European Shorthair (or domestic cat)

Oranje kat Pietje van het Katshuisch in Vinkel

European Shorthair (or domestic cat)

Orange cat Pietje from the Katshuisch in Vinkel

Most people have a “normal” housecat in their home: the beloved home-garden-and-kitchen cat who is often incorrectly referred to as a European Shorthair. In this blog we tell you everything about domestic cats – about their characteristics, character and care. These cats come in all shapes, sizes and colors, but these fluff balls have one thing in common: They are great! Are you reading?

Domestic cat or European Shorthair?

The domestic cat is often called European Shorthair. But this is wrong. The European Shorthair is actually a recognised cat breed from Sweden. Such a cat is bred and always has a pedigree. This is not the case with the domestic cat. It is often born in a tame litter and has no pedigree. It is actually a pedigree-less mongrel.

Domestic cat on a Petrebels scratching post

Characteristics of a housecat

It is often not known who the parents are of domestic cats and therefore there are no specific characteristics for these cats. They have many different types – they can be large or small, muscular or slim and short-haired or (partly) long-haired. Everything is possible with a house cat!

Colors and coat length housecat

And in terms of color, everything is possible – completely black, white, red or gray, tabby, spotted or the famous tortoise or calico cat. The house cat’s coat is generally short. If one of the cat’s parents is long-haired, this can be passed on to the kittens. Then, for example, a kitten suddenly has beautiful plumes on its ears. 

Character and personality

Unfortunately, little research has been done on the character of cats. It is known that the genes of the father are the most dominant, so they are often passed on to the kittens. Because domestic cats are not bred, their character is therefore always a surprise: they can be calm, active, nice and lazy, confident or insecure. It is therefore important to pick the right cat tree for the European Shorthair for them where he can have a nice rest or play in.

Caring for the domestic cat

A cat is a clean and smart creature. So, generally speaking, you have little to worry about when it comes to looking after a domestic cat. However, a few things are very important to do.

The coat

Even short-haired cats shed, so it is a good idea to brush your cat once a month. It will make the coat shine and prevent hairballs.

Nails

When a cat goes outdoors, its nails usually wear down by themselves. The nails of indoor cats get long and sharp faster. So always put a good scratching post in the house, because your cat can use it to maintain its nails. You will still need to cut its nails once in a while. Find that difficult? Then go to the vet.

Teeth

Even cats sometimes need to go to the dentist. So check your cat’s teeth regularly. Are the gums red, is there tartar on the teeth (yellow or brown lumps) or has a tooth broken off? Then you should go to the vet, as they can see if anything needs to be done about it.

Overall health

Furthermore, it is important to have your cat spayed, as it is better for your cat’s health. Last but not least, it prevents unwanted reproduction. Regular worming and protection against fleas and ticks is also necessary. Just like chipping and registering – because if a cat gets lost, a chip ensures that the owner is found quickly.

Several cats on a large Petrebels scratching post

Diseases and disorders

In general, the domestic cat is a strong cat, but it can also get sick. Always consider this carefully when taking in a cat: after all, care, medication and visits to the vet cost money.

Contagious diseases

Diseases such as feline distemper, rabies and sneezing sickness occur in cats. But fortunately, you can vaccinate your cat against these diseases. Another contagious disease is FIV (feline AIDS), which is spread by bite and fight wounds. Unfortunately, you cannot get your cat vaccinated against it, but there are drugs that stabilise the disease.

Conditions

As in humans, hereditary diseases also occur in cats. These include epilepsy, cancer, heart problems, thyroid disorders, kidney failure, diabetes and bladder stones. Fortunately, veterinary medicine is also advanced these days, so in many cases these conditions can be remedied or controlled by medication, surgery or adapted nutrition.

Even though domestic cats do not have a pedigree and are not specially bred, they make super cute pets. They are sweet, stubborn, nice and soft and above all very sociable. We love them!

Disclaimer: Petrebels does not consist of veterinarians or behavioral experts: all content, information and tips on this blog are intended to inspire and inform you. Does your cat have complaints or problems and do you have doubts about your cat’s health? Then always go to the vet or a behavioral expert.

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DE LUIE REBEL

Katten slapen gemiddeld 16 uur per dag en doen dat vol overgave: er wordt gerekt, gestrekt en schaamteloos gegaapt. Heerlijk. De Luie Rebel is er wel héél goed in. Die laat rennen en spelen liever aan een ander over en ploft met gemak overal neer voor een overheerlijk dutje. Maar het liefst ligt deze Rebel in een lekker zacht mandje of hangmatje.


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DE KRABBEL REBEL

Katten hebben van nature de behoefte om hun nagels te scherpen. Ze markeren daarmee hun territorium en worden er ontspannen en blij van. De Krabbel Rebel weet van geen ophouden als het om krabbelen gaat. Maak van je huis daarom een feestje voor deze Rebel en zet één (of meer) goede krabpalen neer.


