Domestic Shorthair Cat
Meoww!!
The American Shorthair’s coat is short (hence the name American Shorthair) and dense. They come in over a hundred different color forms. The basic color types are Solid, Shaded and Silver, Smoke, Tabby, Smoke and White, Tabby and White, Parti-color, and Bi-color.
In 5 Words
- Smart
- Knows no fear
- Affectionate
- Intelligence
- Calm
Snapshot
Size: Mixed (small to large)
Weight: 8 and 10 pounds
Origin: Any Place
Life Span: 10 – 20 years
Colour: They come in every color seen in cats
Characteristics
Learn About the Domestic Shorthair Cat
Shorthaired domestics have been with us from the earliest days of domestication. It’s thought that our modern day domestics are descendants of the shorthaired African wildcat, Felis silvestris lybica. Put them side to side, and you might have a difficult time distinguishing the African wildcat from your average shorthaired tabby-striped couch cougar. These wildcats interbred easily with domestic cats, so easily, in fact, that conservationists fear the African wildcat will become extinct as a pure species.
Around 10,000 years ago, when humans evolved from hunter-gatherers to members of settled communities who grew and stored food, cats learned that humans provided a reliable food source — the rodents attracted to the stored food supplies. At first, these shorthaired, shy felines lived at the edges of settled communities. Humans soon discovered that these cats were useful in ridding the granaries and fields of ravaging rodents, and a symbiotic relationship developed. Although cats were first welcomed for their rodent and snake-killing abilities, around 4,000 years ago in Egypt cats became beloved household companions as well. Later, during the time of the Egyptian cat cult, cats were considered sacred physical manifestations of the goddess Bast.
American Shorthairs are muscular, heavy-bodied, medium to large sized cats. Its weight ranges from 8 to 15 pounds. They have short, rounded heads, medium, rounded paws, and medium length tails. Their eyes are large and wide with almond shaped upper lids and round, circular lower lids. Males are larger than females and have defined jowls. They are a hardy breed with an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years old.
The American Shorthair’s coat is short (hence the name American Shorthair) and dense. They come in over a hundred different color forms. The basic color types are Solid, Shaded and Silver, Smoke, Tabby, Smoke and White, Tabby and White, Parti-color, and Bi-color. A short sample of some of the specific colors includes Red, Shell Cameo, Tortoiseshell Smoke, Silver Patched Tabby, Black Smoke and White, Van-Blue Cream and White, Tortie, and Calico.
Apart from their renowned hardiness, American Shorthairs are noted for their even disposition, intelligence and adaptability. Their calm nature makes them ideal pets and gentle companions for children, cats and dogs. This is a friendly, inquisitive and versatile breed that is extremely popular. In fact, the American Shorthair is one of the most popular breeds of domestic cats in North America, both in the show ring and as beloved household companions.
American Shorthair cats are predisposed to developing a cardiovascular condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM. Middle-aged and older cats are at an increased risk, and males may be predisposed (although the reason for this is not well-understood). Otherwise, this is a hearty breed that usually is long-lived.
There’s not too much you have to provide an American Shorthair with besides love, attention, water and food–just be sure not to give too much of the latter, as this breed has a tendency to become overweight. This can put them at risk for diabetes and other health problems. American Shorthairs are prone to shedding, so make sure you brush your cat’s coat a couple of times a week. These cats are great as either indoor or outdoor pets.
