Cypriot cat to get pedigree recognition

THE CYPRIOT cat will finally be recognised as an official breed, with experts believing that local cats have developed unique characteristics.

The pre-selection for the recognition will take place a Cat Show in taking place in Limassol this weekend. The event is organised by the Cyprus Feline Society, in co-operation with the World Cat Federation.

“We have already compiled the standards and defining characteristics of the Cypriot cat, which is actually divided into two breeds. The breeds will be named ‘St Helen’ and for the second breed we are between ‘Aphrodite’ or ‘Atlantis’,” said Dritta Sjklova, Cat Show Registrar.

As Sjklova explained, the Cypriot cat is similar to the Turkish Angora and Van breeds, from which it is believed to have evolved.

“The Cypriot cat evolved from the Van cat, which originated in the Lake Van in Anatolia, which is why these cats are the only swimmers in the feline world. Because it was enclosed in an island, the Cypriot cat evolved into a separate breed, developing special characteristics that distinguish it from other breeds,” she said.

A total of 22 local cats will participate in the show and will be examined by the two all-breed international judges on site. It is believed that the ‘Aphrodite’ or ‘Atlantis’ breed displays characteristics including large size and strength, slightly taller hind legs, silky coat and difference in colour between the two eyes, whereby one eye maybe blue and the other green or yellow.

In addition to the 22 native cats, a large number of pedigree cats will be participating. “We have space for 110 cats, and we had to turn down many applicants due to lack of space. We will have about 15 different pedigree cats at the show,” Sjklova said.

The cat show will take place at Golden Arches hotel in Limassol on Saturday and Sunday and will establish the final pre-selection criteria for the recognition of the Cypriot cat. The actual recognition is scheduled to take place in a future cat show, which will take place in Cyprus in November.

n The entrance fee is €7 for adults, €3.50 for children over 12, and free for children under 12. For more information contact 99023824.

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