European Shorthair Cat

Breed Description

The European Shorthair, also known as the Celtic cat, is one of the most popular and widely recognized cat breeds in the world. Their unique charm has contributed to their high demand. It’s become very easy to buy a kitten from a cattery, as their elegant appearance and wonderful temperament appeal to nearly all fans of shorthair cats. Let’s explore the history of this breed’s origin and development.

Scientists suggest that the origin of the Celtic cat is primarily linked to the appearance of the first domestic cats. Initially wild, they were domesticated by humans for their efficiency in controlling pests. However, the first domestic cats did not have a fully formed exterior and were more similar in appearance to modern wildcats.

With the development of feline studies, breed classification began. In the late 19th century, several classic breeds were created to restore and strengthen the genetic material of domestic cats.

European Shorthairs are essentially the result of the crossbreeding of completely different breeds. The Scandinavian countries are generally considered their place of origin, although some experts claim Germany as their homeland. Their phenotypic features may vary slightly depending on the region. In general, they have a medium-sized body that is flexible and agile. They weigh between 4 to 7 kg, making it easy for owners to travel with their furry companions. They have a round head, medium-sized ears, and large, expressive eyes. Their coat colors are quite varied, including solid colors, stripes, spots, and more. This diversity is why advertisements for kittens are in such high demand. The dense, short fur of Celtic cats offers good thermoregulation, allowing them to thrive in almost any climate.

Additionally, the breed is known for its friendly and affectionate nature, high sociability, and quick adaptation to human companionship, as well as getting along well with other animals. They are an excellent choice for families or individuals seeking a loyal and loving pet. The average price is relatively low, making the breed accessible to buyers with varying income levels. However, it’s advisable to pay attention to reputable catteries in Russia, which offer purebred kittens from verified breeders.

Another advantage of this breed is its health. They have a strong immune system and are rarely susceptible to common diseases. The average lifespan is around 15 years.

Appearance

This breed is often compared to domestic cats that roam outside unsupervised and evolve naturally without any control. At the same time, there are several features of their exterior that prove their distinctiveness, and the accepted standards require that the Celtic cat be free from the admixture of other breeds.

Medium-sized, sometimes slightly larger, these cats are viewed rather coolly in our country. However, short-haired guests from Europe are not overlooked at exhibitions, and announcements about selling kittens frequently appear online on themed platforms. Choosing a kitten from a cattery is not so simple because what is often sold as ECK may actually be ordinary, non-pedigree cats for profit. Nevertheless, the popularity of the breed in European countries has not waned for many years. Advertisements for selling European short-haired kittens abound in Russia too, but it’s better to make purchases from a cattery. The reason is that natural colors predominantly prevail, while catteries try to maintain a certain, rarer coat color for these cats, which is an undeniable advantage. Furthermore, they have simply incredible temperaments that are unmistakable compared to the temperaments of other breeds.

Отличительные черты

Голова

Large and rounded, although the muzzle is slightly elongated. The skull should be as smooth as possible, without flat surfaces. Even the frontal area, when viewed from the side, continues the rounded silhouette and adds softness to the contour. The cheeks are quite plump.

Морда

The roundness of the shapes is also observed when examining the face of the Celtic cat. Slightly elongated, with a straight nose bridge, plump cheeks, and a strong chin, it appears somewhat heavy, yet harmonious. It’s worth noting that an overly wide face is a characteristic of the British breed and is considered a flaw.

Уши

Vertically positioned, resembling pyramids in shape. They may have tassels, and the distance between them should not be too large. Most often, it equals the width of the base of the ear. Despite the triangular shape, the edges of the ear are rounded.

Глаза

The special positioning of the eyeballs at an angle gives their gaze a certain mystery. They are very expressive, fairly large, and more round than oval. Heterochromia is permissible, but most often the iris is green, yellow, or blue in color.

Зубы

Weak jaws, dental defects, or incomplete dentition are considered serious flaws. A scissors bite is regarded as optimal and is the most common. The upper canines are large and slightly overlap the lower ones, while the incisors are not large but sharp.

Корпус

The broad and powerful ribcage with excellent musculature perfectly complements the medium-sized neck and well-developed body of the cat. Sexual dimorphism is clearly noticeable even to an average enthusiast of these cats. A strong, straight back and a sufficiently wide and sturdy lower back are characteristic of this breed.

Конечности

Прямые, среднего размера, с крепким костяком. В отличие от задних, передние конечности немного короче, не слишком тонкие и хорошо развиты. Задние конечности мускулистые, с крепкими бёдрами, очень развитым скакательный суставом. На ногах лапки круглые, причем ближе к ним ноги сужаются, что видно невооруженным взглядом. Полностью покрыты шерстью основного окраса. Пучки шерсти между пальцами обычно не растут.

