Origin, appearance and character of the European Shorthair
The European shorthair cat is a real pride of the old continent, the history of which dates back to the distant times of domestication of wild cats in Europe. The first mentions of these animals are found in medieval chronicles, and already in the twentieth century European Shorthair began to be registered as a separate breed, appreciating their natural qualities and variety of colors. The breed is officially recognized by FIFe, WCF, GCCF and many other organizations. It is considered to be the “standard” domestic cat – without admixtures of other breeds.
Externally, the European Shorthair is a medium-sized cat (adult weight 3.5-6 kg), with a strong body, proportional head, round eyes (yellow, green or copper), medium-sized ears and rounded cheeks. The coat is short, shiny, thick and pleasant to the touch. The peculiarity of the breed is a wide range of colors: black, white, red, tabby of all shades, blue, cream, cream, tortoiseshell, even smoky. Both monochrome and spotted, striped and marbled variants are allowed. It is black color is considered one of the most spectacular: thick, shiny, with a minimum number of light hairs, but in the standard is important not the color, but the naturalness and health of the coat.
The European Shorthair cat has a very balanced and intelligent character. It is friendly, easily adapts to new conditions, gets along well with children, other animals and likes to be near people, but is not intrusive. She has a developed sense of independence – this is an ideal friend for a busy person who appreciates ease of communication and loyalty without unnecessary dramas. Such cats are perfectly trainable, easily get used to the routine in the house and are very smart – they can even learn simple commands.
European Cattleya kittens
Kittens of this breed are born strong, playful and inquisitive. A distinctive feature is their health and lack of inborn genetic problems often found in other popular breeds. Babies grow quickly, learn to use the litter box early and are perfectly adapted to family life. Thanks to natural selection, they are resistant to disease, have good immunity, longevity – the average life expectancy is 14-18 years.
There are no sudden changes in the development of European Shorthair kittens: they gradually gain weight, the coat becomes thicker with age, and the color – more expressive. If you dream of a black cat – this breed gives birth to kittens with black and many other colors. The main thing is to choose a cat not only by color, but by temperament and suit your lifestyle.
Grooming the European Shorthair Cat
The European Shorthair does not need complicated grooming – it is one of the most unpretentious breeds. Its short, dense coat almost never sheds, so regular brushing once a week with a comb or mitt is enough to remove dead hairs and maintain its shine. During the shedding period you can comb out a little more often – this will reduce the amount of hair on the furniture. Bathe the cat only if necessary, because the natural greasiness of the coat protects it from dirt. Be sure to check ears, eyes, claws and teeth – standard care as for all pets.
The main advice for owners is not to forget about quality food, access to clean water, active play and attention. It is the simplicity of care and natural beauty that made the European Shorthair an ideal choice for those who want a tail without hassle, but with a sincere character.
