The European Shorthair is a charming and intelligent breed that has been a beloved companion across Europe for centuries. Known for their adaptable nature, robust health, and playful personality, these cats make fantastic family pets. A balanced diet is essential for keeping a European Shorthair healthy and active, and as obligate carnivores, they require a diet that includes plenty of animal protein, whether from wet or dry food sources.
Understanding the European Shorthair Breed
Determining whether your cat is a European Shorthair can be tricky, as they are often mistaken for domestic shorthairs due to their varied coat patterns and colours. However, several key traits help distinguish them. European Shorthairs have a muscular build with a well-proportioned, athletic frame, making them strong and agile. Their faces are round with wide-set, expressive eyes that can come in a variety of colours. Unlike the British Shorthair, which has distinct chubby cheeks, the European Shorthair has a more natural, wild-like facial structure. Their coat is sleek and glossy, with a dense undercoat that provides insulation, making them well-suited for various climates.
The European Shorthair is a recognised breed in Scandinavia and parts of mainland Europe but is less well-known in the UK. Many people mistake them for domestic shorthairs because of their varied coat colours and patterns. European Shorthairs are intelligent, loyal, and playful cats that adapt well to most environments and situations. European Shorthairs are medium-to-large cats. The European Shorthair's coat-which comes in almost all colors and patterns-is glossy, dense, and close-lying, with little undercoat. European Shorthairs have slightly rounded skulls, well-developed cheeks, and tails that are thick at the base and taper to a rounded tip. Their ears are as tall as they are wide, with slightly rounded tips, and they can be tufted. European Shorthairs are adaptable and easily adjust to any environment. They are friendly cats that enjoy the company of other cats, people (including kids), and respectful dogs. European Shorthairs maintain a playful, kitten-like attitude their whole lives. They're also a very intelligent breed. True to their roots, European Shorthairs will hunt small animals if given a chance. For this reason, you'll want to keep pocket pets-such as guinea pigs or hamsters-at a safe distance.
History and Origin
The European Shorthair is a direct descendant of ancient Rome's common domestic cat. This ancestor accompanied Roman soldiers to protect food supplies from rodents as they traveled across Europe. 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. Her sharp intelligence and athletic hunting prowess made her an invaluable addition to legions across the continent. She was adept at protecting food supplies from rodents and other pests that threatened the soldiers' livelihood. 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.
The contemporary European Shorthair cat first appeared in Sweden as kitties with all of the best traits (friendly, playful, active), and the breed remains popular in Scandinavia. The breed developed naturally for hundreds of years, unencumbered by breeding rules. The Federation Internationale Féline (FIFe) recognized the European Shorthair in 1992. cat clubs currently recognize the breed. The European Shorthair is also known as the Celtic Shorthair, according to the World Cat Federation. “In The International Cat Association (TICA), the European Shorthair is recognized as a registration-only breed,” says Gloria Mares, general assistant at TICA. If you're lucky enough to meet a European Shorthair, they embody all of the best qualities of the domestic cat, according to the Fédération Internationale Féline. European Shorthair cats are a natural breed, meaning they developed over time without selective breeding at the hand of humans.
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Nutritional Requirements for European Shorthairs
Feline nutrition is very important for general health. However, the plethora of dietary options, brands and formulas available to consumers can be confusing, when deciding which kind of cat food is best for your feline friend’s health and wellness.
The Importance of Protein
These cats thrive on high-quality, protein-rich food, which helps maintain their lean, muscular bodies. Unlike humans and various other creatures (dogs included), cats’ evolutionary process has resulted in no dietary need for carbohydrates. Just like their undomesticated, and much larger relatives, domesticated cats’ bodies have adapted to a protein and fat rich, carbohydrate-poor diet. In the wild, cats use plants, primarily tall and short grass, for digestive regulation and dental support. However, wild cats do not consume vegetable or plant matter for the purpose of energy or nutrition. High quality cat foods are formulated with this evolutionary platform, and feline nutrition requirements, in mind.
Protein is a fundamental component of feline nutrition that is necessary for the maintenance and support of a cat’s:MuscleBoneLigamentsTendonsAdditionally, many of a cat’s functional body components are made of proteins, including:EnzymesPlasma proteinsHormonesNeurotransmittersProteins all have their own digestibility profile, because some proteins, like fish and chicken, are more available for use in the body than other proteins, like plant and dairy. Digestibility refers to the net amount of protein that is left after the cat food’s chemical breakdown in the body. Proteins also contain essential amino acids that synthesize, or break down and utilize, the protein molecules themselves. Amino acids are synthesized in the liver with the help of carbon and nitrogen. There are 30 total amino acids, 20 dispensable (or non-essential) and 10 non-dispensable (or essential). Dispensable refers to the ability to be safely absent from a diet. This means the 10 non-dispensable, or essential amino acids, must come from a cat’s diet. A high quality cat food that follows a sound feline nutrition requirement protocol will only use unprocessed or minimally processed fish, poultry and meat that contain upwards of 40% of this feline nutrition requirements per serving.