Хвост

Medium-sized, without knots, with a rounded edge. Covered with fur of the primary color. Defects may include white spots, creases, or a tail that is too thin or too long. It is noted that its base is significantly thicker than the tip.

Шерсть

Shiny, very thick, and short - that's perhaps all that can be said about the fur of these amazing creatures. These characteristics have been stabilized, and now the main focus of breeders is on unusual colors. Among the faults noted is fur that is too long.

Окрас

There is an immense variety of colors in Celtic (European Shorthair) cats. The most sought-after at the moment are: marble, tabby, silver, red, black, blue, and cream. However, Zvonkiye is the best choice of breeders in Russia where you can buy a Celtic cat in silver and even rarer colors.

Character

The European Shorthair (ESH) is a cat breed that not only has a beautiful appearance but also possesses a wonderful character. They are friendly, enjoy affection, and can quickly adapt to changes in their environment and living conditions. Originally domesticated to eliminate pests, their wild ancestors were useful companions to humans. The innate hunting instinct influences the temperament of modern ESH. They are playful and energetic, making them great companions for active owners and families with children. This is something to consider before purchasing a kitten from a breeder.

At the same time, they can behave very calmly and evenly. They enjoy spending a lot of time near their owners, simply observing and enjoying their presence. This applies to elderly owners as well, who may be in a state of relative calm. Their patience and restraint effectively make them ideal companions for older individuals. These cats create an atmosphere of tranquility and harmony in the home.

Real-life examples demonstrate how caring ESH can be towards their owners. “Zvonkiye” is the best choice of breeders in Russia, where one can get comprehensive information about their character. For instance, many breeders report that European (Celtic) Shorthairs often come and lie next to them, providing warmth and comfort. Some can even respond to changes in their owners’ health and show special care during times of illness or fatigue.

The relationship between owners and ESH is mutually beneficial. One receives a home and care, while the other gains loyalty and affection. However, it is important to remember that each cat is an individual. Some may be more independent, while others may be more social and affectionate. It is essential to consider the unique traits and needs of each animal to ensure their comfort and well-being.

Regarding interactions with children, communication with small children should be supervised. Clumsy movements from little ones can harm the pet, and this cat will not tolerate unkindness, showing what it dislikes. However, this does not mean that the Celtic cat is aggressive. Instead, it is prepared to defend its independence and will not be a toy, unlike some other breeds, such as the Ragdoll.

Care and Maintenance

When caring for and maintaining a European Shorthair cat, it’s important to pay attention to several key aspects to ensure a comfortable and healthy life for her.

Feeding: Great importance should be placed on the cat’s diet right from the moment you decide to choose a kitten from a breeder. High-quality super-premium food should be selected according to your cat’s age and needs. As time goes on, you need to consider your pet’s individual characteristics and purchase food suitable for her age. For example, there are commercial feeds designed for senior pets, cats with digestive issues, or for neutered animals. A clear advantage of these foods is that they contain all necessary micronutrients in accessible forms, which impacts not only the appearance of your pet but also her overall health. Additionally, always ensure access to fresh water throughout the day. It should be clean and refreshed several times a day. Avoid offering tap water to your pet. If there’s no filter, let the water stand for about an hour to allow chlorine to dissipate, preventing harm to your animal’s health. Monitor portion sizes, avoid overfeeding, and maintain your cat’s healthy weight. High-quality food packages typically indicate a recommended serving size, which helps keep the pet’s weight in check while providing all necessary vitamins.

Hygiene: Regularly clean the cat’s litter box. Maintain cleanliness of her bowls and toys. At least once a week, wash the toys with warm water without using scented cleaning agents. Even though Celtic cats have short fur, they still require diligent grooming, which should be done regularly. This process calms the animal’s nervous system, especially if introduced at a young age. The sleeping area also needs to be kept clean. This is the space where the cat feels safe, and it is the owner’s responsibility to find a place in the house where she can retreat when needed.

Health: Adhere to a schedule of preventive check-ups with a vet, vaccinations, and deworming. Always pay attention to any changes in her behavior, appetite, activity levels, or increased thirst to promptly identify potential health issues. At Zoonika, you will find the best choice of breeders in Russia, where verified breeders offer post-purchase consultations on caring for your Celtic cat.

Activities and Play: It’s necessary to support their activity and create a play area- a space for both playing and resting. Interactive play complexes, a running wheel, or wall-based climbing pathways are perfect options (for those who prefer being up high). Make sure to spend time engaging in play with her, providing toys, and encouraging physical activity. This will strengthen your bond with the pet and help her feel more comfortable.

