European Shorthair Cat

European Shorthair
Overview
Characteristics
European Shorthair
Temperament
? The breed’s dominant personality traits. While each individual has a unique personality, breed-specific genetics affect qualities like sociability, playfulness, and intelligence.
Calm, dependable, independent, friendly
Origin
? Where this breed was first established.
Sweden
Other Names
? In addition to their official names, most breeds earn a few nicknames.
Celtic Shorthair, European
Group
? Breeds are grouped by their size and coat type.
Medium-sized short-haired
Height
? The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
12"-14"
Body Length
? The typical adult body length among individuals of this breed. A cat’s length is measured from the base of the tail to the tip of the nose.
12"-16"
Weight
? The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.
8-15 pounds
Life Expectancy
? The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
14-20 years
Price
? The average price.
$100-$500
Affection Level
? Breeds with a high affection level want to give and receive a lot of attention, while less-affectionate breeds are not as interested in petting and snuggles.
0 100%
70%
Activity Level
? Breeds with high activity levels will engage more in active play and demand more space and attention.
0 100%
70%
Pet-Friendly
? How well the breed tends to get along with cats, dogs, and other pets.
0 100%
50%
Kid-Friendly
? Breeds with a higher rating in this area tend to be gentle and patient, while lower-rated breeds may feel uncomfortable with children.
0 100%
70%
Sociability
? Breeds with a higher sociability rating will want to spend time with you all day, while less-sociable breeds seldom seek out human interaction.
0 100%
70%
Intelligence
? Breeds with higher intelligence ratings are more curious, investigative, and easy to train. Less-intelligent breeds are less trainable but often laid-back and easygoing.
0 100%
90%
Playfulness
? Breeds that score higher in this area have strong hunting instincts that make them great playtime companions.
0 100%
80%
Independence
? Breeds that score higher in this area are able to spend hours alone, while less-independent breeds require plenty of attention.
0 100%
70%
Vocality
? A higher rating in this area indicates a breed prone to plenty of meowing and other vocalizations, while less-vocal breeds are happy to stay quiet.
0 100%
20%
Grooming
? Breeds with higher grooming scores require more maintenance like brushing and bathing, while lower-scored breeds are virtually maintenance-free.
0 100%
10%

European Shorthair Personality and Temperament

A friendly, fun-loving feline that's a favorite with families throughout Europe and beyond, the European Shorthair cat is accurately described as the pedigreed version of Europe's domestic shorthair cats.

These cats are extremely docile, with a reputation for making friends with children and other pets including well-behaved dogs and non-dominant cats. It is worth noting that European Shorthair cats are individuals with a wide range of personality traits. They have a reputation for being somewhat territorial, so families with multiple cats should place an even stronger emphasis on finding a cat with a compatible personality when choosing a housemate for the cats already in their homes.

Although they are playful, European Shorthair cats are equally fond of sleep. If you bring one of these kitties into your home, rest assured that you'll find them napping cozily anywhere they can make themselves comfortable. Often, they will make their way onto a human companion's warm lap for an extended lounge session. Thanks to their cuddly nature, European Shorthair cats are perfect for anyone who enjoys opportunities to relax with a furry friend.

About the European Shorthair Cat

Care

European Shorthair Cat Care

Nutrition

Nutrition

Grooming

Grooming

Exercise

Exercise

Health

Health

European Shorthair cats do not have any special nutritional needs, however they do require a high- protein diet. We recommend offering a high-quality cat food brand with real meat or fish as the number one ingredient.

European Shorthair cats have dense coats that don't require a whole lot of care, however they do benefit from one or two weekly brushing sessions. You might also want to teach your cat to accept routine dental care and frequent toenail trims.

Because European Shorthair cats do have a pronounced lazy side and a tendency to become overweight, you might find that it’s necessary to encourage active play. Whether this is the case or not, you’ll want to treat your cat to plenty of toys including interactive options and enticing battery-operated cat toys that move on their own or make sounds that mimic prey.

Save your furniture and help your cat stay strong and flexible by providing them with a cat tree and at least one scratching post.

The European Shorthair cat has a reputation for maintaining great health. This breed has no known genetic issues ,but obesity can be a problem. Appropriate diet and ample activity can help prevent this issue from ever popping up.

History

Today's European Shorthair cats can trace their ancestry all the way back to ancient Rome. When Roman legions made their way throughout the European continent, they brought cats with them. These cats were tasked with the important job of keeping Roman camps clear of rodents and other pests. As people created settlements and developed farms, the cats stayed on, earning their keep as reliable mousers. These days, they are thought to be Europe's original house cats.

Over the centuries, European Shorthair cats were known by different names including Celtic Shorthair cat. Today, the Celtic Shorthair is a breed of its own. Pedigreed European Shorthair cats were developed in Sweden, with an eye toward creating a domesticated feline that had a slightly wild edge to its appearance - just like its Roman ancestors. They are stockier than their close cousins, the British Shorthair and American Shorthair.

Even though these cats are vastly different from British Shorthair cats, which were developed using Persian cats to create the signature rounded head shape and somewhat shortened face that gives British Shorthairs their signature appearance, cat fancy associations judged European Shorthair cats by the same standard until they were granted their own category in 1982.

The breed is extremely popular throughout Scandinavia. Oddly, it is now considered to be one of Sweden's rarest cat breeds.

European Shorthair Cat History

Did You Know?

The European Shorthair is Finland's national cat breed.

While some cat breeds are fairly reluctant to hunt mice, European Shorthair cats love the opportunity to go after rodents. Given the chance, they'll keep your home free from unwanted pests.

The British Shorthair cat was known as the European Shorthair cat for some time, creating confusion as these are two distinctly different breeds.

The Breed Standard

About the European Shorthair Cat

Eyes

The European Shorthair cat may have eyes of any color including blue, green, blue-green, amber, gold, and brown. Some European Shorthair cats have eyes in two different colors. Odd-eyed cats typically have one amber eye and one blue eye.

Legs & Paws

The legs should be strong and well proportioned. The paws should be rounded, with a strong appearance.

Tail

The tail should be of medium-long length, with a slight taper toward the end.

Body

European Shorthair cats are of medium to large size, with strong, stocky bodies. Males typically reach a weight of about 15 pounds, while females are a bit smaller at an average of 12 pounds.

Head

The head should be proportionate to the body, and should have a rounded shape. The nose should be firm and straight, and the chin should be firm, with no evidence of an overbite or an underbite. Male European Shorthair cats often display prominent jowls.

Ears

The ears are medium size, with rounded tips. They should appear well balanced on the head. Ears may be furnished, but do not typically display streamers or long tufts.

Coat

The coat is sleek and short, with a single upper layer and no undercoat.

Color

European Shorthair cats of all colors and patterns may be shown. Paw pad and nose leather color should complement the coat color.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a European Shorthair cat cost?

European Shorthair cats cost between $100-$500.

How big do European Shorthair cats get?

European Shorthair cats tend to be medium in size. A fully grown European Shorthair cat might weigh between 8-15 pounds or more and range in height anywhere from about 12"-14" inches tall.

How long do European Shorthair cats live?

The Average lifespan for European Shorthair is 14-20 years.

Do European Shorthair cats shed?

European Shorthair are short-haired cats. Therefore, they do not shed as much as long-haired cat breeds.

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