European cats: characteristics, choices and rules of care

The European cat breed is very advantageous from other representatives of its species. These short-haired pets are also often called Celtic, although they have nothing to do with Celts. The fact is that wild kittens living 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 still from Europe, the second, and more correct, name is the European shorthair.

Animals have an incredibly beautiful appearance, which is complemented by a special grace. The Celts are characterized by a hunting nature, which they inherited from their wild ancestors. Cats are very playful and will never make their owners bored. This species is famous for the fact that its representatives became the first domesticated felines. Their ancestors easily adapted to their home conditions and quickly got along with their owners. Before you get such a cat, it is recommended to 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 sluggish. Pet peculiar flexibility and agility in motion. These short-haired cats have a slightly fluffed tail. At the base it is wide and tapers towards the tip, acquiring a rounded shape. Externally, the Celtic breed of cats has a number of individual characteristics.

• The head is slightly oblong and has a conical shape. Cheeks stand out noticeably.
• The ears of a pet are medium in size, set high, rounded at the tips. Some representatives have rather unusual brushes, which do not spoil at all, but, on the contrary, give originality to the appearance of the cat.
• Expressive big eyes have a round shape. Their color is always favorably combined with coat color.
• The chest of the Celt is very massive and wide, the neck is muscular and has an average length.
• Powerful legs are very well developed, perfectly fit into the proportions of the body of the animal. Broad limbs gradually tapering down. Paws have a rounded shape.
• The short shining hair of the European cat is very soft and dense to the touch, it has a natural thickness.
• 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 carried out large-scale work on the breeding of such pets, and specialists representing many countries took part in this process. By the way, the Germans give their preference to cats, coat color which has light or silver shades.

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

• marble;

• cream;

• the black;

• brindle;

• white;

• cream with stripes;

• golden.

If you do not plan to participate with your pet in cat shows, then the 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 the shows:

• chocolate;
• purple
• faun.

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

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

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

As mentioned earlier, the Europeans have a fairly diverse color range of coat. Felinologists did a great job at creating and improving this breed. Everyone can find a color that will be to their liking. The tight coat of an animal is distinguished by its rigidity and thickness. Wool can have different variations: monochromatic, 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 coats:

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

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

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

This color can Combine with the following shades:

• silver lilac;
• silvery blue;
• cream;
• purple
• the black;
• silver chocolate;
• silver black.

This color variety almost completely corresponds to the previous color scale and has many shades:

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

These Celts have a coloring that combines tricolor coat color:

• blue and cream tortie;
• chocolate tortie;
• lilac tortoise;
• tortoiseshell with white;
• blue tortie with white;
• chocolate tortie with white;
• lilac tortoise 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 will be able to quickly adapt to new conditions and get used to their owners.

Celtic cats are very active and energetic. They love to play with their masters. It is better to provide the pet with the necessary number of toys. Many owners install their lasagna house for their pets. Often, the cat is observed independent behavior, so there is nothing to worry about leaving your pet alone at home, he can easily cope with loneliness.

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

Cats of the European breed are easy to contact, not only with households, but also with strangers. However, they are not inclined to impose on someone. Therefore, if the cat is made to understand that you are not set up to play or socialize, he will understand and 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 the animals will create a lot of noise, hunting for mice or insects. However, the Celts are unusual for annoying meowing, they are silent by nature. The voice can be given 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 their habits and habits.

It is very difficult to carry out work on the breeding of purebred European cats in Russia. The main reason is a small chance to give a kitten in good hands. Tricolor cats are often treated as standard non-purebred animals. Often there are cases of fraud, when the owners are trying to impersonate a bloodless European for a purebred animal.

When buying, you need to carefully consider the choice of Celtic cats. It must comply with all International Federation standards. Europeans are not amenable to hybridization, otherwise the animal will not meet all the requirements of the variety. If you want to have 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 difficulties in its maintenance.

On the territory of our country there are no large kennels that would be engaged in the breeding of European sleek-haired cats. Therefore, to purchase an animal, it is better to apply to 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 the kitten from the mother is recommended not earlier than three months after birth. At this age, kittens easier to adapt to new conditions of detention, as well as get used to their owners. The more mature animals are, the harder it is for them to get used to something new. It is best to find a breeder in advance and meet your pet for some time before taking him home. In this case, you can get detailed advice from animal care professionals.

Carefully consider your future pet before purchasing. He must not only comply with all the qualities of the breed, but also have good health and a strong constitution. The absence of disease can indicate the purity of the animal, it concerns 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 must be well maintained and not broken. Another sign of a healthy kitten - energy. Pet can not be aggressive to others.

When buying, breeders are obliged to provide the new owner with the necessary documents:

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

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

Making a diet is easy, because these pets are quite unpretentious in food. The main thing is not to feed the animal too fatty food, 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 your pet a natural type of food, you must provide it with the following products:

• boiled or raw meat, except pork and lamb;
• offal;
• cereals, if desired, can be filled with vegetable oil;
• boiled vegetables, except potatoes;
• sea ​​fish - no more than once a week;
• fermented milk products of small fat content.

Before you give your 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, chopped before serving. An excessive amount of marine fish can adversely affect the health of the cat and provoke 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, besides, they already contain all the substances necessary for the body of the animal. It is desirable to select food by age pet. When choosing this type of product should also pay attention to the state of health of the cat. The amount of feed in one portion is calculated by the weight of the animal. Usually these data indicate on the packaging. To provide your pet with all the necessary substances, vitamins and minerals, it is best to buy premium food.

You can maintain hygiene using simple procedures.

• Eye Examination It is recommended to conduct an eye examination every day for the presence of secretions that may form “nitrous”. You can clear your eyes with a wet cotton pad or ear stick. Liquid for cleansing is usually selected in the form of boiled water or herbal decoction. In some cases, heavy discharge from the eyes and their redness can mean an unhealthy condition of the kitten. At the first sign it is better to show the pet to the veterinarian.
• Ear hygiene. The coat is poorly protected by the cat's already rather large ears, for this reason dust very often accumulates in this zone. In addition to this, any contamination can be mixed with the animal's earwax. Therefore, from time to time you need to pay attention to this issue. For the procedure, cotton swabs previously moistened with hydrogen peroxide will be needed. It is categorically not recommended to clean the inside of the ear canal, otherwise you can harm your pet. Therefore, clean only the visible part of dirt. Too much accumulation of earwax is a sign of the initial stage of the disease. It may be an ear mite. In this case, no treatment is necessary.
• Care of the coat. In order to maintain the beautiful appearance of the animal, it is necessary 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 hair from the pet's body.
• Bathing. The cat does not need regular water procedures. This can damage the natural shine of the Celt's coat. It is necessary to bathe a pet only in case of heavy pollution, and also before an exhibition or childbirth. Before going to the veterinary clinic be sure to arrange your cat a bath day. The coat is washed with a special shampoo for cats.
• Oral cavity care. The teeth of a European are strong and healthy, and to preserve their natural appearance, you need to brush them with a special toothpaste and brush for cats. To avoid this procedure, you can sometimes give the cat small bones or solid food. So the cat cleans teeth.Visit the veterinarian annually to prevent dental and gum health.
• Claw care. At least once a month should be trimmed animal claws. With frequent walking, the cat may not need this procedure at all. Cutting the claws must be done carefully so as not to damage the paws, otherwise the cat may catch the infection. Only the transparent tip of the plate is cut off. It is advisable to purchase for your pet claw and special tools for the care of claws.

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