Aphrodite Giant
Also called Aphrodite, Cyprus cat, Cypriot cat, Saint Helen cat, Saint Nicholas cat
From Cyprus, from the island's mountain highlands1
At a glance the quick version
TICA figures per Wikipedia (15-18 lb males, 10-14 lb females); CatTime gives males up to about 11 kg (24 lb). Takes 3-5 years to reach full size.
Coat and looks how to spot one
shorthair or semi-longhair
A big, strong, heavy-boned cat with solid muscle. The coat comes in a short and a semi-long version, both soft with a woolly feel, and it grows fuller with an undercoat in the colder months.12
Personality what they are like
Warm, people-focused and easygoing. It tends to attach closely to its family, likes company and is often described as behaving a little like a dog around the home.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An athletic cat that enjoys an active household with room to climb and play.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Shorthaired cats need only a regular brush; semi-longhaired cats do best with brushing every second day to keep the coat tidy and reduce hairballs.2
Home where they are happiest
Being a large cat, it appreciates sturdy, roomy scratching posts and climbing furniture.2
Company who they like around
Thrives with plenty of family contact and generally fits in well with children in an active home.2
The story where it all began
Cats have lived on Cyprus for thousands of years, and the local cats developed largely on their own in the island's mountains. Breeders began writing a standard in 2006, WCF granted full recognition in 2012, and TICA followed with preliminary status in 2017 under the shorter name Aphrodite.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
A burial of a cat alongside a human at Shillourokambos on Cyprus is about 9,500 years old, older than the famous Egyptian cat art.1
- 2
Local legend says Saint Helen sent cats to the Saint Nicholas monastery around 328 AD to keep snakes away, which is why the breed is also called the Saint Nicholas or Saint Helen cat.1
- 3
A 2012 genetic study found Cyprus cats form their own distinct group among Mediterranean cats.1
- 4
The breed is slow to finish growing and can take three to five years to reach full adult size.1
Recognised by the official bits
- WCF
- Fully recognised as Aphrodite's Giant from 1 July 20121
- TICA
- Preliminary new breed status under the name Aphrodite since September 20171
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Aphrodite Giant. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Nail trimevery 3 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- Litter scoopevery day
- Litter changeevery week
- PlayDaily playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Aphrodite Giant, and at what times?
Feeding frequency and times depend on your cat's age, activity level, and the type of food you choose. Consult your vet for a tailored schedule that keeps your Aphrodite Giant at a healthy weight.
What should an Aphrodite Giant eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a balanced, high-quality cat food appropriate for its age. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA.3
Does an Aphrodite Giant need baths?
Cats generally do not need baths unless they are very dirty or sticky. If a bath is necessary, use a cat-safe shampoo and consult your vet for advice.4
How often does an Aphrodite Giant need brushing?
For shorthaired Aphrodite Giants, a weekly brush is enough; for semi-longhaired ones, brushing every second day keeps the coat tidy and reduces hairballs. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests weekly brushing.24 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim an Aphrodite Giant's claws, and how often?
Trim claws every 2-3 weeks using proper cat nail clippers, cutting just the tip to avoid the quick. Start slowly, doing only a couple of claws per session. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests every 21 days.4 Furry Diary plan
How much play does an Aphrodite Giant need?
This athletic cat needs daily play sessions with interactive toys and climbing opportunities. Provide sturdy cat trees and scratching posts to keep it active and happy.2 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after an Aphrodite Giant's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily with a cat-safe toothpaste to prevent dental issues; Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every two days, with daily being ideal. For ears, check regularly for dirt or redness and ask your vet for specific care advice. Furry Diary plan
How long does an Aphrodite Giant live?
Aphrodite Giants typically live 12 to 15 years with proper care and a loving home.2
Is an Aphrodite Giant good with children and other pets?
Yes, this warm and easygoing breed often fits well with children and other pets in an active home. It tends to attach closely to its family and enjoys company.12
Can an Aphrodite Giant be left alone?
This people-focused cat thrives on company and may become lonely if left alone for long periods. Ensure it has plenty of interaction and enrichment when you are away.12
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Cyprus cat - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, origin, recognition, weight, coat, colours, history, facts
- Aphrodite Giant Cat Breed Information - CatTime cattime.comused for weight range, lifespan, grooming, personality
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.