Solitude and Rest: Give your cat time to relax. Allow her to be alone, rest, and sleep. This space should be comfortable and safe for your beloved pet.Socialization: Dedicate time to communicating and training your cat. Try to give her enough attention without overwhelming her, strengthening your bond and her confidence. If there are other pets in the house and you plan to adopt a kitten from a breeder, first allocate a separate space for her to acclimate. Only after she has adjusted can you introduce her to the resident pets. However, remember that befriending a guinea pig or parrot usually does not end well. Aquarium fish can also be at risk if they are in an open tank. Strong friendships between dogs and cats of different breeds are indeed possible, provided the animals do not show aggression toward the newcomer.By following these recommendations, you will help ensure a healthy and happy life for your European Shorthair cat. Be attentive to her needs and personality to create the optimal conditions and give her ample attention and care.

Training and Education

For many years, ordinary street cats in European countries have existed in challenging climatic conditions and reproduced uncontrollably. Since they have almost always been left to fend for themselves, their survival depended not only on their sharp claws but also on their hunting instincts. This has given them a unique mindset and skills that allow them to quickly assimilate new information.

For example, they learn remarkably fast how to open a food cabinet door by themselves. By observing human actions, they adopt habits and can turn off lights in a room by jumping up to reach the switch.

They also get accustomed to litter boxes easily. However, it is the owner’s job to choose a suitable litter box and pick a filler that the cat will like. Most often, breeders in shelters offer already trained kittens, but there are also ads selling kittens that lack these skills. In such cases, when a kitten shows signs of distress or tries to find something, or displays restlessness, it should be placed in the litter box with filler. The cat’s instincts will guide it to understand the purpose of this designated spot, and the owner should praise the little one once it successfully uses the box. Experienced owners will immediately place the cat in the litter box upon settling into a new home, from where the cat will begin to explore its territory.

For families who are not accustomed to waking up early, it is important for owners to establish a feeding schedule for their pets. Otherwise, there is a high risk of waking up much earlier than the set alarm due to the persistent demands of their four-legged friends for food. One solution could be purchasing an interactive feeder that dispenses food strictly according to a schedule. However, this only works for those maintained on commercial dry food. If such a feeder is unsuitable, the bowl should be filled every evening so that it remains full by morning.

Keep in mind that choosing a kitten from a shelter is relatively easy, but raising it into a decent adult pet requires some effort. Sometimes, a consultation with a pet psychologist may be needed if the owner is struggling. While it is uncommon with European short-haired cats, it should be noted that they learn commands much faster when they appeal to them rather than the owner. For instance, if a cat enjoys jumping and being up high, the owner might consider buying a hoop and attempting to train the pet to jump through it by placing treats at different heights.

How to Choose a Kitten

Choosing a kitten from a cattery may seem easy to many, but it’s not the case, as purchasing one without experience can lead to unpleasant consequences. First, it’s important to determine the purpose of getting a pet. If you plan to conquer exhibitions, that’s one thing; here, you should look for catteries with a proven reputation. On the other hand, consider ads for kittens only if you’re looking for a pet for your home and aren’t aiming to improve the breed.

It’s essential to be present in person when making a purchase. This allows you to assess the living conditions of the animals firsthand. In cases where you’re looking for a pet to simply enjoy companionship, you can explore offers from animal shelters.

Carefully familiarize yourself with the breed standard before inspecting the entire litter. Pay attention to the behavior of the cat’s parents – their traits will likely be passed on to the offspring. If the adult cats are jumping on tables or scratching furniture, the kitten you buy will probably adopt these habits as well.

Avoid acquiring an animal without a sales contract or the necessary documents at a pet market. If you notice cages in the cattery, consider why they are there. It’s possible that there are issues with the cats that are being managed with the help of cages.

Don’t choose the loudest one; instead, opt for the cleanest, most curious, and friendly kitten.

Health and Diseases

It is pleasant to note that the strong immunity of Celtic cats and almost complete absence of genetic diseases give them some advantages over other breeds. The close genetic connection with ordinary street cats has made these cats resilient to infections and colds. However, preventive check-ups at a veterinary clinic are still necessary. They help identify the onset of illness at early stages and ease the process of recovery or rehabilitation. Deworming should always be done with alternating medications, even in cases where the pet does not go outside. Parasites can enter the body through dirty shoes or unwashed hands, causing serious harm not only to the cat’s health but also to those around it. This is particularly dangerous during interactions with children while playing.

For those who wish to buy a kitten from a cattery but do not plan to participate in exhibitions or breed development, it is advisable to consider castration or sterilization. However, after the procedure, the cat requires a special diet. Holistic diets for neutered or spayed cats are best for maintaining health. In this case, the urinary system will remain normal. Kittens are usually neutered no later than 8 months.