The European Cat: A Domesticated Feline Friend

domestic european cat

The European Shorthair, also known as the Celtic/European Shorthair, is a pedigreed cat breed. The breed's name has been used to describe the landrace domestic cat of Europe, but this is incorrect as the European Shorthair is a breed originating from Sweden. The European Shorthair is medium-sized, muscular, and athletic, with a short, dense, and glossy coat. They are typically friendly, intelligent, playful, and good with children, making them a popular choice for households.

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European Shorthair

The European Shorthair is a pedigreed cat breed that is recognised by the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe), among other organisations. It is a direct descendant of ancient Rome's common domestic cat and gets its name from its short, dense, and glossy coat. The breed is of medium size with a muscular body, a well-rounded face, and slightly rounded ears. The eyes of a European Shorthair can be any colour, including odd-eyed. Their tails are medium-length, thick at the base, and rounded at the tip.

The breed comes in a wide range of colours, sizes, and builds, but they are typically medium-sized. All natural colours are permitted, including black, red, blue, and cream, with or without tabby, tortoiseshell, silver, or white markings. Solid white is also permitted. The eye colour corresponds to the coat colour and may be yellow, green, or orange. Blue or odd-eyed individuals are permitted if the coat is white.

The history of the European Shorthair is closely tied to ancient Rome, where they accompanied Roman soldiers as they travelled across Europe, protecting food supplies from rodents. The contemporary European Shorthair first appeared in Sweden, and the breed was recognised by FIFe in 1992.

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Intelligence

The European Shorthair, also known as the European or Celtic/European Shorthair, is a pedigreed cat breed that resembles the original domestic cats of Europe. They are intelligent and playful, and most of them are experts at keeping houses and gardens free of rodents. They tend to handle changes and an active home very well, making them suitable for families with children.

European Domestic Cats are intelligent, independent felines that come in various shapes, colours, and sizes. They are typically medium-sized and muscular, with coats of all colours, patterns, and lengths. They are descendants of random-bred cats and are the most common type of cat. They are excellent self-groomers and athletes, with strong hunting instincts. They are also very receptive to their surroundings, keeping an eye on the outside world.

The brain of the domesticated cat is about five centimetres long and weighs 25–30 grams. The physical structure of the brains of humans and cats is very similar. Both have cerebral cortices with similar lobes, and feline brains have a surface folding pattern that increases the relative surface area, thought to improve cognition and overall brain function.

Cats have about 300 million cortical neurons, nearly twice as many as dogs, which is taken as evidence that cats are smarter than dogs. Cats also have fully developed concepts of object permanence, meaning that sensorimotor intelligence is completely developed in cats. They can acquire new behaviours and apply knowledge to new situations, communicate needs and desires within a social group, and respond to training.

While cats are notoriously aloof, unreceptive to research studies, and less eager to please than dogs, they are intelligent animals that are capable of problem-solving. They have complex brains that bear a number of similarities to human brains.

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Self-grooming

Domestic European cats are intelligent, independent felines that come in various shapes, colours, and sizes. They are typically medium-sized and muscular, with coats that vary in colour, pattern, and length. While they are excellent self-groomers, they still require regular brushing to keep their coats healthy and tangle-free.

Domestic European cats are known for their impressive ability to self-groom. Self-grooming serves an important purpose in a cat's life, helping to keep their fur and skin clean, distribute oils for a soft coat, remove debris and parasites, stimulate circulation, and regulate body temperature. Cats spend anywhere from 30% to 50% of their waking hours self-grooming using their tongue and paws. The rough surface of their tongue keeps their coat and skin healthy, while their claws and paws help clean areas their tongue cannot reach, such as their face, head, and neck.

Tips for Helping Your Cat with Grooming

  • Create a stress-free environment: Try to minimise stress for your cat, as it can impact their grooming habits.
  • Brush your cat regularly: Brushing can help prevent hairballs and excessive hair loss, especially for long-haired cats, seniors, young kittens, and overweight cats.
  • Introduce your cat to the brush: Gradually introduce your cat to the brush to help them get comfortable with grooming.
  • Use a wall-mounted brush: A wall-mounted brush can help your cat reach spots they may want to groom when you are not around.
  • Bathe your cat when needed: Bathing can motivate cats to groom themselves and help control external parasites. It is especially helpful during shedding seasons.

