Photo and description of the Celtic, or European shorthaired, cat according to the breed standard

One breed that stands out for its inherent beauty and versatility is the Celtic, also known as the European shorthaired cat. Many people who love cats have fallen in love with these cats because of their strong features and well-balanced build. They are both useful and beautiful to look at with their short, thick coat and range of colors.

Originally selected for their hunting prowess, Celtic cats are now prized for their adaptability and soft nature. They are a great option for many homes since they adapt well to a variety of settings, including apartments in cities and rural areas.

This breed adheres to a strict set of guidelines that specify its physical characteristics and character. This article will examine the Celtic cat’s picture and description, emphasizing the characteristics that, in accordance with the breed standard, set them apart.

Origin of the breed

The European shorthaired aborigines, who inhabited large numbers of France, Germany, and Great Britain, are the ancestors of the Kellas cat. Though mostly in the wild, these animals were occasionally fed by humans, such as nearby farmers who greatly appreciated the "Celts" for their ability to catch rats.

It was not until the first part of the 20th century that experts started to specifically choose European shorthaired cats. The breed was first formally introduced in 1938. Then, Wastl von der Kohlung, a Celtic male with a silver-marble color, made his debut at the international cat show in Berlin.

From that moment on, confusion began. English breeders, having highly appreciated the massive build and density of the Kellas handsome cat"s fur, focused on these breed traits when breeding. As a result, British shorthaired cats appeared. French breeders liked the unique color of the "Celts" more, which led to the creation of the Chartreux, whose feature is a gray-blue fur coat. Independent branches of the breed also developed in the Scandinavian countries. The masterpiece of local breeders was registered in 1976 as an independent species – the Swedish domestic cat.

The differences came to an end just a few years later, in 1982, when FIFe recognized the "Celts" as a distinct breed. Their external characteristics and temperament were fixed when their standard was formally approved at the same time.

The European shorthaired cat, also known as the Celtic cat, is a sturdy and muscular breed renowned for its inherent grace and versatility. The breed standard describes its features as having a round head with expressive eyes, a well-balanced body, and a dense coat that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. This breed is a great companion for many homes because it is amiable, energetic, and low maintenance. Its robust, healthy nature stems from its natural origins and lack of extreme features.

Description of the Celtic cat with a photo

Large (or less frequently, medium-sized) muscular animals, Celtic breed representatives are nearly identical to regular yard cats at first glance (see photo). Adults weigh between three and five kg (and sometimes as much as eight kg). Generally speaking, males are slightly larger than females.

For the "Celts," there are currently two recognized breed standards. The WCF is the author of the second, more recent one, while FIFe proposed the first. It is important to note that these documents’ differences are negligible. The primary clauses for both organizations specify the same standards for Celtic cat appearance. As such, purebred animals have the following phenotypic characteristics:

• The head is round with pronounced fluffy cheeks.
• The auricles are of equal width and height. The presence of tassels on their tips (necessarily rounded) is allowed. The ears themselves are wide apart.
• The nose is straight. The transition to the forehead is clearly defined.
• The eyes are wide apart, slightly slanted.
• The neck is short, muscular.
• The body is round, with a wide chest.
• The limbs are of medium length, strong, straight.
• The tail, wide at the base and tapering to the tip, is proportional to the body.
• The coat is short and very thick. It has a healthy shine.

It is acceptable for representatives of the Celtic breed to have a wide range of colors. The standard states that their coat can be:

• gray;
• golden;
• marbled;
• motley.

If the color of the Kellas beauty’s coat is "non-canonical," you may have concerns about the blood’s purity. Among them are:

• all shades of chocolate;
• lilac;
• white;
• cinnamon;
• any types of fawn (tabby, bicolor, tricolor);
• varieties of acromelanic pattern.

It’s also important to remember that the standard states that the "Celt’s" iris color should complement the tone of its fur. The following table can be used to verify the correspondence:

Character and temperament

Typically, "Celt" breeders emphasize their charges’ unusual colors in an attempt to draw attention to their nursery. But the character of the cat he likes is far more significant to a prospective owner. Thankfully, European shorthairs can take pride in this aspect as well.