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DE OUTDOOR REBEL

Buitenkatten houden van hun vrijheid en van avontuur. Ze verstoppen zich vaak in struiken en houden de hele buurt in de gaten. Ze kunnen zich uren vermaken met rondvliegende insecten en nemen – als het even meezit – een echte muis voor je mee naar huis. De Outdoor Rebel komt thuis om gezellig met de baasjes te kroelen en rustig te eten. En stelt het op prijs als er een fijn plekje is om uit te rusten voor het volgende avontuur.


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DE INDOOR REBEL

Sommige katten blijven liever binnen. Of het baasje wil dit graag. Indoor Rebels vinden het heerlijk om naar buiten te kijken – naar al het spannends wat zich daar afspeelt. Je maakt deze katten blij door het binnen net zo spannend te maken als buiten. Prikkel hun instincten met speeltjes en krabmeubels waar ze lekker in kunnen klimmen, want dan blijven ze gelukkig en gezond.


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THE LAZY REBEL

Cats sleep up to 16 hours a day with full commitment: lots of stretching and shameless yawning… Mhmm, delicious. The lazy Rebel masters this trait like no other and prefers to leave the running and playing to someone else. This lazy napper is able to lie down anywhere to take a well-deserved rest, but they prefer a nice and soft hammock or basket.


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THE SCRATCHING REBEL

Cats naturally have the need to sharpen their nails. This way they mark their territory. It also makes them relaxed and happy. The scratching Rebel will never stop when it comes to this. Transform your house into a “scratching paradise” for this Rebel and supply it with one or several good cat trees.


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THE OUTDOOR REBEL

Outdoor cats love adventure and freedom. They often hide in bushes to keep an eye on their surroundings. They can entertain themselves for hours with bugs flying around and they might even take home a real mouse for you! The outdoor Rebel will come home to cuddle with its owner and to eat peacefully. This adventurer would appreciate it if there is a nice spot in your house to rest before the next adventure.


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THE INDOOR REBEL

Some cats prefer to stay inside, this can also be a decision made by the owner. Indoor Rebels enjoy watching the outside world – and everything exciting that happens there. You can make these cats happy by making the indoor world just as exciting as the outdoor world. Stimulate their senses with toys and cat furniture in which they can climb. This way they remain healthy and happy.


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DER FAULE REBELL

Katzen schlafen durchschnittlich 16 Stunden pro Tag und tun dies voller Hingabe. Sie strecken sich, dehnen sich und gähnen unverhohlen. Herrlich! Der faule Rebell ist sehr gut darin. Er überlässt das Toben und Spielen am liebsten jemand anderem und macht stattdessen lieber ein kleines Nickerchen. Am liebsten bevorzugt dieser Schläfer ein weiches Sofa oder ein gepolsterte Liegefläche.


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DER KRATZENDE REBELL

Katzen haben von Natur aus das Bedürfnis, ihre Nägel zu schärfen. Damit markieren sie zum einen ihr Territorium und verhindern zum anderen, dass die Nägel zu lang werden und einwachsen. Kratzen, wetzen und schärfen macht sie entspannt und glücklich. Der Kratz-Rebell kennt dann auch kein Halten mehr, wenn es ums Wetzen und Kratzen geht. Mach dein Zuhause also zu einer Partyzone für diesen Rebellen und stelle einen (oder mehrere) gute Kratzbäume mit viel Wetzmöglichkeiten auf.


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DER OUTDOOR-REBELL

Freigängerkatzen lieben die Freiheit und das Abenteuer. Oft verstecken sie sich im Gebüsch und behalten die ganze Nachbarschaft im Auge. Sie können sich stundenlang mit fliegenden Insekten vergnügen, streunen herum und bringen im schlimmsten Fall eine Maus als Geschenk mit nach Hause. Der Outdoor-Rebell kommt nur nach Hause, um mit den Besitzern eventuell zu kuscheln und sich sein Fressen servieren zu lassen. Und er schätzt es über alle Maßen, wenn er einen schönen, gemütlichen Platz am liebsten auf einem Kratzbaum zum Ausruhen für das nächste Abenteuer angeboten bekommt.


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DER INDOOR-REBELL

Einige Katzen sind reine Indoor-Rebellen. Entweder, weil sie es vorziehen in einem warmen und gefahrlosen Zuhause zu leben oder weil der Besitzer dies so möchte. Indoor-Rebellen lieben es nach draußen zu schauen – und das aufregende Leben draußen aus sicherer Entfernung zu beobachten. Diese Katzen sind glücklich, wenn man drinnen die gleichen Abenteuer simuliert, die sie draußen beobachten können. Stimuliere deren Instinkte mit Spielzeug und Kratzmöbeln, in denen sie herumklettern und toben können, damit sie gesund, agil und glücklich bleiben.


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