When to Contact a Vet

It is important to monitor your cat's grooming habits. If you notice any changes, such as grooming less frequently or more frequently than usual, it may be a sign of underlying health issues. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect any issues, as they can provide guidance and treatment options.

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History

The history of the domestic European cat is a long and fascinating one, with new discoveries being made all the time.

Origins

The common ancestor of all domestic cats is the Near Eastern wildcat (*Felis silvestris lybica*), which is thought to have originated in the Fertile Crescent around 10,000 years ago. This region, encompassing parts of modern-day West Asia, Turkey and Egypt, was where some of the earliest developments in human civilisation occurred, including the transition from nomadic lifestyles to permanent settlements and the development of agriculture. As people settled down to farm the land, stored grain attracted rodents, and Middle Eastern wildcats preyed on this new, abundant food source. The mutual benefits of this arrangement meant that the wildcats stuck around, scavenging garbage and feasting on rodents, just as their descendants, today's community cats, do.

Early History

Over time, a new species of cat evolved: *Felis catus*, the domestic cat. The earliest known evidence of humans and cats living side-by-side dates back 9,500 years, to a burial site in Cyprus. It is thought that cats were brought to the island by humans. In ancient Egypt, cats were worshipped, mummified, and adorned with golden jewellery. Cats were introduced to Roman life when Egypt became a province of the Roman Empire in 31 BC, and they became widespread in Europe around the 4th century AD. A cat skeleton from this period shows that domestic cats had already evolved the shortened skull that is typical of the species today.

Medieval Europe

In the Middle Ages, cats became associated with witchcraft, and their popularity suffered as a result. However, in the 1500s, after the plague decimated London's population, cats regained their popularity as rat-hunters. By the end of the First World War, cats had become commonly accepted as house pets in the US.

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Health

Domestic European cats, or European Shorthairs, are generally healthy and strong. They are known to be intelligent, playful, and easily adaptable to new environments and situations. However, they are susceptible to certain health issues, and it is important to take them for regular check-ups with a veterinarian. Here are some key aspects of their health:

Diet and Weight

European Shorthairs require a high-quality, age-appropriate diet that meets their nutritional needs. Obesity is a growing health concern for all cats, and European Shorthairs are no exception. It is important to monitor their food intake and reduce portions if necessary. Treats should be limited to no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake. Human food treats, such as cheese, can be particularly high in calories, so it is important to be mindful of these extra calories.

Grooming and Hygiene

European Shorthairs are skilled at self-grooming, but they still require regular brushing to maintain a healthy coat and prevent hairballs. Shorthaired cats typically need to be brushed once a month, while longhaired cats may require daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats. In addition to coat care, nail trimming is essential to prevent overgrown claws, which can snag, tear, or even grow into the paw pads, causing pain and infection. Providing a scratching post can help keep their nails healthy and satisfy their natural scratching instinct.

Dental Care

Good dental hygiene is crucial for the overall health of European Shorthairs. It is recommended to establish a dental routine that includes regular at-home teeth brushing and professional dental exams and cleanings.

Common Health Issues

While European Shorthairs are considered a relatively healthy breed, they can still develop certain health problems. Gastrointestinal issues are common, and they may also be prone to urate urolithiasis, a condition involving the formation of urinary stones. Additionally, as with all cats, they can be susceptible to hereditary diseases such as epilepsy, cancer, heart problems, thyroid disorders, kidney failure, diabetes, and bladder stones. Regular veterinary care and genetic screening can help identify and manage these health concerns.

Vaccinations and Parasite Control

It is important to vaccinate your European Shorthair against common feline diseases such as feline distemper, rabies, and sneezing sickness. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), or feline AIDS, is another contagious disease spread through bite and fight wounds. While there is no vaccine for FIV, there are drugs available to stabilise the disease. Regular worming, flea, and tick treatments are also essential for parasite control.

Frequently asked questions

A European domestic cat is a cat without a pedigree. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colours, and can be born in a tame litter. They are often referred to as moggies, housecats, or alley cats.

The European Shorthair is a recognised cat breed from Sweden. They are bred and have a pedigree. They are medium-sized and muscular, with short, dense, and glossy coats.

European domestic cats are intelligent, independent, and easy to love. They can be quiet or vocal, cuddly or aloof, and they are typically athletic and agile with strong hunting instincts.

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