The origin of the breed of European shorthair cats still causes controversy and controversy. Some sources indicate that this breed existed in Europe since the time of the Roman conquerors, in others it is said that the breed originated earlier and such animals lived on peasant farmsteads. There is also a version that the breed European shorthair cat was bred in Europe only in the XIX century. Whatever it was, the official registration of the standard "European Shorthair" is dated 1925 year. Initially, animals that fall under the modern description of the breed European shorthair cat, considered identical to the British shorthair. As an independent breed, the European Shorthair was recognized in 1981. It is worth noting that in England this breed is not recognized today, although in Europe it is quite widespread and popular.
Breed description
Calm nature and complaisant nature of the European shorthair cat caused the breed to become quite popular for domestic breeding. Fans who breed this breed usually focus on a certain coat color. By the way, the color of the European shorthair cat can be so diverse that even the colors are not easy to describe: tabby (marble, silver, golden), black, blue, cream, red, smoky, tortoiseshell, white, etc. But there are also features: European The short-haired cat is only of natural colors, characteristic of the north-European domestic cat. This is due to the fact that the breed was bred naturally, there was no special selection.
Adult animals have medium or large size, a strong muscular body and a well developed thorax. The color of the eyes is usually uniform: blue, amber or green. Disagreement, when one eye is amber, and the other - blue, is rare. The wool of cats of this breed is dense, short, shiny and elastic. Especially elegant looks black European shorthair cat, this color is quite rare. Exhibition animals can not have the color of wool, which is obtained by crossing with other breeds.
According to the WCF standard, this breed is called Celtic. Requirements for individuals participating in exhibitions for this standard are more stringent.
Care of the European Shorthair cat
The whole care of the European shorthair cat consists in feeding and periodically combing the wool. An animal's diet should include a sufficient amount of protein (not less than 60%) and fiber (not less than 15%). In order for the coat to shine, it is enough to comb the cat once a week against the coat first, then along the hair growth, and remove the remnants with a rubber glove. In the end, the wool is slightly polished with a piece of suede.
The history of the emergence of this breed is associated with unlimited freedom,
Surprisingly, the breed, popular in Europe, is undeservedly forgotten in our country. This is most likely due to the fact that it is not profitable. Usually the fecundity of cats is very high (up to ten kittens in a litter), and the cost of kittens is low. If to exaggerate, then the appearance of the European shorthair cat is so familiar that, in fact, very few people notice the breed in it.