European Shorthair Cat

Country of Origin:	Sweden/Italy
Colors:	Black, red, blue and cream, with or without tabby or white markings. Pure white is also permitted.
Average Size:	Weight: 8-15 lbs(3.6- 6.8 kg) Length:  medium
Life Span:	15-20 years
Coat:	Short
Personality:	Friendly and sociable but sometimes suspicious of strangers
Characteristics:	Energy: Active    Talkative: Moderate           Kid Friendly: Yes        Allergic: No

European shorthair cat is in fact the purest form of domestic cats, as it has developed hundreds of years ago in Europe, not mixing with other breeds. Subject only to a flow of evolution without human influence, this type of cats held its best in the northeastern Europe. Today we meet the most European shorthair breeders just in the Scandinavian countries.

In 1982 the FIF recognized the European shorthair cat breed and since then this breed started to develop and to grow even more.

Until the 1982 year in central and northern Europe, particularly in England, the European shorthair cat was subjected to crossing with the Persian cat for the purpose of changing the phenotype and had very little in common with the appearance of the today’s cats. Such crossings were actually the last stage in the formation of the type British Shorthair. Similar breeding objectives have led to breeding American Short Hair naturally throughout North America.

Since the European shorthair results from domestic cats need it is necessary to create a genetic reserve which would in case of any accidents, serve to prevent inbreeding depression.

Standards describe the European Shorthair cat as a cat of a medium to large size with a muscular body, strong round chest hair and medium length tail. The legs are stable, of medium length, and with round paws. The head should be longer than wider with prominent eyeballs and a strong chin. The ears are medium sized, rounded at the top. The eyes are round, slightly sloping, green, yellow, amber, and may be blue. The coat is short, fine, sharp and shiny.

The European Shorthair cat can be timid or quiet to playful and cuddly or sometimes even a spoiled pet. In any case, the cat is very intelligent and independent. These cats are also very curious and social and ready to adapt to the conditions in which they lives. They like to study the environment where they live, have a very adventurous spirit and like to hunt.