Most domestic cats are believed to have descended from the North African wildcat, Felis sylvestris lybica.
In ancient Egypt, cats held a sacred place in society, appearing in tomb paintings and hieroglyphs as early as 2000 BC. While their stylised depictions make it difficult to identify specific breeds, it's clear that humans have shared a long and symbolic relationship with cats.
Today, tracing the exact origins of modern breeds is often speculative, but some are widely believed to have ancient roots. Here are some of the oldest cat breeds in the world.
- Unhealthiest cat breeds – according to a veterinary surgeon
- What are the most popular cat names? The top 10 cat names revealed...
Oldest cat breeds
Abyssinian
The elegant Abyssinian is one of the oldest established and most beautiful cat breeds in the world, having been brought to England by Sir Robert Napier in 1868, who had returned from the Abyssinia War in Ethiopia. The cat was given the name ‘Zula’ and won first prize in the 1871 Crystal Palace cat show.
There has also been speculation over the fact that the breed shares similarities with the cats featured in ancient Egyptian paintings and sculptures.
Egyptian Mau
The modern Egyptian Mau bears a strong resemblance to the cats featured in the artworks of ancient Egypt, which has led to suggestions that it is a closer descendant. These days, Egyptian Maus are a relatively rare breed, with the modern cat’s survival shaped by the exiled Russian princess Nathalie Troubetskoy, who was given a silver-spotted female kitten which she decided to breed and then established the first Egyptian Mau cat breeding line.
Did you know? The Egyptian Mau is the fastest domestic cat breed, reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
Norwegian forest cat
The Norwegian forest cat is thought to have originated from cats brought to Norway by the Vikings, who mention large, long-haired cats in their mythology and legend. Freyja, the goddess of love and fertility, was said to have two large cats pulling her chariot – which closely resemble the Norwegian forest cat.
With a solid body and tufted coat (and believed to share a common ancestor with the Maine Coon), the Norwegian forest cat is one of the biggest cat breeds – and is easily spotted thanks to the lynx-like tufts on its ears. They have adapted to a very cold climate, with a top layer of hair covering a woolly undercoat for warmth and insulation. The Norwegian forest cat faced extinction during World War Two, before a breeding programme saved it from the brink. In the 1950s, King Olav V declared the Norwegian forest cat as the official cat of Norway.
- Cat neutering: all you need to know, from the benefits of neutering to how to look after your cat afterwards
- How can I stop my cat hunting wildlife?
Siberian
The earliest known reference to Siberian cats is from 1000 AD, as the breed is Russia’s native forest cat and has existed for many centuries in the dense forests of Siberia. It is the national cat of Russia, and many experts believe the breed to be the distant ancestor of all modern-day long-haired breeds – although this is a contested opinion.
Despite their long, thick hair, Siberians produce fewer of the allergen-triggering proteins than other cats, making them a popular hypoallergenic cat breed for people with allergies.
Korat
The rare Korat can be traced back centuries, having appeared in the Cat-Book Poems, a manuscript believed to originate from the Ayutthaya period, a Thai kingdom that existed in Southeast Asia from 1351 to 1767. The manuscript contained illustrations and descriptions of 17 different cat breeds, one of which was the Korat – which has changed very little since the text’s production.
Persian
With its snub nose and round cheeks, the Persian is one of the weirdest cat breeds – and also one of the most adorable. It is said to have originated from cats imported from Iran into Italy in the 17th century by the Italian composer and author, Pietro della Valle. Like the Abyssinian, the Persian cat was exhibited at the first ever cat show at Crystal Palace in 1871 – but this cat might have looked quite different to the Persians seen today, with larger ears and a rounder head.
Some of their unique characteristics have led to health problems, which you can find out more about in our round-up of the healthiest cat breeds.
Enjoy reading about ancient pets? Read more about the oldest dog breeds now...
More pet content
- Hypoallergenic cats: These are the cat breeds that don't shed, best for those with allergies
- Mystery solved! How cats effortlessly squeeze into the tiniest spaces
- Hairless cats, tailless tabbies and wolf-like felines: These are the weirdest cat breeds
- Scottish folds: The dark reality behind Instagram's most adorable cat breed
