When it comes to cats, over 70 recognized cat breeds are recognized today. But, not all of these cat breeds came from selective breeding. In fact, some of these recognized cat breeds have been around for centuries, and there is a lot of detailed information about them throughout history that tells of their journey to modern times. Some of these ancient cat breeds might not surprise you with their long history in the cat world, but you’ll be surprised to learn about a few of the ones on this list you may not have known. Keep reading to discover the oldest cat breeds that are still here today.
The Siamese
These blue-eyed beauties have evolved over centuries. The breed has two distinct looks: one with a thinner, longer face, known as the traditional Siamese look. Native to Thailand, which was formerly known as Siam, these cats are a favorite among many cat lovers across the globe. Known for their chatty nature, ballerina-like frames, and dazzling color points, it is believed that the first Siamese cats arrived in Europe as a gift from the King of Siam in the late 1800s.
These “Royal Cats of Siam” were held in high regard and were the preferred palace pets of much of the royal family. It’s believed that they were the only ones permitted to own one of these adored kitties. All Siamese kittens are born white or cream-colored, and their distinct color points will be fully revealed by their first birthday.
The Turkish Van
If there’s one thing you might know already about Turkish cats, these kitties don’t shy away from water. And there’s a reason, as these cats were surrounded by water when they were first domesticated. Many ancient Turkish Van cats enjoyed a dip in Lake Van because they would hunt for fish or use the lake to reach the other side of the land they wanted to explore.
These large, muscular cats have bodies that enable them to swim quickly, and if you were to have one today, they would likely retain their natural affinity for all things water. These cats have a fascinating look, with mostly white bodies, patches of color on their ears, and a tail that is typically orange with raccoon-like rings on them. The term “Van” in this ancient cat breed’s name refers to its countries of origin, Iraq, Iran, and portions of Turkey and the Soviet Union.
When tracing the roots of Turkish Van cats, it’s believed that these cats have been around for nearly five thousand years. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that the first Turkish Van cat was imported to Europe, and until the 1970s, when this ancient cat breed made its way to the US.
The Turkish Angora
Another beautiful Turkish cat on our list of ancient cat breeds that are still alive today is the Turkish Angora. This ancient breed originated in the Ankara province of Turkey. These cats were highly prized for their striking appearance, with their silky white coats and blue or green eyes.
The exact origins of the Turkish Angora cat are unclear, but they are believed to have been bred for centuries in Turkey. The breed was first introduced to Europe in the 16th century and became popular among cat enthusiasts for their beauty and intelligence.
In the 1900s, the breed declined in Turkey due to a lack of interest in preserving it, but in the 1960s, a breeding program was established to preserve the breed’s unique characteristics. The Turkish Angora was also introduced to the United States in the 1950s and gained recognition by cat associations.
The Turkish Angora has gained popularity as a companion cat worldwide in recent years. However, because the breed is relatively rare, responsible breeding practices are important to maintain its health and genetic diversity. In addition, the Turkish Angora is recognized as a national treasure in Turkey and is protected by law.
Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is a lovely spotted cat breed for over 3,000 years. Its name pays homage to its Egyptian roots, and these rare spotted cats aren’t something you’ll see often. This naturally occurring cat breed is long and lean in stature and is remarked for its athleticism. In fact, these cats are some of the fastest domesticated cats there are.
The Egyptian Mau is known as a highly social cat breed that craves attention and interaction with those that it cares about, including four-legged or two-legged family members. It is believed that the Egyptian Mau cat may be related to a spotted subspecies of the African Wild Cat.
It is believed that these stunning felines were once worshipped by ancient pharaohs. These are the only naturally occurring domesticated cat breed, as the spotted Bengal cat breed is not naturally occurring but results from human crossbreeding with wild cats.
Persian
This flat-faced cat breed has existed for so long that its origin is somewhat of a mystery. The history of Persian cats can be traced back to ancient Persia, now modern-day Iran. These beautiful felines were highly prized for their luxurious coats and friendly dispositions, and they were often kept as pets by the wealthy and nobility.
It is believed that traders and explorers brought Persian cats to Europe in the 17th century, and they quickly became popular among cat enthusiasts. Breeders began selectively breeding Persians to produce a variety of colors and patterns, including solid white, black, blue, cream, and tabby.
In the late 19th century, Persians were imported to the United States, gaining widespread popularity and being recognized by cat associations. However, the breeding practices used to create the desired appearance of the Persian cat also led to health issues, such as respiratory problems and eye disorders.
Today, Persian cats are still a popular breed worldwide, known for their beautiful long hair, gentle temperament, and loving personalities. However, responsible breeding practices and careful health management are important to maintain the well-being of these beloved felines.
