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.
Care
Nutrition
Grooming
Exercise
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.
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
Eyes
Legs & Paws
Tail
Body
Head
Ears
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.
