From the early Roman settlements, the European Shorthair was revered for her hunting skills on the first modern farms as European life in the Middle Ages transitioned into an agrarian society. She was adept at protecting food supplies from rodents and other pests that threatened the soldiers' livelihood. Her sharp intelligence and athletic hunting prowess made her an invaluable addition to legions across the continent. In her early days, the European Shorthair made a name for herself in ancient Rome, and she tagged along with Roman invaders as they traveled across Europe. And while this is a pretty accurate depiction, that little fur baby of yours is a territorial hunter at heart. These days, the term 'house cat' conjures images of a content, relaxed kitty who likes nothing more than to curl up in a cozy napping spot and have plenty of humans to shower her with affection. You can indulge her love of the great outdoors by installing a high cat condo or perch near a secure, open window. Providing her with a safe space in which to hide will help your nervous cat to feel more secure, as will socializing her with other people.Įuropean Shorthairs have a predilection for the outdoors, but this is not always a safe option for your kitty or for the wildlife in your yard. In order to keep her athleticism in top-top shape, choose a cat food that will provide her with optimum nutrients and flavor.ĭespite being outgoing with human family members, the European Shorthair cat personality reveals itself as shy or timid, particularly around strangers. Living With:Īs noted, European Shorthairs are great self-groomers, but she will need at least a weekly combing from you, as well as claw-trimming, teeth-brushing and the occasional cat bath. Cat food puzzles, for example, challenge your European and help her hone her predatory instincts in a constructive way. She's a very intelligent furry friend, so you'll want to keep her engaged mentally and physically. Like all cats, the European loves to play and appreciates having a plethora of fun cat toys at her disposal. After all, a cat's hunting instincts run deep.) She loves her pet parents and strives to please them, an aspect of her temperament that traces back to her days as a hard-working mouser. (Just be sure to keep small creatures like guinea pigs and hamsters out of your kitty's reach. One of the European Shorthair's most favorable qualities is her ability to adapt quickly to new environments, making her an ideal pet for households with small children and seniors, as well as with other cats, dogs and various pets. Eye color can be linked and influenced by the color of the cat's coat but that is not always the case.' The European's amber hue is exceptionally beautiful, and for pedigreed cats, the odd-eyed trait is an accepted standard if amber is paired with blue. 'The main colors of the eyes of cats are orange, copper, yellow, hazel, green, blue-green and blue. 'The colors of cats' eyes have a remarkable range,' explains the Cat Fanciers' Association. The European Shorthair has a firm, rounded body, but they are prone to tummy 'pooches.' Their coats are very sleek and shiny, especially with regular brushing, and they are conscientious self-groomers, a behavior that benefited them when they worked hard in dirty barns and fields across Europe.Ĭat eyes have transfixed people for centuries, and the European Shorthair's hues are no exception. They also have large heads and medium ears (sometimes with those cute tufts of hair), both slightly rounded, with a straight nose and firm chin and cheeks. Although its wide range of colors and patterns make this breed stand out from most others, the European Shorthair cat is commonly considered to be in the average or medium category of height and weight, although adult males can get large.

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