| European Shorthair is a recently recognized breed of | | | | and black are most frequent. Head is rounded and so |
| cats that was created to distinguish the Scandinavian | | | | are the widely set eyes and ears. Eyes are also |
| cats of Europe from those of United Kingdom. A | | | | accepted in a variety of colors including blue, green or |
| shorthair feline breed, it is distinct from the British and | | | | yellow. Jaws and neck are well developed. Tail and |
| American Shorthairs. The cat's origin dates back | | | | legs are relatively long. |
| centuries. It is said to have descended from Egyptian | | | | European Shorthairs are quite similar to the average |
| cats and then brought over to Europe. Since then it | | | | street cat in Europe and are thus often confused |
| has been widespread in towns and villages of Europe. | | | | with alley cats. Theirs is a pure breed though that has |
| The point of origin here is believed to be Sweden. | | | | been developed over the years and has established |
| With time the European cat developed a physical | | | | attributes. They are not all alike though in many ways |
| structure somewhat different from its English cousin. | | | | since they have been developed from so many |
| Therefore after much deliberation it was given official | | | | different individuals and often have varying |
| recognition in the early eighties though it is still not | | | | personalities and behavior. |
| recognized by most bodies around the world. | | | | Temperament of European Shorthairs is thus |
| A sturdy and well built feline, European Shorthair is a | | | | somewhat unpredictable owing to their diverse |
| muscular animal. Chest and shoulders are broad and | | | | ancestry. They are generally calm and easygoing cats |
| strong. Coat is double layered and somewhat coarse | | | | overall. They are well behaved normally and go well |
| and thick, in possible adaptation to the cold winters | | | | with all members of the family, including children and |
| of Scandinavia. A number of colors occur though blue | | | | other pets. |