American Shorthair
Meoww!!
The American Shorthair is the pedigreed version of the well-known and beloved domestic shorthair. This versatile cat can be bred for any number of colors and patterns, including the popular silver tabby.
In 5 Words
- Adaptable
- Affectionate
- Dog Friendly
- Loving
- Good Companion
Snapshot
Size: Medium
Weight:
Male: large: >12 lbs.
Female: medium: 8-12 lbs.
Origin: United States
Life Span: up to 20 yrs.
Colour: White, Blue, Black, Cream, Red, Silver, Golden, Brown, Cameo, Bluecream, Tortoiseshell, Chinchilla
Characteristics
Learn About the American Shorthair
Settler who sailed from Europe to North America carried cats on board to protect their supplies from mice. Several ships’ cats set foot in the New World, mated and developed new characteristics to help them adapt to the new environment. In the early 20th century, a selective breeding program was made to enhance the best qualities of the said cats.
The American Shorthair is a pedigreed cat breed with strict conformation standards set by North American cat fancier associations like the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA). This breed is acknowledged by all North American cat registries. The American Shorthair was formerly known as Domestic Shorthair, and was only renamed in 1966 to better represent its all-American origins and to make it distinguishable from other shorthaired breeds. A lot of other cats may resemble this breed but its name makes it distinct as a pedigreed breed from the random bred non pedigreed domestic shorthaired cats. Nevertheless, cats of the pedigreed breed and the random bred cats are sometimes called working cats because of the job they do aboard ships as well as catching rodents in farms.
When people are asked to describe the American Shorthair, more often than not, the term “happy medium” is what comes to mind. These cats are medium in all ways: their build, size, type and temperament. They are neither too small nor big, not distant nor overly cuddly and neither lazy nor hyperactive. Breeders say that it is the perfect pet for a person who enjoys a cat on his lap and not on his face.
They are famous for their quiet voices and compliant personalities. They can be easily trained and are sociable and adaptable to other animals and kids as well. They like to be around you but they do not like to be picked up, they prefer to enjoy their freedom. They are a very athletic breed; which is why the Cat Fanciers’ Association recognizes it as a true breed of working cat.
American Shorthairs are good natured easy going cats. They are often obtained by families because of their patience and tolerance with children. They can be playful despite old age but can also be calm. The male cats are more easygoing, while the females are busier than the males. In general, they display their intellectual capacity by being inquisitive of the environment. Many of these cats have retained their hunting instincts by targeting insects that would cross their path inside their home. They like to watch birds and other happenings from a windowsill. They are independent yet they also enjoy the company of their owners. A lot of American Shorthairs are lap cats while some just want to be nearby.
American Shorthairs can be pets or for showing. Generally, they are low maintenance cats with great health. They are not only stunning, but they are also affectionate, easygoing and fit. Males are generally bigger than females, with an average weight between 11 and 15 pounds, while females average from 6 to 12 pounds. The only health problem that they might possible encounter is obesity. In order to prevent this condition from happening, basically control how much your cat eats and level it with its playtime to increase its activity level. If your cat starts getting overweight or obese, you can give it a diet formulated for cats with the said problems. If you cat becomes obese, see to it that you bring him to the veterinarian for a checkup in order to exclude any thyroid or metabolic conditions.
This breed continues to grow until 3 or 4 years old and usually require veterinary checkups and annual vaccinations. With plenty of tender loving care and a quality diet, American Shorthairs can live up to 15 years or longer. This makes them one of the most famous cat breeds. They make require low maintenance, but it is also advisable to brush them as much as three times a week in order to help maintain their thick coat. You can choose whether to give your cat a bath or not since they are able to maintain it themselves. Shorthaired cats should not be given a bath more than once every six weeks so that their skins do not get dried out.
