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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+12
Cats
# The European Shorthair: temperament, price, health, and breeders
Europe
A balanced, hardy and affectionate cat, as comfortable in an apartment as in the garden.
Size MediumLife expectancy 10–15 yearsBudget ≈ €65/monthKitten €700 – €1,200
[Find a breeder 3](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-european-shorthair) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-cat-breeds?races=european-shorthair)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Which cat is right for you?](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-cat)
Families and children Very good
Daily exercise needs Moderate
Apartment living Very good
First-time owners Excellent
Other pets Very good
Tolerance of being alone Fair
Vocalization Quiet
Strengths and weaknesses
- Balanced temperament: It combines affection, independence and stability, making it an easy companion to live with on a daily basis.
- Hardiness: Its natural build and good overall robustness make it a cat that is often sturdy.
- Easy maintenance: Its short coat requires little care apart from regular brushing.
- Possible territoriality: He may be less tolerant of other cats in his living space.
- Strong hunting instinct: You must secure outings and plan activities that meet his need for exploration.
- Risk of overweight indoors: Without sufficient activity and with overly rich portions, he can easily gain weight.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Families: Its affectionate and playful temperament suits a dynamic household life well.
- Beginner adopters: Its hardiness and simple care make life easier for first-time cat owners.
- People looking for a natural cat: It appeals to those who like cats with a classic type, without extreme morphology.
Not recommended for
- Households with delicate feline cohabitation: If several cats must share a small territory, its territorial nature may require more management.
- People who are often absent: Even though it is independent, it needs interactions, stimulation and a lively environment.
- Homes lacking enrichment: An environment without toys, scratching posts or opportunities for observation may encourage boredom.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
33 cmEuropean Shorthair
- Height at the withers
- 30–35 cm
- Weight
- 3–6 kg
- Coat
- Short, dense, glossy
- Origin
- Europe
- Grooming
- Easy to care for
## Photos and videos
See the European Shorthair in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The Européen, also called European Shorthair, is a domestic cat selected to preserve the natural look of the house cat while meeting a breed standard. It descends from ancient feline populations established in Europe for centuries and was officially recognized as a distinct breed in the early 1980s. Long considered too close to the alley cat, it nevertheless remains a breed in its own right, appreciated for its simplicity and hardiness.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The European is a medium to large cat, well muscled, with a rectangular body, a developed chest and a solid bone structure. Its head is fairly long and rounded, with full cheeks, a distinct muzzle and medium ears, wide at the base. The coat is short, dense and glossy. The standard accepts many colors and patterns, with the exception of certain coats such as chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn and colour point.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
The Européen is an affectionate, well-balanced and intelligent cat. It enjoys the company of its family while maintaining true independence. Playful and lively, it often retains a strong hunting instinct. It is generally sociable with humans, including children, but can prove more territorial with other cats.
Affectionate Playful Intelligent Sociable
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
This cat adapts easily to a variety of lifestyles. It can live in an apartment if its environment is enriched with hiding places, elevated spots and games, but it also appreciates access to a garden or a secure balcony. Curious and active without being excessive, it likes to observe, explore and take part in the daily life of the home.
Training
## Training and socialization
The European responds well to gentle and consistent training. Early socialization, stable routines and positive reinforcement promote a cat that is comfortable in its own skin. It is useful to get it used from a young age to handling, transport, the scratching post and playtime to channel its need for activity.
Budget
## Price and budget for the European Shorthair
The price of a European registered as a breed remains variable depending on the lineage, the reputation of the cattery, identification, vaccination and the level of socialization of the kitten. As this breed is less sought after commercially than others, its availability can also influence the price.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/european-shorthair/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The European is generally a sturdy cat, not well known for accumulating pronounced hereditary predispositions. Its hardiness makes it a breed reputed to be robust, provided it benefits from routine veterinary care, a suitable diet and a good level of activity.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/european-shorthair/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The European needs a complete and balanced diet, rich in animal proteins and adapted to their age, their level of activity and their physiological status. The quality of intake matters more than volume alone.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/european-shorthair/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The European is often confused with the alley cat, even though there is indeed a precise breed standard. Its selection has precisely sought to preserve a natural, robust and functional type. The standard accepts almost all coat colors, which explains the great diversity of appearance within the breed.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the European Shorthair
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Is the European a good cat for a family?
Yes, the European is generally a very good family companion. It combines affection, balance and independence, while enjoying interactions and play with respectful children.
### Can the European live in an apartment?
Yes, provided you have a stimulating environment with a cat tree, scratching posts, games and daily interaction time. Secure access to a balcony or to observation points is often a plus.
### Does the European shed a lot?
Its shedding generally remains moderate, but it increases depending on the season. Weekly brushing, then more frequent during shedding, helps limit dead hair and hairballs.
## Find a European Shorthair breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most European Shorthair breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
### European Shorthair breeders by country
[10 breeders of European Shorthair in Denmark](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-european-shorthair/denmark) [5 breeders of European Shorthair in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-european-shorthair/germany) [4 breeders of European Shorthair in Austria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-european-shorthair/austria) [3 breeders of European Shorthair in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-european-shorthair) [1 breeder of European Shorthair in Italy](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-european-shorthair/italy)
[All breeders of European Shorthair in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-european-shorthair)
## Ready to welcome a European Shorthair?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-european-shorthair)
## Discover other breeds
[Russian Blue
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/russian-blue)
[British Shorthair
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/british-shorthair)
[Chartreux
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/chartreux)
[Abyssinian
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/abyssinian)
[American Shorthair
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/american-shorthair)
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