European Shorthair cat - breed description

When someone sees a European short-haired (Celtic) cat at exhibitions, the first thought arises about who brought the yard Murka there. But taking a closer look, it is not difficult to notice that the European shorthair cat compares favorably with its characteristic features. She has an amazing hunting nature, special grace, manifested in the movements of her body.

Fact! European Shorthairs became the first cats to settle with a human under one roof.

The history of the breed

The appearance of this breed is not associated with original stories. The birth of the European Shorthair was preceded by selection with the participation of a domestic European.

In 1938, a short-haired cat, the Pied Piper, was presented at a German exhibition. She really liked the French and the British, who began to engage in the improvement of the breed. They conducted many different experiments, after which the world received the British and chartreuse.

Danish, Swedish, Norwegian felinologists engaged in targeted breeding. The first representative of European Shorthair was officially registered in 1948, and he did not have much in common with the British. In 1981, the European Shorthair and British were officially separated, despite the close relationship.

Description

Despite their fairly familiar external characteristics, the difference of which catches the eye of people far from felinology, European cats have unique features that can only be found together inside this single single breed. Their combination makes up the features of the external data of the breed of European Shorthair cats.

1. Torso. European shorthair cats have a massive body and a strong physique of sizes slightly larger than average. Moreover, they are very graceful and flexible.
2. Tail. Medium length and thickness. Medium fluffy, has an oval, beautifully rounded tip.
3. Paws Not thin and not long, but not stocky. The average length and thickness are proportional to the body of the animal. Muscular and strong, with a slight narrowing to rounded pads.
4. Neck. It has an average length. Strong and muscular.
5. Rib cage. Large and well developed.
6. Head. Oblong, conical shape. Pronounced vibrissa pads are considered an advantage.
7. The ears. They are medium in size. As well as a characteristic rounding at the tips. The presence of brushes is welcome. High set and agile. As a rule, European Shorthair ears look very harmonious and adorn the representatives of this breed.
8. Eyes. Medium size and regular shape, medium landing. They look understanding and smart. Clear and brilliant. Their shade directly depends on the color of the cat’s coat.
9. Wool. It has a dense and shiny outer hair of medium length and a very thick undercoat that raises the outer hairs.
10. Colors. They have a very large variety. This cat is represented in absolutely all possible color schemes and combinations.

For many years of selection, a lot of different colors were bred and combined. As a rule, the colors are displayed such that are more popular depending on the country where the live-breeding cats. Germans, for example, prefer cats in silver and white. In total, there are about 35 variants in the breed of European short-haired possible colors.

Such shades of European shorthair are represented in Russia: cream, black, smoky, white, gold, marble and tiger tabby. As a rule, everyone chooses a cat's color according to their individual taste. Animals of all possible colors are suitable for the soul.

Cats of lilac color, faun and all chocolate-brown flowers are not allowed to participate in the exhibitions.

Character

Europeans are smart enough, calm and affectionate creatures. At first, they are very lost in the new house, and feel "out of place", but just as quickly mastered and get used to. The main features in the character of European cats are their activity, sociability, friendliness. This breed is extroverted, they are intelligent and friendly animals that can be quickly trained. They are not intrusive and have many interesting things, in addition to communicating with the owner - a person.

European cats very rarely show aggression against children, usually they treat them with great understanding and patience. But the owner of such a cat can recall yesterday's spoiled mood and take revenge by suddenly biting his hand or hitting him with a paw.

Interesting fact! It is very noticeable if a cat takes revenge for something, she has a hurt face, she bites or pawed and runs away, after which she hides in a secluded corner for a rather long time.

In general, cats of this breed are friendly, sociable, contact and unobtrusive. They will never be imposed on those who do not wish to attend to them. Easy-going and friendly, they are very easy to communicate and maintain.

Maintenance and care

Celtic cats by their nature have just good health and excellent immunity. Very resistant to many infectious diseases. Naturally, subject to careful attention from the owner to the beloved pet.

