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Many of the cat breeds that we know and cherish trace their origins to Europe. Each of these cats possesses unique and distinctive characteristics that set them apart from the rest—some are exquisitely fluffy, while others are less so; some curl gracefully, while others are sleek and smooth. Some are tiny and delicate, while others are large and majestic. Despite their diverse appearances, they share one crucial trait: they are all irresistibly adorable!
In this article, we present and honor the rich tapestry of European cat varieties, each unique and charming in their own way.
The Top 10 European Cat Breeds
1. Devon Rex
Devon Rex is one of the most distinctive cat breeds globally, boasting a fairy-tale-like appearance. With enormous, pointed ears, tiny faces, large, round eyes, and a small, delicate body covered in soft, curly (rex) fur, they are truly unique. Their loyalty and affinity for people have given them a reputation for being almost “dog-like,” but the truth is that the Devon Rex is a very special and unique cat breed in its own right.
Devon Rex cats first emerged in the 1950s, bred in the scenic Devonshire region of England. Their origin in this charming locale, with rolling hills and rugged cliffs, adds a mythical, fairy-tale-like charm to the breed.
2. European Shorthair
The European Shorthair, a breed that is deeply rooted in reality, descends from ancient Roman cats renowned for their pest-control abilities. However, the breed we recognize today has its genesis in Sweden. These cats possess a medium-sized frame, exhibiting a muscular and athletic physique. While they are somewhat stocky, they maintain a well-balanced appearance, especially when their diet is carefully managed. They come in a diverse array of colors, ranging from brown and black to fawn, beige, tortoiseshell, tabby, and numerous others.
European Shorthairs are highly popular throughout Europe and are often seen lounging in flowerbeds on sunny days, making them a common sight in many households. If you’re considering adopting one of these friendly, energetic, and hardy cats, you’ll find that they’re often waiting for a loving new home in shelters.
3. Scottish Fold
Guessing the origin of this breed is a no-brainer! The inaugural Scottish Fold, a barn cat named Susie, hailed from Perthshire, Scotland. Renowned for their petite folded ears and perturbed eyes, the Scottish Fold exudes a distinctive owl-like charm. As a medium-sized breed, the Scottish Fold can sport long, medium, or short hair, and its coat coloring ranges from ash, white, blue, red, cream, to silver. The patterns of its coat also vary widely.
When it comes to temperament, the Scottish Fold is generally regarded as sweet, friendly, and calm. However, don’t be deceived by their serene demeanor—they are remarkably intelligent and thrive on mental stimulation. If you decide to adopt a Scottish Fold into your household, ensure that you provide them with toys that challenge their minds, such as puzzles or obstacle-based games, to prevent boredom.
4. Chartreux
Now, let’s head over to France, where the stunning Chartreux breed originates. This breed is stocky and rounded, with a thick double coat of blue, copper, or orange-colored eyes. Its mouth shape gives the impression that it’s permanently smiling, making it an adorable and charming breed. Not only does the Chartreux possess a beautiful appearance, but it also has a fantastic personality, making it a breed that’s hard to resist.
The Chartreux breed, believed to have originated in the 18th century or earlier, owes its existence to the Carthusian monks who valued its pest-controlling abilities. Following World War II, a breeding program was established to prevent the breed from extinction, yet it remains relatively uncommon today.
5. Aegean Cat
According to archaeologists, the Aegean cat is believed to be descended from Cypriot cats that migrated to Greece. If you’ve visited the Greek islands, chances are you’ve encountered these cats, lazily basking in the sun and relaxing everywhere you look. With their medium build, round-tipped ears, almond-shaped eyes, and coats that can range from two to three colors, they are truly a sight to behold.
Aegean cats, having inhabited the Greek islands for ages, are quite accustomed to mingling with humans. These cats possess a friendly nature, coupled with a penchant for adventure. If you decide to adopt one, ensure that you provide ample playtime and elevated spaces (such as cat trees or bookshelves) for your Aegean to explore and survey its surroundings.