The Role of Fats
Essential Fatty Acids, also known simply as fats, provide the most concentrated source of energy of any feline nutrition requirement. In cats, fats provide energy, making carbohydrates unnecessary. Fats carry fat soluble vitamins: D, E, A and K. Fats also supply linoleic and arachidonic acids, which are essential for overall health. Cats that have fat deficiencies will display the following symptoms:Stunted growthDry hair/dandruffListlessnessInfection SusceptibilityA high quality cat food will contain between 20-40% fat (essential fatty acids) of total daily calorie intake.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins are organic substances (made by plants or animals) that are very important feline nutrition components because they help regulate various body processes, including:Boosting immunitySupport growth and developmentHelp cells and organs properly functionThere are two types of vitamins, fat soluble and water soluble. Fat soluble vitamins are processed and can be stored in fat cells. They are generally more sustained release than water soluble vitamins, and also have acute toxicity levels. Water soluble vitamins must dissolve in water before the body can use them. They cannot be stored and therefore must be replenished with greater frequency than fat soluble vitamins. The water soluble vitamins are:The B Vitamins: Thiamine, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine, Pantothenic Acid, Niacin, B-12Vitamin CMinerals are inorganic substances that are produced in soil or water, and that are consumed by plants or animals to regulate:Acid-base balanceTissue structureEnzymesJust like vitamins, there is no universally accepted mineral intake requirement for cats, but volumes of data exist indicating the need of the following minerals to help facilitate healthy body functioning:CalciumPhosphorusSodiumPotassiumMagnesiumIronCopperZincIodineThe overall balance of a cat’s diet is affected not only by the levels of each individual minerals, but also by the interactions between them.
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Wet vs. Dry Food
A combination of wet and dry food can help provide hydration while also supporting dental health. Although dry cat foods are very popular among cat owners, they should be considered the second choice for cat food. This is because dry foods have a higher carbohydrate count than we consider optimal. In addition, the protein choice tends to be higher in plant and not animal based protein. The high levels of carbohydrates and plant protein can lead to weight gain and digestive issues, especially in older and more sedentary cats. However, dry food is convenient and the best choice for busy households. Some premium food brands have developed formulas of speciality, prescription formula dry cat foods which can be sound choices for cats with allergies, certain health conditions, and as part of a diet also containing canned or fresh food.
Wet cat foods can have a nutrient profile that mimics the kind of diet cats would choose in the wild. The protein in canned cat food is usually animal based, which means that canned cat food has a nutritional profile that compliments a cat’s evolutionary profile and physiological needs. Canned cat foods are usually formulated with water content in mind, and can contain up to 80% of this feline nutrition requirement per serving.
Special Dietary Considerations
Gut-friendly ingredients, such as prebiotics and probiotics, can be highly beneficial in supporting their digestion and overall well-being. Some European Shorthairs do well on grain-free food, while others can digest whole grains like brown rice without any issues. European Shorthairs thrive on high-quality, gut-friendly food, making Scrumbles the perfect choice for their diet. Our cat food is crafted with natural ingredients, a high meat content, and added pre, pro or postbiotics to support digestion.
Feeding Your European Shorthair at Different Life Stages
Cats should be fed formulas that are appropriate for their life stage: kitten food, adult food, or senior cat food. European Shorthair kittens should be fed several meals a day, if you choose not to free-feed them. However, because European Shorthairs have strong hunting instincts, they typically do well with small, frequent meals throughout the day.
Kittenhood
For the first month of a cat’s life, kitten food comes in the form of mother’s milk, and/or commercial milk replacer formula given every 2-4 hours if the kitten has been separated from its mother. Once this initial period passes, kitten food can become a dietary staple in the following stages, amounts and frequency:From 3-5 weeks of age, feeding kittens involves offering the milk-replacer formula in a shallow dish to encourage weaning from a bottle. You can also add a moist, easily chewable diet consisting of a mixture of warm milk-replacer and high quality canned or dried kitten food 4-6 times a day. By 5-8 weeks of age, your kitten should be able to chew its own kitten food, and you should provide a protein rich and energy filled diet, with feedings taking place 3-4 times daily. There are many different types of kitten food available. Typically we recommend canned kitten food because it will mimic the natural diet both in consistency and formulation. However, a good diet may also consist of a combination of canned and dry kitten foods. After 6 months of age, kittens should be fed 2 times per day. Kitten food is usually very high in protein, calories and fats, which are all necessary to support healthy growth and body function. Feeding the right kitten food in the right amounts, and at the right times throughout the day is essential for happy, growing cats.
