Emma Jones
If you are looking for a robust and even-tempered cat, the European Shorthair might suit you. She is basically more of an outdoorsman and has a stubborn character. Visually, it is very similar to a field-forest-meadow cat, which is why some cat owners were told when they went to the vet that their house cat was a purebred European shorthair cat.
It is actually difficult for laypersons to recognize the differences, which in principle is not too tragic. Because it doesn’t matter whether it’s a purebred, a mixed breed, or a stray: your own cat is always the prettiest.
The character of the European Shorthair
By crossing Persian cats, the nature of the European Shorthair is usually calmer than that of a domestic cat. She is considered balanced and more down-to-earth than other pedigree cats and does not have such a pronounced urge for freedom, but she still defends her territory against intruders. The character of the European Shorthair is as individual as the animals themselves – there are cuddly cats as well as more quarrelsome specimens. If you cannot allow the European Shorthair to go outside, at least a cat-safe balcony or garden should be available.
Care and requirements of the European Shorthair
The short, dense coat of the European Shorthair does not require any special care. With regular brushing, however, you can help your velvet paw during the spring change of coat and prevent hairballs from being swallowed. Many cats also enjoy grooming as a wellness offer. It is advisable for working professionals to keep at least two cats. Even if your EKH is to live as an indoor cat, it better needs a playmate. When it comes to diseases, the European Shorthair is robust and not very susceptible. Outdoor cats must be regularly checked for parasites.
Colors of the European Shorthair
The European Shorthair is therefore the “noble variant” of the well-known domestic cat and is less spectacular in appearance than other pedigree cats. The great resemblance to domestic cats is one reason why EKH breeding is still a marginal phenomenon in Germany. As with domestic cats, the color spectrum of the European Shorthair is almost inexhaustible – all naturally occurring coat colors and patterns are allowed. There are no restrictions on eye colors at all. Through breeding, the colors became purer and the markings more clearly defined. The eye color of the European Shorthair is often clearer than that of domestic cats. About 30 different colors are systematically bred, a total of 70 different colors and variants are known.
History of the European Shorthair
The roots of the European Shorthair and its sibling breeds lie in Egypt. There the cats were worshiped divinely because the nimble hunters kept the mice in check in the granaries. The Romans spread the descendants of the African wild cats all over the world and adapted to the respective climatic conditions. This is how different types of breeds came about. Finally, around the year 1000, cats were everywhere in Europe. Scientists assume that the imported cats mixed with the native wild cats. In the Middle Ages, however, the image of the cat became a symbol of evil. From witches’ companion to the most popular pet of the 20th century, it’s been a long, hard road for the often misunderstood feline. In the 1980s, breeders, primarily in Scandinavian countries, attempted to establish a standard and refine the breed. This is how the European Shorthair came into being.
Peculiarities of the European Shorthair
Certain color variants such as Point or Chocolate may indicate that a non-European Shorthair was involved in the breeding. Color disqualifies the animal for the breed standard. However, this does not diminish the lovable character of the cuddly tiger.