The average life expectancy is estimated to be about a dozen years, although it’s fairly common to see cats that are 16 or 18, or in exceptional cases, even 20 years old.
The European is known to whether well. As a general rule, they will withstand the cold better than too much heat!
Excess weight and obesity are unfortunately the most common condition affecting this breed. The factors leading to excess weight can be individual, environmental, or a combination of the two.
Where individual factors are concerned, the first to consider is the effects of sterilisation and of gender, with males sometimes being more susceptible to chubbiness than females. However, feeding behaviour is obviously just as important: there’s no denying the difference in body condition of a cat that nibbles and a cat that guzzles. Age is also a factor, and the cat will age much better if they are not overweight, as obesity increases the risk of developing other conditions that prevent a long life.
When it comes to the environment, lifestyle is important: any physical activity should be encouraged, both indoors and outdoors. The presence of other animals can also affect food intake. The quality of food is obviously paramount, as is the behaviour of the person feeding the cat.
For all of these reasons, the use of interactive bowls is highly recommended.
European Shorthairs generally have sturdy health. They have no predisposition to particular conditions (apart from the weight gain mentioned above), though they are still susceptible to the same illnesses as all other cats. They have a certain vulnerability to periodontal disease (gingivitis and tartar). Prevention and dental care are recommended. If they have outside access, it’s best to vaccinate them against infectious diseases such as coryza, acute leukaemia, rabies and typhus, according to veterinary advice.
Contrary to most breeds, whose reproduction has been controlled to select certain morphological, aesthetic or behavioural traits, Europeans have not undergone this process. The breed is of natural origin, which distinguishes them from the vast majority of other breeds.
Pairings with other breeds are not authorised because the specificity of the European is that it must not resemble any other breeds.