European Shorthair
The continental European working cat — hardy, adaptable, and balanced.
European Shorthairs are continental Europe's answer to the British and American Shorthairs — natural working cats refined into a distinct breed. They are healthy, adaptable, and even-tempered, with no exaggerated traits. Excellent family cats and first-time pet choices.
Key facts
| Origin | Europe |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 8–15 lbs |
| Lifespan | 15–22 years |
| Energy | Medium |
| Vocality | Low |
| Grooming | Brush weekly |
| Shedding | Medium |
| With children | ●●●●● |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●●● |
| For beginners | ●●●●● |
| Apartment life | ●●●●● |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Excellent first cat
- Hardy and exceptionally long-lived
- Adapts to almost any home
- No exaggerated breed traits
✗ Things to know
- Easily confused with non-pedigree cats
- Less distinctive than rare breeds
- Can put on weight
Ideal owner
A European Shorthair may suit you well if you:
- Are a first-time cat owner looking for a forgiving, adaptable breed
- Have children or a busy, sociable household
- Already have dogs or other cats at home
- Live in an apartment or smaller home
A European Shorthair may not suit you if you:
- Have significant cat allergies
Health considerations
European Shorthairs are generally considered a robust, healthy breed with no well-documented breed-specific conditions at this time. As with all cats, annual vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and keeping them up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention are the best health investments you can make.
Is a European Shorthair right for you?
The best way to find out if a European Shorthair suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a European Shorthair a good cat for first-time owners?
Yes — European Shorthairs are an excellent choice for first-time cat owners. They are adaptable and forgiving, with a temperament described as: easygoing, adaptable, and friendly.
Are European Shorthairs good for apartments?
Yes — European Shorthairs adapt well to apartment living. They don't require a large territory and are content indoors provided they have adequate enrichment and attention.
Are European Shorthairs good with children?
European Shorthairs are generally excellent with children. They are patient, tolerant of handling, and social enough to enjoy the energy of family life including young children.
Are European Shorthairs hypoallergenic?
European Shorthairs are not specifically hypoallergenic and produce standard levels of Fel d 1, the main cat allergen. If allergies are a concern, consider breeds like the Siberian, Balinese, or Devon Rex.
Does a European Shorthair suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: European Shorthair on Wikipedia