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Adulthood and Senior Years
Beginning around 7 years of age, cats begin transitioning from adulthood to the mature/senior stages of life. This transition causes health and lifestyle changes with a cat’s:WeightSkinJointsTeethInternal organsIf your cat is doing well on his current diet, then there may be no need to change to a different formula. Some brands make a Senior cat food which is specially formulated to deliver ingredients which are more easily digested than standard adult cat foods. Senior cats are more likely to develop health issues related to intestines and kidney disease.
Common Health Issues and Diet Adjustments
While European Shorthairs aren’t prone to breed-specific genetic diseases, they can still develop common feline illnesses, like all cats.
Obesity
Roughly one out of every three cats in the United States is overweight or obese. And those extra pounds can contribute to other health risks-such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart problems. Obesity is another common health issue among all cat breeds, including European Shorthairs. European Shorthairs require a high-quality diet. To keep your cat at a healthy weight, monitor food intake and reduce portions if necessary. And be mindful of calories if you decide to give them human food as a treat. Just one small piece of cheese can account for half their recommended daily calories. Avoid free-feeding kibble. Also, keep in mind that kibble is 4 times more caloric than wet food, gram for gram.
Other Health Considerations
The overall balance of a cat’s diet is affected not only by the levels of each individual minerals, but also by the interactions between them. Obviously, your cat's breed is not the only factor to consider when determining its nutritional needs and daily ration calculation. Currently, no study has proven a significant difference in energy needs based on breed. Some breeds mature later than others, and some are prone to congenital diseases. A 2009 study showed that long-haired cat breeds are less prone to obesity than other breeds.
The Birman is predisposed to hereditary kidney dysfunction. Therefore, it is essential to choose a diet that supports kidney function and pay special attention to phosphorus levels in its food. Contrary to what has been widely believed, protein is not the enemy of the kidneys, provided the protein is of good quality.
General Care and Maintenance
European Shorthairs are skilled self-groomers. Regular nail trims will prevent your cat's claws from growing too long, snagging on something, and becoming torn or damaged. Good dental hygiene is essential to every cat's overall health. Regular veterinary checkups are crucial for catching dental disease early, before your cat experiences discomfort. Brushing your European Shorthair's teeth with a cat-specific toothpaste and toothbrush is the best way to keep your cat’s mouth healthy and clean. “Dental treats with certifications like Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) approval and a crunchy texture can help improve dental care by reducing plaque and tartar buildup,” Dr. Smith says. European Shorthairs don't typically require special skin care.
Treats and Supplements
Cat treats can be a valuable tool in training and bonding with your cat, Dr. Smith says. Offer your cat a treat immediately after they do the wanted behavior, Dr. Smith says, adding that consistency is key. Before adding supplements to your cat’s diet, talk with your veterinarian.
Choosing the Right Food
Look for food that meets the nutritional recommendations set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
European Shorthair Temperament and Lifestyle
European Shorthairs are generally easygoing in nature and have a friendly temperament. They’re all-around an ideal housecat and family companion. European Shorthairs are natural-born hunters that love to play. But these playful felines aren't all action. Whether it's fetching a favorite toy or learning their name, European Shorthairs enjoy learning new tricks.
Integrating into a Family
Are European Shorthairs good with children and pets?Yes, they’re friendly, adaptable, and generally do well in families. Considering adopting or purchasing a European Shorthair? These affectionate and easygoing felines form strong bonds with their families and enjoy human interaction. Before welcoming home a European Shorthair, or any cat, ensure you have all the supplies they need for a smooth adjustment.
Are European Shorthairs Cuddly?
European Shorthairs can be cuddly. However, every cat is an individual, and their personality is shaped by both genetics and their environment.
Coat and Grooming
European Shorthair cats have a sleek, short coat that is relatively low-maintenance. Do they need frequent grooming? No, their coat is low-maintenance. European Shorthairs are moderate shedders. However, even busy pet parents should be able to keep up with their grooming needs.
Appearance
European Shorthair cats have round eyes that are green, amber, or blue. European Shorthairs have ears that are rounded at the tips and may be tufted. Is a European Shorthair a tabby cat?Tabby cats refer to a coat pattern, rather than a breed itself. While not all European Shorthairs are tabby cats, some are. Tabby European Shorthairs have stripes, swirls, ticks, or spots in shades of brown, black, orange, silver, or cream.
Common Health Issues
Health Problems
- 700 Common Health Issues
- Upper Respiratory Infections
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Vaccination details
| Growth Stage | Core Vaccines |
|---|---|
| 8-10 Weeks | FVRCP (feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia) |
| 12-14 Weeks | Second dose of FVRCP |
| 20-22 Weeks | Second dose of rabies |
| Anually | Boosters for FVRCP and rabies |
Disclaimer : The list of vaccines shown above are meant to be used for reference only.
Exercise
- Exercise routine: 30 - 60 minutes
- Recognising Stress: Changes in litter box behavior