European cats: characteristics, choice and rules of care

The European cat breed compares very favorably with other representatives of its species. These short-haired pets are also often called Celtic, although they are in no way associated with the Celts. The fact is that wild kittens that lived everywhere in Europe were domesticated, and in different countries the same cat began to have different names. The Gauls called it Celtic, and the name stuck. But since the cat is nevertheless a native of Europe, the second and more correct name for it is European Shorthair.

Animals have an incredibly beautiful appearance, which is complemented by a special grace. The Celts are inherent in the hunting nature, which they inherited from wild ancestors. Cats are very playful and will never make their owners bored. This variety is famous for the fact that its representatives became the first domesticated animals of the cat family. Their ancestors easily adapted to home conditions and quickly got along with their owners. Before you get such a cat, it is recommended that you carefully read the signs of the breed and the conditions of the pet.

European cat has a strong physique, can be large. However, even with such dimensions, the animal can not be called clumsy. The pet is characterized by flexibility and agility in movement. These shorthair cats have a slightly fluffy tail. At the base, it is wide and tapers toward the tip, acquiring a rounded shape. Externally, the Celtic cat breed has a number of individual characteristics.

• The head is slightly oblong and has a conical shape. Cheeks stand out markedly.
• The ears of the pet are medium sized, set high, rounded to the tips. Some representatives have rather unusual brushes, which do not spoil at all, but, on the contrary, give originality to the appearance of a cat.
• Expressive large eyes have a round shape. Their color is always advantageously combined with the color of the coat.
• The celtic chest is very massive and wide, the neck is muscular and has an average length.
• Powerful legs are very well developed, fit perfectly into the proportions of the animal's body. The wide limbs gradually narrow downward. The paws are rounded.
• The short shining coat of a European cat is very soft and dense to the touch, has a natural density.
• The weight of representatives of this variety varies from 4 to 8 kilograms. It should be noted that males are much larger than European females.

European cat is famous for its variety of coat color. Each country has its own color preferences. This is due to the fact that breeders conducted large-scale work on breeding such pets, and specialists from many countries took part in this process. By the way, Germans give their preference to cats whose coat color has light or silver shades.

Celts with such colors are very often found in domestic markets:

• marble;

• cream;

• the black;

• brindle;

• white;

• cream with stripes;

• golden.

If you do not plan to participate in cat shows with your pet, then color, in general, does not matter. In choosing a cat, everyone can build on their preferences.

Cats of the following colors are not allowed to exhibitions:

• chocolate;
• lilac;
• faun.

It is also worth mentioning some external disadvantages of this breed:

• the possibility of hybridization - the Celts are very similar to other breeds of their kind;
• excessive saggy cheeks of the animal;
• rough transition from the frontal part to the muzzle.

Representatives of the Celtic cat breed live on average 16 years. This indicator can be increased by creating comfortable conditions for keeping the pet.

As mentioned earlier, Europeans have a fairly diverse range of colors for their coat. Felinologists worked hard on the creation and improvement of this breed. Everyone will be able to find a color that will appeal to them. The tight-fitting coat of the animal is distinguished by its stiffness and density. Wool can have various variations: plain, patterned, and a mixture of colors. Consider some varieties of color and their beautiful combinations in more detail.

Orange and blue eyes usually combined with such coatings:

• white;
• the black;
• blue;
• lilac;
• cream;
• smoky;
• silver.

There is at least Six combinations of white with colors such as:

• the black;
• blue;
• chocolate;
• lilac;
• cream.

This color may combine with the following shades:

• silver lilac;
• silver blue;
• cream;
• lilac;
• the black;
• silver-chocolate;
• silver black.

Such a color variety almost completely corresponds to the previous color scheme and has many shades:

• ginger;
• white;
• light blue;
• silver with a different mix of shades.

These Celts have a color that combines a three-color coat color:

• blue-cream tortie;
• chocolate tortie;
• purple tortie;
• tortie with white;
• blue tortie with white;
• chocolate tortie with white;
• lilac tortie with white.

The European cat breed is distinguished by high intelligence and an incredibly calm temperament. From the first days in the house, these animals can quickly adapt to new conditions and get used to their owners.

Celtic cats are very active and energetic. They like to play with their masters. It is better to provide the pet with the necessary number of toys. Many owners install a climbing house for their pets. Often the cat has independent behavior, so there is nothing wrong with leaving the pet at home alone, it can easily cope with loneliness.

A characteristic feature of such animals is their emotionality. Few have heard that cats can blush. This usually appears in the Celts when they are nervous. Their ears and nose begin to turn red, the same thing happens with the legs. Interestingly, while they begin to sweat slightly. The cats hiss loudly, but at the same time they do not vent their aggression, so that the pets will not harm their household in this state. Celts get along well with children, they like to play with them, and they are difficult to provoke.

Cats of European breed easily make contact not only with households, but also with strangers. However, they are not inclined to impose themselves on someone. Therefore, if the cat is made to understand that you are not tuned to games or communication, he will understand, and will calmly go about his business or switch to someone else.

European cats, like their ancestors, have a hunting nature, and over the years of domestication this instinct has not disappeared, but, on the contrary, has only become aggravated. So be prepared for the fact that at night animals will create a lot of noise, hunting for mice or insects. However, the Celts are unusually annoying meow, they are silent by nature. A vote can be cast only in extreme cases. This usually occurs during severe hunger or discomfort.