1. The hair of these cats does not require complicated care. However, she also needs to pay attention. The presence of undercoat implies that the animal must be combed periodically. This will not only create additional comfort for the cat, but also protect things and furniture in the house from the presence of cat hair on them.
2. It is necessary to bathe the animal about once every six months and as needed. For water procedures, water is needed, with a temperature of about 40 degrees. No need to wash the cat with human shampoo. For these purposes, a special product suitable for cats or fragrance-free baby shampoo is suitable.
3. For combing, a wooden, or rather a soft silicone brush, is suitable. It is also convenient to do this with a special glove. Kittens should be trained in bathing and combing from the moment they appear in the house. To avoid unpleasant incidents, do not dry your cat's hair with a hairdryer. Its sound can greatly frighten the animal and discourage water procedures for the rest of its life. It’s better to do it in a natural way. After bathing your pet you need to get wet with one towel, and after that - wrap it in another.
4. The ears of cats should be cleaned with a slightly damp cotton pad, without climbing far into the sink. Water must not enter them, as it can damage the eardrum, which will lead to hearing loss. It can also cause inflammation.
5. Brushing teeth is also a must for cats. Do this with a special toothpaste designed for cats. Kittens brush their teeth with a cotton pad or cotton swab. Adults can carry out oral hygiene with a special or children's brush.

Cats living in the house need to have a scratching post. You can buy it at a pet store or make it yourself. You need to accustom an animal to a clawfish from an early age, from the moment a kitten appears in the house. It will be extremely difficult to do this when the pet has already adapted a sofa or wallpaper for these purposes. In this case, you will have to change the upholstery on the sofa or completely re-glue the wallpaper.At the time of the update, a claw point should appear in the house so that the cat finds in it a replacement for its previous device.

European Shorthair Cat

This breed, like other cat breeds, belongs to predators. If the animal is planted for household purposes, to get rid of rodent pests, then it can feed on mice and birds. Such well-groomed cats do not like this prospect. Therefore, the pet needs to be fed in the way of providing him with quality and balanced food. You can feed the animal with natural food or special food, or you can both.

If, for any reason, the owner often has to be absent for several days, then the best food option is high-quality dry food. You can buy or make a special feeding trough, from which the feed will pour itself as it is consumed by the animals. Thus, not being outdoors, it will remain fresh and usable.

Dry feeds often contain vitamin-mineral complexes. If not, then vitamins should be given separately. Or you need to carefully monitor that the cat receives a balanced diet.

An approximate diet of a European shorthair cat:

• Low-fat meats: turkey, chicken, rabbit, beef.
• Chicken or beef liver.
• Fish without small stones or small boiled (capelin, gobies).
• Boiled vegetables: carrots, beets, cabbage.

Proper and balanced nutrition is the key to health, a long and happy life of the animal.

Vaccination

Vaccination is a must for all cats. It is important not only for the animal, but also for the owners. Before vaccination, the cat should be dewormed. If the pet has unhealthy symptoms, it is imperative to consult a veterinarian in order not to miss a dangerous disease that could lead to permanent health problems or even death.

Where to buy a European shorthair cat?

Today, serious nurseries have their sites on the Internet, where animal institutions and documents are presented. Very often photos and videos of kittens from the moment of birth and pedigree data are laid out. The reputation of breeders is easy to verify by contacting previous customers to inquire. A good and decent breeder must share with the future buyer all the details of the life of cats and the features of caring for them.

How much does a European shorthair cat cost?

The price depends on the class of the animal: pet, brid, show. And also from the reputation of the nursery and the quality of related lines, from the sex of the animal, usually a cat costs more than a cat.

Europeans are not particularly expensive animals compared to other breeds. In countries of the former Soviet Union, a pet will cost $ 150 and more. But in countries where this breed enjoys special honor and attention among breeders, you will have to pay at least five hundred US dollars for European shorthair.

Video: European Shorthair cat