European Shorthair Cat Breed Information

Group

Short Haired

Weight

3-7 kg

Length

22-30 cm

Lifespan

15-20 years

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About the European Shorthair Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

European shorthair cats are the pedigree standard of the common European housecat. These adorable felines are one of the oldest breeds of cats in Europe. Their medium size and cute round faces make them ideal household animals.

If you’re looking for a new kitten to join your family, the European shorthair makes a perfect choice. Playful and friendly, these cats get along with anyone – even dogs! They’re generally independent but love to cuddle up with their human before bed.

In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about European shorthair cats so you can decide whether or not this is the right breed for you.

What Is the History & Origin of the European Shorthair Cat?

These cats have a fascinating history that can be traced all the way back to ancient Rome. According to the stories, these kitties followed alongside the conquerors of the Roman Empire, making themselves comfortable in barns along the way as they explored the continent. So, given their exploratory history, it’s no surprise these cats still have adventure in their blood!

Technically, the contemporary European shorthair standard originated in Sweden in the 20th century. They continue to be an iconic part of Swedish and Scandinavian domestic life, with many breeders working to preserve their pedigree and history. This effort means that most European shorthairs around today bear a remarkable resemblance to their Roman feline ancestors.

Although cats of this breed are common domestic cats throughout Europe, they’re rare in other parts of the world.

What Is a European Shorthair Cat Breed?

Cute, cuddly, and adventurous, European shorthair cats are what most people think of when they think about the common domestic cat. They come in a variety of colours and patterns, with most of them looking similar to a tabby cat.

These cats have sweet personalities, and they’re very sociable. They make great household pets and are always willing to cuddle or play when they’re feeling active. They have rounded, elongated faces and are shorthaired – which means there’s no excessive shedding to deal with. What’s more, these feline friends are super intelligent and have low maintenance personality traits that mean they’ll fit right in as part of the family.

It’s important to note that this cat breed, although similar, is different from American shorthair cats. They also differ from British shorthair cats, which were crossed with the Persian breed and have a thicker coat and shorter muzzle. In the past, the Celtic shorthair was considered the same breed as a European shorthair. However, the Celtic shorthair has some differences.

Who Is a European Shorthair Cat Best For?

Their low maintenance personality makes these cats ideal for first-time cat owners. A European shorthair kitten will fit right in with the family. They get along with other pets as well as children, and their playful nature means they’re a lot of fun to have around the house.

Cats, unlike dogs, don’t require much maintenance and can generally be left to their own devices. But a few cuddles every now and again won’t go amiss!

What Does a European Shorthair Cat Look Like?

European shorthairs are medium-sized cats that have a firm build. They have elongated round faces and bodies and will often go on to develop stomach pooches as they age – but this is nothing to worry about. They typically have bright and beautiful eyes that can be a variety of shades, including blue, green, and amber. Sometimes, their eyes might be different colours, for instance, one blue eye and one green eye.

Coat

A European shorthair cat’s hair is straight and thick but still short. This means they don’t shed excessively, but their coats can use brushing every so often to keep them sleek and shiny. However, they’re very clean animals and spend a lot of time grooming themselves.

Colours

Their coat colour can be a variety of different shades, including brown, cinnamon, lavender, silver, fawn, blue/grey, black, cream/beige, red/orange, or white. The mixture of colours makes them a very attractive cat breed.

Patterns

Typically, cats of this breed have tabby or tortoiseshell patterns on their fur.

European Shorthair Cat Grooming & Shedding

As previously mentioned, these cats are very hygiene-conscious. They spend much of their grooming themselves, which doesn’t leave much for you to do!

The European shorthair cat doesn’t require regular bathing, but weekly brushing is a good idea to keep their coats looking sleek and shiny. Be sure to trim their nails and clean out their ears regularly to prevent infections from developing.

How Do European Shorthair Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

The European shorthair cat is generally highly tolerant and intelligent. These are friendly cats that are incredibly loyal. Once they’ve fallen in love with their human owner, they won’t hesitate to cuddle and brush up against them whenever they feel like it.

This is one of those cat breeds that are extremely versatile and adaptable when it comes to people and environments. They can basically join any family and fit right in! Their chilled-out personalities mean they don’t require too much energy and generally keep themselves entertained. But that’s not to say they don’t love playing every once in a while! These felines are extremely active and will likely spend a lot of their time roaming around the garden.

They also have excellent mouse hunting skills due to the fact that they were pedigreed from the common farm cat throughout Europe. So if you want to keep your kitty busy all day long, give him an interactive play toy!

Because of their diverse genetic background and breed history, each European shorthair cat is unique with a different temperament and personality. They’re very intelligent and will benefit from regular physical and mental stimulation.

Living Needs

If you want to ensure your European shorthair cat feels at home, all you need to do is show him plenty of love!

European shorthair cats love exploring and adventuring, so if you don’t have a garden that they can play in, it’s a good idea to fill your house with plenty of toys and a cat tree so they can play all day.

As mentioned before, these cats are very low maintenance and are generally quiet and keep to themselves. They can be timid around strangers, so be sure they have a safe space to relax if you’ve got lots of people coming around.

They generally get along well with children and other household animals but ensure you give them plenty of attention to keep them from becoming jealous.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of European Shorthair Cats?

What general habits and activity levels can you expect from European shorthair cats?

Habits

These playful pets are great at catching mice and rodents – so expect frequent surprises! They require mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

Activity level

These animals are moderately active. They love to play around outside and explore their surroundings, but they’re equally happy lounging about in the sun or with their favourite human companion. As long as they have enough space to roam about, they’ll often make their own fun.

Vocalness

These cats aren’t overly vocal, but they will become when they feel threatened by other cats or are expecting food.

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of a European Shorthair Cat?

Height

Typically, these medium-sized cats reach between 22 and 30 cm.

Weight

European shorthair cats typically weigh between 3-7 kg. Each cat is unique, and they can weigh more or less than the standard. This might also depend on how much you feed them or if there’s a neighbour secretly treating them when you’re not around!

Size

European shorthairs are medium-sized cats.

Are European Shorthair Cats Easy to Train?

This breed is generally very intelligent. They can be trained easily and benefit from positive reinforcement methods like treats of praise when they’re learning new skills.

Does the European Shorthair Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

Out of all the cat breeds, European shorthair cats have one of the longest lifespans. When it comes to health, European shorthair cats are typically very healthy and robust creatures due to their wide gene pool. They’ve become tough over the years!

However, although there aren’t any breed-specific conditions to be aware of, it’s always important to keep your eye on their needs and temperament to spot any signs of illness or discomfort. They do have a genetic predisposition to issues such as polycystic kidney disease, brachycephalic syndrome, and respiratory distress syndrome.

What Is the Lifespan of a European Shorthair Cat?

Because they’re a relatively healthy breed, European shorthair cats live between 15-20 years, giving them one of the longest life spans compared with other cat breeds.

How Much Does a European Shorthair Cat Need to Be Fed?

These cats are relatively undemanding when it comes to food. Be sure to feed them with high-quality cat food supplies that provide them with plenty of protein.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a European Shorthair Cat in Australia?

European shorthair cats are one of the most affordable breeds out there. You can find them for between $50-$200, depending on their pedigree. If they have special qualities, they can be much more expensive.