Just be sure that early socialization takes place and boundaries are properly set on both sides and supervise early interactions between kids and cats. When it comes to other household pets, the Aegean is also usually fine around other domestic animals although, as mentioned above, this is not a cat to leave unsupervised around fish or other water-based pets. Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this breed. Make sure to reward your Aegean for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regime when you bring them home to your family. This mild-mannered cat is well suited to life with families with children and cat-friendly dogs. He loves the attention he receives from children who treat him politely and with respect, and is forgiving of clumsy toddlers. Supervise young children and show them how to pet the cat nicely. Instead of holding or carrying the cat, have them sit on the floor and pet him. Other cats will not disturb his equilibrium. For best results, always introduce any pets, even other cats, slowly and in a controlled setting. If you enjoyed this video, kindly press the like button. 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