Welcome to the exciting world of cat breed history, where mysteries are solved and ancient histories come to life. Have you ever wondered what the oldest breed of cat is? We delve of the history of ancient Egyptian times and undertake an exciting journey to discover the origins of our beloved cat breed.
From the majestic Egyptian Mau believed to be (Egyptian sacred cat) to the elegant Siamese cat breed with its rich history and royal heritage, each breed has a legacy old civilization itself. We explore the fascinating stories and unique characteristics of ancient cat breeds that highlight the long-standing bond between humans and their faithful companions.
Egyptian Mau Cat:
With its characteristic tiger-spotted fur and its elegant appearance, the Egyptian Mau cat is a living history of an ancient civilization along the Nile. It is believed that to be a descendant of the famous sacred cat worshipped in ancient Egypt. It was depicted in works of art and worshipped as a symbol of grace and the divinity. Her fighting skills and loyal nature made of the guardian an important friend.
Facts:
Egyptian cats are well-known for their striking coat color, often described as “random spots” or “Broken Mackerel. One of the some naturally occurring spotted cat breeds, it has a signature “M” on its forehead.
Key Characteristics:
| Characteristic | Description |
| Personality | Playful, active, devoted, loyal, alert, and affectionate on their own terms. |
| Weight | Ranges from 6 to 14 pounds. |
| Height | Stands between 8 to 14 inches tall. |
| Length | Up to 16 inches. |
| Coat | A medium-length, short-haired breed with a silky soft or close-textured coat. |
| Coat Color | Silver, bronze, or smoke with dark spots; distinctive “M” marking on the forehead and “mascara” lines on the face. |
| Eye Color | Green. |
| Lifespan | Typically 12 to 15 years. |
| Origin | Ancient Egypt. |
Siamese Cat:
Siamese cats come from the ancient kingdom of Siam (breed from Thailand) and have a rich royal and mystical history. Their origins are shrouded in legend. These were revered as guardians of temples. Their come to distinctive almond-shaped blue eyes and remarkable fur have fascinated people for centuries.
Facts:
Siamese cats are known for their highly vocal and gentle behavior. They have a slender, elegant build and are characterized by a “pointed” coloration, with the darker hair on the ears, muzzle, paws and tail appearing in contrast to the lighter body coloration.
Key Characteristics:
| Characteristic | Description |
| Origin | Thailand (formerly known Siam). |
| Size | Medium-sized, slender, and muscular. |
| Coat | Short, thin coat with a smooth, shiny appearance, colored spots on ears, muzzle, legs and tail. |
| Eyes | Striking blue eyes. |
| Variations | Modern (slender, wedge-shaped head) or Classic (rounded head, slightly stocky body). |
| Long-Haired | Internationally famous Bali cat. |
Persian Cat:
The Persian cat is known for its luxurious long coat and gentle temperament. Its royal appearance dates back to ancient Persia in Iran. The Persian cat to have been brought to Europe by Italian traders in the 17th century. This cat quickly became a favorite of aristocrats and kings for its natural breed beauty and charm.
Facts:
Persians cats have a characteristic of (short-haired) face structure, large, expressive eyes, and harsh hair that requires regularly grooming. Persians cats come in a variety of colors and patterns, from monochromatic to bicolor and even “Himalayan,” which is characterized by dark and light patches on a body.
Key Characteristics:
| Characteristic | Description |
| Personality | Loving, gentle, calm and devoted, preferring admiration to forceful action. |
| Weight | Ranges from 7 to 12 pounds. |
| Length | Measures between 14 to 17 inches. |
| Coat Length | Luxurious long-haired cats. |
| Hair Colors | Blue, Black, White, Red, Cream, Chocolate, Lilac, Silver, Gold. |
| Eye Color | Copper, blue, green, blue-green, hazel, and odd-eyed. |
| Lifespan | Typically 15 to 20 years. |
| Origin | Persia (Iran). |
Maine Coon Cat:
The strong and persistent Maine Coon cat is deeply rooted in American folklore, dating back to the early days of American colonialization. The Maine Coon cat was bred by sea traders and the early Viking explorers. These cats have famous due to bushy ears, a cats have long and thick tail and waterproof coat that protects them from the cold.
Facts:
Maine Coons are well-known for their friendly and sociable nature and are often also called “gentle giants” due to their large size and lovable nature. They have bushy ears, a bushy tail and a thick, waterproof coat that protects them from the cold.
Key Characteristics:
| Characteristic | Description |
| Size | Males grow up to 18 pounds at maturity. |
| Coat | Thick, shaggy coat to survive harsh winters. |
| Ears | Large, tufted ears. |
| Origin | Truly North American, dating back over 200 years. |
Turkish Angora Cat:
The Turkish Angora, a breed of cat to had originated in the mountainous regions of Turkey. It has been revered as a symbol of good luck and wealth. These elegant cats were prized pets of the Turkish royal family. These cats are known for their soft, semi-silky coats and blue or exotic colored eyes.
Facts:
They are famous for their playful and mischievous nature, and Turkish Angoras are often known for their acrobatic stunts and love of climbing. They come in a variety of colors, including white, black, blue and tiger-spotted, and this ‘one-eyed’ species is particularly valued in Turkish folklore.