Despite the fact that Europeans get along well with people, they do not get along well with other pets. Thus, it is better to leave the European cat the only representative of the cat family in the house. The uniqueness of the character of the Celtic cat breed is also expressed in the ability to quickly adapt to new conditions and people. Among households, they can choose a leader for themselves and imitate his habits and habits.

It is very difficult to breed thoroughbred European cats in Russia. The main reason is a small chance to give the kitten in good hands. Tricolor cats are often treated as standard non-pedigree animals. Often there are cases of deception, when the owners try to pass off an unclean European as a thoroughbred animal.

When buying, you need to carefully consider the choice of a Celtic cat. It must comply with all International Federation standards. Europeans cannot be hybridized, otherwise the animal will not meet all the requirements of the variety. If you want to get a purebred thoroughbred European cat, then you need to familiarize yourself with all the nuances of appearance and character, as well as be prepared for all the difficulties in its maintenance.

On the territory of our country there are no large nurseries that would be engaged in breeding European smooth-haired cats. Therefore, to purchase an animal, it is better to contact private nurseries. The cost of this breed can vary from 2 to 15 thousand rubles. The price depends on how many titles were awarded to the parents of the kitten, and its class.

Separating a kitten from its mother is recommended not earlier than three months after birth. At this age, kittens are easier to adapt to new conditions of detention, as well as get used to their owners. The more adult the animals, the harder it is for them to get used to something new. It is best to find a breeder in advance and get to know the pet for some time before taking it home. In this case, you can get detailed advice from animal care specialists.

Carefully consider your future pet before buying. He must not only meet all the qualities of the breed, but also have good health and a strong physique. The cleanliness of the animal can indicate the absence of disease, this applies to the eyes, ears and nose. You should also pay attention to the purity of the anus. A healthy kitten should have a shiny coat without any flaws. Claws should be well-groomed and not broken. Another sign of a healthy kitten is energy. A pet cannot be aggressive towards others.

When buying, breeders are obligated to provide the new owner with the necessary package of documents:

• passport;
• pedigree;
• information about vaccinations;
• contract of sale.

European domestic cats, like other representatives of this species, need individual care. This process will not take much time and will not be a burden to you. Keeping the Celts is not such a difficult task. In addition, animals have truly good health and are resistant to many infectious diseases. To maintain your pet in this condition, you need to follow some basic rules.

Making a diet is not difficult, because these pets are quite unpretentious in food. The main thing is not to feed the animal too fatty foods, even despite the fact that Europeans are not inclined to gain weight. Meat products should form the basis of the cat's diet.

If you want to organize a natural type of food for your pet, you must provide it with the following products:

• boiled or raw meat, except for pork and lamb;
• offal;
• cereals, if desired, can be seasoned with vegetable oil;
• boiled vegetables, except for potatoes;
• sea ​​fish - not more than once a week;
• dairy products of low fat content.

Before giving the pet meat products, it is recommended to freeze them a day before. After the meat is completely thawed, it should be scalded with boiling water, grind before serving. Excessive amounts of saltwater fish can adversely affect a cat’s health and cause urolithiasis. Do not forget that the pet's body needs vitamins, as well as mineral supplements.

To save time, many owners prefer ready-made feeds, in addition, they already contain all the substances necessary for the body of the animal. It is advisable to select food according to the age of the pet. When choosing this type of product should also pay attention to the health status of the cat. The amount of feed in one serving is calculated by the weight of the animal. Typically, these data indicate the packaging. To provide your pet with all the necessary substances, vitamins and minerals, it is best to buy premium food.

Hygiene can be maintained using simple procedures.

• Eye examination. It is recommended to conduct an eye examination every day for the presence of secretions that can form “nitrous oxide”. You can clean your eyes with a damp cotton pad or ear bud. The cleaning fluid is usually selected in the form of boiled water or herbal decoction. In some cases, abundant discharge from the eyes and their redness may indicate an unhealthy state of the kitten.At the first sign, it is better to show the pet to the veterinarian.
• Hygiene of the ears. The hairline does not protect the already rather big ears of the cat poorly, for this reason the dust very often settles in this zone. In addition to all, any contamination can mix with the earwax of the animal. Therefore, from time to time you need to pay attention to this issue. For the procedure, you will need cotton buds previously moistened with hydrogen peroxide. It is strongly discouraged to clean inside the ear canal; otherwise, you may harm your pet. Therefore, clean only the visible part from contamination. Too much accumulation of earwax is a sign of the initial stage of the disease. It may be an ear tick. In this case, treatment is indispensable.
• Hair care. To maintain the beautiful appearance of the animal, you need to comb it at least twice a week. To do this, you will need a metal brush, it will be able to cope with the removal of dead hairs from the body of the pet.
• Bathing. The cat does not need regular water procedures. This can harm the natural shine of the coat of the Celt. Bathing a pet is necessary only in case of severe pollution, as well as before an exhibition or childbirth. Before going to the veterinary clinic, be sure to give your cat a bathing day. Wool is washed with a special shampoo for cats.
• Oral care The teeth of the European are strong and healthy, and to preserve their natural appearance, you need to brush them with special toothpaste and a brush for cats. To avoid this procedure, you can occasionally give the cat small bones or solid food. So the cat cleans its teeth. Visit your veterinarian annually to prevent dental and gum health.
• Claw Care. At least once a month, the claws of the animal should be trimmed. With frequent walking, the cat may not need this procedure at all. Claws should be cut carefully so as not to damage the paws, otherwise the cat may catch an infection. Only the transparent tip of the plate is cut off. It is advisable to purchase a claw claw and special claw care tools for your pet.

You will learn more about European cats in the next video.