Everyone knows that for many cats are some of their favorite pets. They are loved, cared for, cared for and cherished by millions of people around the world. And this is not surprising, because such fluffy animals have a lot of positive qualities. It's no secret that today there are a huge variety of different breeds of cats. All of them, as a rule, differ in a number of signs and features. One of the most famous and popular breeds today is the European cat.
The origin and history of the breed
Versions of its origin are very controversial. There is evidence according to which, the European cat breed appeared during the spread of Roman conquerors in European countries. However, there is another opinion, which states that it has existed since ancient times in the yards of peasants (separately located). According to other sources, from the nineteenth century, selection has been conducted in Germany, England, Sweden and France.
Undoubtedly, the cat is European Shorthair, photo which can be seen in our article and in many other sources, today is a very common pet. Its first standards were recorded back in 1925. Its modern type at first was similar to the British Shorthair, and only in 1981 at the official level they proved that the European cat is an independent breed. However, in English countries this species is still not recognized, although many Europeans are known to live almost all over the world.
The popularity of Europeans in modern times
The European cat breed is considered one of the most common in the Russian Federation. Its numbers are quite numerous. However, no matter how strange it may seem, many lovers and corresponding clubs in Russia have become somewhat dismissive of Europeans. They consider them an ordinary breed that does not deserve much attention. Many such clubs do not even want to breed species such as European shorthair cats. They consider this occupation an ungrateful job, because this breed is not very popular today, and also not entirely commercial and rather difficult in the process of breeding.
Exclusively due to the presence of a few enthusiasts, one can see these beautiful animals at various special cat shows, but in a rather small amount. There may also be a forest European cat. At the same time, this type of animal still takes part in the main show of the Best in Show shows, along with many other breeds, and in some situations it wins.
People very often contain simple domestic representatives of the cat family, which do not quite correspond to such a standard as a European cat. And this is not surprising, since the presence of short hair and the usual appearance of an animal is not an indicator of Europeans yet. At the same time, any breed has its own standards that cats must comply with.
Genetics, or As a result of which there was a breed of European cats
The European cat, whose photo can decorate any wall or album, belongs to cat breeds that are natural in origin. This species developed without any special extraneous interference from humans. If we consider ideal similar animals of this breed, we can say that they are absolutely free from genetic interaction with other breeds.
In the process of selection of such a species as the European cat breed (photo in the specialized literature, proof of this), the selection of the best types of producers is carried out, certain efforts are directed to ensure that as a result a healthy and stable population of such pets is obtained. And in order to give any specific universal description to such cats, you need to try very hard, because this process is quite complicated. In addition, there is still a Burmese European cat and a number of other species of this breed.
Appearance and characteristic features of Europeans
She is a beautiful, healthy, stately and harmoniously folded cat. In this case, the animal has a bright and unique in its own way its own individuality. Such cats are affectionate and kind, however unobtrusive and do not require increased care (compared with such a species as the European wild cat). This breed is considered a sanguine in nature. In other words, its representatives are balanced and at the same time playful up to old age. At the same time, they can quite easily adapt to any rhythm of their master’s life, but they don’t fully obey him. In addition, they are considered excellent mousetraps and rat-catchers. All these signs create a unique image of a real cat.
Thus, the European cat is a breed that has developed in a very natural way. However, breeders did not participate in the process. Back in 1982, its first standard arose. Selection began in England, in addition, it was supported by Germany, which drew attention to the special natural specific gift of these unusual animals. Already at the Berlin exhibition (1938), a rat-cat appeared, serving as an unrivaled defender of barns. And in 1997, they tried to separate such a breed as European Shorthair cat, whose photo is now far from uncommon, in the so-called “Celtic”, but this name is not rooted.
The nature of European smooth-haired cats and their features
As far as the character of these animals is concerned, it is rather difficult to describe their temper. This is because each individual is a vibrant personality. In most cases, it is quite stately and very beautiful, in addition, it is unpretentious and unobtrusive, and also easily fits into the modern rhythm of the owner’s life.
In the nineties, at a special exhibition in Prague, numerous Moscow owners of similar European shorthair cats made contacts with lovers from France, they also like to engage in this breed. In European countries, as a rule, the French, Czechs and Italians are fond of it.
If we consider the American countries, then there were also now and there are lovers of a species such as the European cat breed. In general, their absolutely normal domestic cat became their favorite , and some time ago, many took up the process of her breeding. However, they gave particular preference to animals with a silver-marble color. At the same time, the standard of American shorthair cats is somewhat different from European ones, but in fact it is one and the same animal. In addition, silver-marbled cats are very often imported from America and often win various European competitions.
The presence of color schemes for European cats today
Today, in many color forms, the European Shorthair cat, whose photo is common in many sources, can compete even with the well-known Persian and so-called Oriental Shorthair cats. These individuals managed to get even to third place in the list of the most popular cat breeds. At the same time, they were ahead of such as the well-known Abyssinian and exotic. European shorthair cats are beautiful, stately, healthy and harmonious animals. Quite a lot of experts say that of all these cats, this species is the only real cat.
Attitude towards Europeans in various countries of the world
It is very strange, but in Russia and in many European countries, many pet lovers are rather dismissive of such a species as a European forest cat.
At the same time, when such short-haired guests from America appear at many exhibitions, they receive no less attention than representatives of the Persians. In fact, a shorthair cat from European countries is in no way inferior to American individuals, and they are also quite close varieties.
Caring for Europeans
It is necessary to bathe all representatives of short-haired breeds no more than once every five months. This process is the main means of hair care, while for some some individuals a normal lick is enough. It must be remembered that bathing more often than the specified period is prohibited, since very frequent washing leads to degreasing of the wool and makes it dry, and also increases its fragility. For the same reasons, do not use powder, because it is necessary exclusively for the care of the fur of Persian cats. European smooth-haired cats usually bathe before special shows, but sometimes they can be too glossy, then the cleaning process must be accompanied by certain rules.
Rules for caring for such cats
A claw problem is usually common. It can be solved quite easily - it’s quite simple to cut or file them. Such a procedure can be done already from three months.
As for the ears, they should always be clean in cats; cleaning should be done as they become dirty. Contamination should be checked at least once a week. There may be fat, different dust, as well as natural secretions, they are removed using a special cotton swab.
When caring for the hair of European smooth-haired cats, you can use special brushes, combs and so-called slipers. The latter are special brushes with thin and frequent metal teeth. But you must remember that their tips should not be too sharp so as not to damage the skin of the pet. The breed of short-haired cats (when compared with long- haired cats ) does not need to be combed too often. This process needs to be carried out only during the molting season.
Bathing features
It is necessary to fill the bathtub with warm water, while placing a small terry towel on the bottom. This will help the cat feel more confident. In order to prevent shampoo or soap foam from getting into your eyes, you need to drip a couple of eye drops immediately before bathing. In addition, you can take a strong bag and add a portion of shampoo, and then place the animal there. The head remains outside. Then half immerse in water. Thus, the cat can be washed through the pouch.
Who are European cats?
Based on the foregoing, the conclusion suggests itself that European cats are quite special and individual animals. They are very difficult to describe unambiguously. In general, they are pretty, healthy and harmoniously developed. In leaving, they are quite unpretentious, as well as kind and affectionate. These are their main features. In addition, the main signs of smooth-haired cats include the fact that they are never imposed and have a high balance. Moreover, animals are very playful until old age. Such cats easily fit into the life of their owner, but never completely obey him.
And another useful and characteristic feature is that such pets are considered to be excellent rat-catchers and mousetraps, which is very effective in the household. Therefore, the choice in favor of European shorthair cats is fully justified.