Key characteristics:
| Characteristic | Description |
| Personality | Playful, social, intelligent, rascally and sometimes aggressive towards other pets. |
| Weight | Up to 9 pounds. |
| Length | Up to 18 inches. |
| Coat Length | Long hair. |
| Coat Colors | White with lavender, chocolate. |
| Eye Color | Light blue, sapphire, emerald, green-gold, gold, amber, copper, or two different breeds colors. |
| Lifespan | Up to 15 years. |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes. |
Abyssinian Cat:
With its ferocious looks and luscious eyes, the Abyssinian cat has captured the hearts of many cat lovers for hundreds of years. The Abyssinian cat was to have originated in ancient Egypt and was often featured on ancient coloured artefacts. The hieroglyphs suggesting that its origins go back thousands of years.
Facts:
Abyssinian cats are known for their beautifully emulated locks of hair, with each lock of hair having bands of color that give them their characteristic agouti look. Abyssinians have large, expressive eyes and a sleek, powerful body to match their energy and intelligence.
Key Characteristics:
| Characteristic | Description |
| Origin | It is found in South-East Asia and along the Indian Ocean coast, and may have been brought to Abyssinia (Ethiopia) by travelers. |
| Appearance | Light-colored, thin-boned, muscular, medium to large size. Short coat with multi-colored hair. Large, erect ears. |
| Personality | They are active, naturally curious and affable. They follow their owners, enjoy encouraging play and want socialization. They are not lap cats, they are always on the move. |
| History | One of the oldest established cat breeds, recognized in 1929. Developed in the United Kingdom. |
Japanese Bobtail Cat:
The Japanese bobtail is a living symbol of Japanese culture and tradition, revered for its unique tail and distinctive appearance. The Japanese bobtail is to have been brought to Japan from China over a thousand of years ago and was considered a lucky charm, often depicted in Japanese art and folklore.
Facts:
Japanese bobtails have a characteristic “bob tail” which is the result of a genetic mutation. They come in a wide range of coat colours and patterns, with a variation of the “mi-ke” (perka), which is associated with happiness, highly valued in Japanese culture.
Key Characteristics:
| Characteristic | Description |
| Personality | Affectionate, friendly, sociable, and playful. |
| Weight | Up to 10 pounds. |
| Length | Up to 14 inches long. |
| Coat Length | Short or long hair. |
| Coat Colors | White, black, chocolate, cream, red, lilac, and blue. |
| Eye Color | Any shade, though blue and gold are common, as well as odd-eyes. |
| Lifespan | Up to 18 years. |
| Hypoallergenic | No. |
Burmese Cat:
The Burmese cat originated in the temples of Burma (Myanmar), where it was highly revered as a sacred companion of the Arthurian Monks. It was probably brought to Europe by British colonisers in the 19th century and quickly became popular cat breeds for its affectionate nature and striking golden eyes.
Facts:
Burmese cats are known for their distinctive “sable” coat color, which ranges from a rich warm brown to a deep chocolate gloss. They have a muscular build and rounded head with large, expressive eyes that reflect their loving and playful nature.
Key Characteristics:
| Characteristic | Description |
| Personality | Friendly, loving, happy with other animals, playful. |
| Weight | Up to 14 pounds. |
| Length | Up to 18 inches. |
| Coat Length | Short hair. |
| Hair Colors | Sable, Diamond, Patina, Blue and their different color variations. |
| Eye Color | Gold. |
| Lifespan | Up to 18 years. |
| Hypoallergenic | No. |
Conclusion:
Uncovering the mysteries of the oldest known cat breeds takes us on an exciting journey through history. From the sacred temples of ancient Egyptians to the ethereal mountains of Turkey, each breed is steeped in thousands of years of culture, tradition and social relationships.
Whether it’s the majestic Egyptian Mau, the mysterious Siamese or the elegant Persian, these felines are living artifacts of ancient civilizations. While we marvel at their beauty and grace, we also appreciate the timeless bond between humans and cats, testifying to the eternal power of love and friendship.
Frequently Asked Question:
What is the oldest cat breed?
The Egyptian Mau is often considered a national treasure to be one of the oldest known cats, with origins dating back to ancient Egypt. Revered as the sacred companion of the royal family, the Egyptian Mau is known for its elegant behavior and distinctive spotted coat and is a true testament to the history of cats.
Was she the first cat on earth?
Although the exact species of the first cat on earth is not known, it is believed that the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica) is the closest ancestor of the modern domestic cat. These wild cats originally came from Africa and were probably first domesticated around 10,000 years ago.
What was the first breed of cat to appear?
The domestication of cats probably began with the African wild cat (Felis silvestris lybica), which was one of the first cat breeds. Over the millennia, these wild cats evolved through natural selection and human intervention into the various domestic shorthair cat breeds we know today.
What is the oldest registered cat?
Creme Puff is the oldest registered cat, aged 38 years and 3 days. Born on August 3, 1967 in Austin, Texas, Creme Puff has lived a long and full life, captivating cat breeds in the world with his longevity.
Did the cat ever reach the age of 30?
Yes, some cats have reached the age of 30 or more. Although it is unusual for cats to live to such an advanced age.
Is the oldest cat dead?
Yes, the oldest cat, Creme Puff, is dead. After a wonderful life of 38 years and 3 days, Creme Puff died peacefully in her sleep on 6 August 2005. Despite her death, her legacy as the oldest documented cat continues to inspire many cat lovers around the world.
Do Egyptian cats need special care?
Egyptian cats have a short, uncomplicated coat that does not require much care. However, they do need mental and physical stimulation, so they need interactive games and opportunities for activities.