Celtic cats don’t have mood swings and are self-reliant. They don’t require more care from their owner because they were raised in the hostile environment of the wild. They would rather establish relationships based on mutual respect and take offense at both overindulgent cuddling and impolite behavior. The only thing you will get out of trying to train a "Celt" with a whip is an enraged, hostile feline.

See also: Serengeti cat breed: exterior description and photos, personality and temperament, and maintenance requirements

However, with European shorthairs, gentle love and affection truly do wonders. These felines are willing to go wherever their owner goes, sometimes even acting out his actions!

The perfect animals to live in a private home are "celts." This breed is ideal for people looking to purchase a high-quality rat catcher for their dacha because they possess strong hunting instincts inherited from their ancestors.

One could mention that Kellas cats’ incompatibility with children and animals is among their evident drawbacks. Devoted "Celts" have a very bad relationship with people who are unwilling to respect them and their territorial boundaries.

Simultaneously, "Europeans" take great care with the home in which they settle. When kept up properly, they don’t damage the furniture or wallpaper in any way while trying to satisfy their innate hunting instincts or just sharpen their claws. They are tidy and don’t have a tendency to poop in the corners.

How should a "Celt" be raised to ensure its well-being, happiness, and prevention of damage to its owner’s belongings? The first step in caring for a cat is to make sure it has everything it needs. A clean litter box, moving mechanical toys, and scratching posts will take care of most of the issues that come with owning a cat.

Representatives of the Kellas breed don’t require any particular care. They can survive in the most hostile environments and are utterly unpretentious. The most important thing is to remember to treat them for ticks and other ectoparasites in a timely way and to comb them occasionally during shedding to help get rid of old hair. Therefore, the cat’s ears are routinely checked for the presence of unwanted visitors and cleaned with saline, especially if it walks outdoors. If required, a cotton swab dipped in this liquid is also used to wipe the animal’s muzzle, which includes its eyes and nose.

Feeding the animal

"Celts" patiently put up with austere living conditions, especially if there are food restrictions. This breed’s representatives are utterly unpretentious and happily consume both natural food and prepared food, both dry and wet. Naturally, you also shouldn’t give your pet whatever you want to eat. Among the typical "human" goods, "Europeans" are able to:

• fresh meat and sea fish, raw or boiled;
• vegetables cooked in any way (but not fried);
• bird eggs;
• fermented milk products;
• porridge made with water.

Kittens under three months old need special attention when it comes to their diet. They must eat frequently—up to six times a day—in contrast to mature animals. Natural dairy products should form the foundation of the diet.

Health and life expectancy

When given the right nutrition and care, Celtic cats can live up to 16–20 years. The animals remain healthy and in good spirits throughout this entire period. European shorthairs rarely get infections due to their strong immunity, and they are completely devoid of any genetic disease predisposition.

Also read: Which cat breeds can have tiger, classic, or spotted tabby coloring characteristics?

To put it briefly, "Celts" owners hardly ever need to take their pets to the vet. Periods of scheduled vaccination (a kitten of any breed, aged 8 or 12 weeks, should pass it for the first time) are an exception.

The European shorthaired cat, also known as the Celtic cat, is a breed prized for its adaptability and inherent beauty. It stands out as a flexible and endearing companion due to its sleek coat, robust build, and variety of color patterns. This breed is well-known for being loving and independent at the same time, which makes it a wonderful fit in a variety of homes.

The robust constitution of the Celtic cat makes it a low-maintenance, healthy pet that can live both indoors and outdoors. It also requires very little grooming. It’s a friendly and devoted pet with a sharp hunting instinct due to its street cat beginnings.

With its balanced temperament, this breed combines the best of both worlds—playful energy and calm companionship. It"s a wonderful choice for those looking for a well-rounded and resilient feline friend.

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