European Shorthair Cat (Celtic Cat)

The European Shorthair is a gentle, good-natured and even-tempered cat that was originally bred in European and Scandinavian countries as well as in Great Britain. It easily adjusts to the tempo of life of its owners but still retains the classical feline independent streak. This fashionable breed with short dense coat is found in a wide range of colours and pattern mixture.

Photo: © KaDiS Photo (kadisphoto.ru)

The European Shorthair has been invented from the ordinary domestic cat by breeding the most attractive individual specimens. The goal was to develop a sturdy shorthair breed with a roundish muzzle. From time to time the Persian Longhair was utilised in the breeding program in order to speed up the processes of stabilisation of its appearance.

The development of the European Shorthair took place simultaneously in Northern Europe, in Scandinavia, and in Great Britain. Nonetheless the breeders from Scandinavia forbore from interbreeding their cats with Persian longhairs and other feline varieties since they aimed for keeping the breed’s blood undiluted. They chose for breeding purpose only house cats that satisfied the sought-after conformation. The resulting cat was named «the European shorthair». In other regions of Europe the breed was the carrier of the genes of the Persian Longhair and therefore it greatly differed from its Scandinavian cousin.

This difference became apparent at international cat shows when two types of the breed were exhibited side by side. Thereby in the 80s of the XX century the Scandinavian breeders petitioned FIFe (Fédération Internationale Féline) to detach their breed. Since 1982 only cats of Scandinavian origin have a right to bear a name of the European Shorthair and they have their separate standard.

Presently the breed’s lineage is kept pure and includes only European domestic cats. It’s widespread in Scandinavian countries and particularly in Finland where it’s considered one of the most fashionable shorthair breeds.

The personality of the European Shorthair can be depicted as vigorous, inquisitive, skittish, smart and independent. On the whole it behaves itself friendly towards unfamiliar people although some of its specimens prefer to hold aloof with strangers. It constantly seeks for the company of its masters and demonstrates its affection by welcoming them when they get back from work, helping them with day-to-day household chores, or curling up beside its favourite person in his/her bed.

The European Shorthair is capable of adapting to any lifestyle of its owners. The breed can be easily kept with other household pets (both dogs and cats) if it has had an opportunity to socialise with them since an early age.

The European Shorthair is more spirited than for instance longhaired cats. This playful cat retains its kitten-like vigour until very revered age but it can’t be considered as hyper active. It will make a wonderful feline soul mate for a child if it handles the cat with proper respect. Broadly speaking this breed suits equally well for fanciers of a classical lap cat and for ones who prefer more temperamental pets.

The most common problems for the breed include:

· polycystic kidney disease (for those bred with Persian);

· hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

The maintenance of the European Shorthair will take minimum amount of your time. Its short coat will look splendid only with weekly brushing, which will help to remove dead hair, stave off matting, and enhance circulation. This breed is a light shedder.

In other respects the European Shorthair requires very basic grooming that should consist of periodic nail trimming and weekly teeth brushing. Keep the litter box of your pet immaculately clean otherwise it will use for its natural needs other places in your dwelling.