European Shorthair

The roots of the European Shorthair and its sibling breeds lie in Egypt. There, the cats were honoured with divine veneration, as the nimble hunters kept the mice out of the granaries. Through the Romans, the descendants of the African hawkcat spread all over the world and adapted to the local climatic conditions. This gave rise to different breed types. By the year 1000 there were cats almost everywhere in Europe. The cat breed was particularly favoured in the Scandinavian countries. It is assumed that the imported cats mixed with the native wild cats. Finally, in the Middle Ages, the image of the cat changed to symbolise evil. It was a long, hard road for the often misunderstood cat from witches' companion to the most popular pet in the 20th century. In the 1980s, breeders tried to establish a standard and refine the breed. This is how the European Shorthair was born.

The European Shorthair cat is a very robust animal with a life expectancy of up to over 20 years these days. There are even animals known to have lived to be over 30 years old. Hereditary diseases, as known from other breeds, are practically unknown here. Nevertheless, it must always be expected that an animal will fall ill. It is generally said that the risk is lower with breeding animals or an animal from a shelter than with farm cats, which come into contact with numerous parasites. Chronic kidney disease is then a major problem. Around a third of all cats over the age of 15 develop this disease. The affected cats can be supported with special food.

European Shorthair cats are very intelligent, playful and gentle. As a rule, they are people-friendly and usually patient with children. They are not sluggish either, because due to their past, the European Shorthair has a strong hunting instinct and is often in search of adventure. This is where cat trees and scratching furniture can help European Shorthair cats that live indoors or in a flat to make wild climbing tours possible. In addition to their love of adventure, European Shorthair cats are extremely people orientated. This cat breed loves to cuddle with its owners, but is also always keen to play and romp around, and various cat toys can be used to provide plenty of variety.

As a domestic or indoor cat, the European Shorthair needs a lot of activity and variety. This is due to their urge to move around. If the opportunity arises, it should be allowed to live as an outdoor cat. The European Shorthair is the perfect family cat because it is balanced and independent, but still extremely lovable.

Colours in all colours and markings occurring without crossing with other breeds. If the cats are bicoloured, the colours are clearly separated by patches. No more than half of the coat may be white. Domestic cats usually have a mixture of black and various shades of red in their coats. The European Shorthair can be found in the tabby or smoke coat colours, among others.

The short, dense coat of the European Shorthair does not require any special care. Regular brushing will help your cat through the change of coat in spring and prevent hairballs from being swallowed.

I'm Mela from @twofurchilds and I live near Mannheim with Cecile, another four-legged friend, a two-legged friend and our swimming friends.

Due to the early loss of her mum, Cecile had to be hand-reared by us with boiled chicken and a bottle. As a result, we quickly developed an intimate relationship with each other. For nine years now, we haven't gone to sleep without an evening cuddle together. Cecile was a free-range cat for four years. Thanks to her human friendliness, she was allowed to join some neighbours on the couch in other people's houses and flats, but mum cat Mela didn't like that at all. After moving house, Cecile became an indoor cat without any problems. This led me to walk her outside on a lead. Cecile does this voluntarily and happily. She comes running as soon as I take out the harness and lead and off she goes. To compensate for the lack of climbing opportunities that can be found in nature, Cecile has been given various pieces of scratching furniture for her home since she became an indoor cat. For example, she likes to sit in her GROOVIE cat bed made of cosy wool felt, which is placed on top of the CLU cat tree.

Cecile now lives with a dog and three aquariums with different aquatic creatures. Initially she was very anxious with the dog, but she quickly got over this and the two of them get on well. Her calm and cuddly nature does not trigger a hunting instinct in our dog. She also enjoys dog training with treats. She already knows how to sit, paw and give kisses, although as a European Shorthair Cecile is intelligent enough to only do this when she gets treats.

She especially loves her handmade cat toys SNAKY or CLOUDY for romping and playing. The water in the aquarium is also her friend and she drinks it regularly. But she's not actually allowed to. That's why Cecile now also gets the tap turned on. Apparently, running water tastes much better. Cecile really isn't afraid of water at all.

When visitors come to the cat's home, she is often unimpressed and doesn't even get out of bed or her cuddly cave. However, she is curious at some point and usually drops in for a quick look. She usually also lets visitors stroke her. When we are on holiday and strangers come to feed her, she is happy to cuddle around their legs and let them cuddle and stroke her. This also shows the open-mindedness for which the European Shorthair breed is known.

Cecile is a spoilt goddess (probably has something to do with her ancestors :D ) who demands everything she wants and usually gets it. She regularly plays with anything that moves. And loves to cuddle, especially when no one else is around and we have time together. Everything has to revolve around her. That's how she is. Other European Shorthair cats I know are so different in many ways, but still so similar. Conclusion: European Shorthair cats are robust, easy to care for, people-friendly, balanced and as different in character as their coat colours.

_In collaboration with Mela from @twofurchilds