6. Norwegian Forest Cat
If you’re enamored with the grandeur of big, long-haired felines, the Norwegian Forest Cat might be the perfect match for you. Hailing from the northern reaches of Europe, these cats trace their lineage back to the ancient Scandinavian lands, where they even hold a esteemed place in Viking folklore. Boasting an impressive stature, these cats typically tip the scales at a weight ranging from 5.8 to 10 kilograms (or 12 to 22 pounds), with pointed ears resembling those of a lynx and a muscular physique that evokes memories of their hunting ancestry.
The Norwegian Forest Cat’s neck is so robust that it seems to merge seamlessly with its head, while its long and fluffy fur lends it a dignified and majestic appearance. This elegant exterior perfectly complements the cat’s personality, which is often described as quiet, stoic, gentle, and independent. Despite their tendency to feel the heat quickly, making them less inclined to curl up on laps, many Norwegian Forest Cats still appreciate the attention of being stroked or receiving a satisfying scratch behind the ears.
7. Manx
The Isle of Man, a popular British holiday destination, is the birthplace of the Manx cat. Characterized by their naturally occurring genetic mutation, which often results in absent or short stubs for tails, although some do possess longer tails. These cats range from medium to large in size, with short legs, stocky bodies, and rounded faces. They can be either short or long-haired, with the long-haired variety being referred to as Cymric, which some consider a distinct breed altogether.
Manx cats are deeply affectionate and easily form strong bonds with their human family members. Consequently, they do not fare well when left alone for extended periods and thrive on interactive play sessions with their owners. Due to their penchant for spending quality time with people, these playful felines make ideal companions for families.
8. Ukrainian Levkoy
The Ukrainian Levkoy, a breed of cat that stands out for its distinctive appearance, has been cultivated in Ukraine since 2001, marking it as one of the most contemporary feline varieties. Characterized by their hairlessness or near-hairlessness, Ukrainian Levkoys exhibit triangular wedge-shaped heads, widely spaced ears, almond-shaped eyes, and a slender physique. The coloration of their skin ranges from black to grey, white, and even pink, offering a range of unique visual experiences.
While the Ukrainian Levkoy’s distinctive appearance may turn off some cat enthusiasts, they possess an remarkable sweetness and gentle temperament, rewarding those who nurture them with boundless affection. Their friendly disposition towards children, love for play, and appreciation of extra affection due to their hairless state, make them truly unique and endearing companions.
9. German Rex
When comparing the German Rex and the Devon Rex, one might be astonished to discover that their curly coats are the result of entirely distinct genetic mutations, despite their striking resemblance. The German Rex lineage can be traced back to a feline named Laemmchen, who once freely explored the premises of a hospital situated in East Germany. Laemmchen gave birth to a litter containing two kittens with curly coats, and subsequently, these kittens were used to cultivate the German Rex breed.
The German Rex, despite its delicate and petite appearance, is surprisingly resilient and robust. This breed thrives on play and exercise, making it an ideal companion for those who enjoy an active lifestyle. With its tiny head, large, pointed ears, and round, expressive eyes, the German Rex resembles the Devon Rex. The breed’s coat is highly variable, offering a range of colors and patterns. In terms of temperament, the German Rex is energetic, affectionate, and loves to be involved in everything its owner does.
10. Birman
The Birman breed has its origins in both Burma and France. It is believed that the breed originated in Burma and was later introduced to France, where it nearly became extinct towards the end of World War II. However, it was revived and has since become a popular breed. Birmans are beautiful cats, known for their long fur, blue eyes, and distinct point colorations ranging from cream, lilac, seal, chocolate, to blue.
Birmans are renowned for their remarkable personalities, often described as easygoing, affectionate, and deeply attuned to people. This makes them an ideal pet for families, couples, and singles alike. In essence, anyone who treats them kindly can expect to receive an abundance of love in return.
Final Thoughts
In this post, we’ve delved into an exciting array of European cat breeds. Keep in mind that the breeds mentioned above are not ranked in any particular order; they are all exceptional, and selecting a favorite among them would be an impossible task! Regardless of which breed you choose, you’re guaranteed to enjoy countless happy moments and cherishable memories.
