European

The European, also called Celtic Shorthair, is one of the oldest cat breeds originating from Europe and/or the Middle East. This medium-sized cat is characterized by its rustic physique and its very ancient origins, since it is known from the end of the 11th century. It is important to emphasize first of all that a cat which people generally think is just any cat, without the coat of arms of a well-defined breed, often belongs to the large family of Europeans (unless that it is the result of crosses between different breeds). The European cat is thus the best known in France. Its character varies depending on the subject, as it has not been fixed by a breeding program. All Europeans have in common vivacity, mischievousness and, above all, the ability to give sincere affection. There is no standard that defines his ideal master, because he lives well with all the people who love him and who respect his desire for freedom and independence. An average cat The appearance of the European cat presents a very wide variety, given that the crossings occur between subjects very different from each other. The associations have in any case set the standard and imagined the ideal type. The dimensions of the body vary: it can be medium or large. The head is not stocky, although its bone structure is strong and its jaws well developed. The neck, robust and of medium size, joins the body to the head in the shape of a rounded triangle, with full cheeks; the skull and forehead appear slightly rounded, the chin is compact and the nose straight. The ears, carried slightly oblique on the head and set well apart, are broad at the base, long and slightly rounded at the tip. The round eyes, set well apart and open, are slightly oblique and green, yellow or orange in color. The legs, of medium length, are solid and strong, with lean, round feet. The tail, which should reach the withers, is broad at the base and slightly rounded at the tip. The coat has a short coat and adheres to the body; it looks tight and shiny. Health The European is known to be a particularly disease-resistant cat. He often asks for food. Its skin being quite thin, it is easily injured.

This breed of cats comes from the Middle East and would have arrived in Europe with the return of the Roman legions or the Crusades. We find writings with its precise description from the 11th century. The European race is the most “original”: its beauty was created over time without man intervening to “construct” its character and its appearance. The history and origins of the European cat are among the most ancient: it seems to be the descendant of Felis silvestris libyca, the small wild feline of North Africa. Having landed on the shores of the Mediterranean, it then spread throughout Europe, probably on board merchant ships, and drawings, sculptures and frescoes testify to its presence throughout history. The European can be considered the ancestor of all cats, because the so-called "pure" breeds include the North African feline among their ancestors. Recently, he has been recognized as a purebred cat and his standard has been set: he can now participate in exhibitions and championships. The European breed is the origin of the so-called British Shorthair and American Shorthair breeds. It is the breed closest to the wild cat and the alley cats. It is often confused with the alley cat, because there are many alley cats in Europe that have all the characteristics (morphology, character, health) of the European, even if we have no certainty. they come from European parents or from crosses between several breeds.

The European is described as a playful and active cat. He would easily adapt to new situations and be very affectionate. However, these character traits remain perfectly individual and are above all functions of the history of each cat, regardless of its breed. The European is the domestic cat par excellence: docile and affectionate, he loves the company of humans, to whom he gives himself without hesitation. Females are very affectionate with the whole family and are more homelike than males. The character of the European is mischievous, curious and courageous; moreover, he has great qualities as a hunter. He is intelligent, very active and lively. He likes independence and freedom even if he never abandons his master and his house. To get to know it well and fully appreciate its uniqueness, you have to observe it and learn to respect its habits and preferences.