European Cats

Since it became a recognised breed, this one time alley cat has not really changed its ways. Perhaps it does not haunt the streets and roof tops as much as it used to -it knows that it can find guaranteed bed and breakfast and shelter in many houses!

At cat shows it is no longer the poor relation, even if it does get lost sometimes among the thousands of breeds now recognised. No longer Rudyard Kipling's "the cat who walks alone", it is fast losing the unjustified reputation of being sly, hypocritical, cruel and the familiar of witches and demons.

Brought into the home, it has shown some hitherto unsuspected qualities. Capable of being the most faithful friend to its owner, it is always an agreeable companion, taking care to maintain its own place in the family without abusing it. The cat does, nevertheless, occasionally remind one that it is still a free spirit by taking off on its own, sometimes for days on end.

Perhaps in order to sharpen those wits which over the centuries have helped it win the battle for survival. There are numerous cases of cats wandering off, sometimes for long periods, and then suddenly reappearing and taking up their daily routine again as if nothing had happened. For this reason, the European domestic cat should always be free to roam if it wishes, even when it is happily settled to family life.

They are naturally clean animals, but it is still a good idea to give them a brush over or a comb out (in the case of longhairs) every two or three days and check them for wounds and parasites, particularly since they are likely to get into fights when out and about and pick up guests such as fleas. They should be accustomed when young to a varied diet and should always have a bowl of clean water available.

General:

Well built without being heavy. Short, strong paws and a tail that is in proportion to the body.

Head:

Round and wide between the ears with a firm chin. The eyes are round, set well apart and may be any colour.

Coat:

Dense and soft to the touch. Numerous colours and mixtures of colours are acceptable. At one time an attempt was made to classify the European in seven categories, but varieties increased and everything suggests they will continue to do so.