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, and many people sort them by size, country of origin, etc.
We’ll examine the Egyptian cat breeds so you can learn about some of the world’s most ancient cats. For every entry on our list, we have included a photo and a short description of the reeds so you can learn more about them and see if they are right for your home.
Top 7 Egyptian Cat Breeds
1. Chausie
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
- Temperament: Social, attentive, active
- Colors: Brown tabby, black, grizzled tabby
The Chausie cat is one of the newer Egyptian cat breeds and was developed in 1995. They’re available in several colors, but the breed standard only allows for three colors, including black, brown tabby, and grizzled tabby. It’s a social breed that is friendly around strangers and has plenty of energy for chasing balls.
2. African Wildcat
- Lifespan: 11–19 years
- Temperament: Solitary and peaceful
- Colors: Brown, grey
We’ve African Wildcats because, though it is not a domesticated animal, Egyptians used them 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 a sandy brown or gray color, and they closely resemble domestic cats but tend to be a little larger.
3. Shirazi
- Lifespan: 12–16 years
- Temperament: Social, attentive, active
- Colors: Black, blue, white, and red
The Shirazi is an attractive and cuddly cat similar to the Persian cat. They have large, round eyes and a fluffy tail. Most owners mention that this is one of the friendliest breeds you can find. They’ll spend much of their time trying to convince you to let it sit on your lap. They like warm weather and often cuddle up in a cozy bed if they’re not on your lap, and they don’t like to be alone for several hours at a time.
4. Nile Valley Egyptian Cat
- Lifespan: 10–20 years
- Temperament: Varies
- Colors: Standard, lybica, agouti
The Nile Valley Egyptian Cat is a modern version of an ancient breed. They’re the feral domestic cats of Egypt, and some believe the breeds are thousands of years old. They display a wide variety of colors and patterns available in three categories: standard, agouti, and lybica.
5. Savannah Cat
- Lifespan: 12–20 years
- Temperament: Intelligent, curious, and active
- Colors: Black, brown, smoke, silver
Breeders created the Savannah cat by mixing a domesticated cat with a serval, a wildcat native to Africa. Breeders often use the Chausie, Bengal, and Persian cats to develop the Savannah because of the cats’ unique markings. The temperament can vary based on the parents, but most are incredibly loyal, never venturing far from their owners. If not properly socialized early, Savannahs can become fearful, growl and hiss at strangers, or hide away until they leave.
6. Egyptian Mau
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Temperament: Active, affectionate, intelligent
- Colors: Silver, bronze, smoke, black
The Egyptian Mau is a smaller cat that is extremely popular worldwide because they are one of the only naturally spotted cat breeds. They like to stay active and spend most of the day chasing after toys. Some cats can run as fast as 30 miles per hour, and they are usually loyal and friendly. Many owners comment on the musical nature of their vocalizations, which can resemble singing.
7. Abyssinian
- Lifespan: 9–15 years
- Temperament: Loving and affectionate
- Colors: Ruddy, blue, fawn, sorrel
The Abyssinian cat is one of the oldest breeds in the world. They have a short-haired, ticked coat that gives them an instantly recognizable appearance. They enjoy following family members around the home and are described by many as clowns, often resorting to elaborate and entertaining tactics to get what they want. Abyssinians are also smart enough to learn several tricks and come when you call them.
Conclusion
Out of all the cats on this list, the Egyptian Mau and Abyssinian are the easiest to find. However, if you look hard enough, you can purchase the others, except for the African Wildcat. Any of these cats will make a wonderful pet while turning the heads of all your friends and neighbors, and they don’t require any special care or housing requirements.
We hope you enjoyed reading this list and found a few cats you would like to own. If we have helped you find your next pet, please share these 7 Egyptian cat breeds on Facebook and Twitter.
Featured Image Credit: Fields Photography, Shutterstock
