Height
25 x 35 cm
Adult Weight
3.5-7 kg
Life Span
12–17 years
Origin
United States
Personality and Temperament
Friendly, easygoing, and low-maintenance, the American Shorthair cat shares several traits with the Domestic Shorthair. The key distinction, however, is that American Shorthairs have consistent characteristics across the breed, whereas Domestic Shorthairs can exhibit a wide variety of traits due to their mixed breed backgrounds.
This can sometimes cause confusion, as the American Shorthair was originally called the Domestic Shorthair. However, the American Shorthair is its own distinct breed with a unique set of traits that set it apart from its more mixed counterparts.
Care
Nutration:
American Shorthair cats don’t have any special dietary needs beyond what most domestic cats require. A healthy, balanced diet of high-quality cat food is ideal to keep them in top shape and support their overall well-being.
Grooming:
American Shorthair cats are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. While they don’t require frequent brushing, using a fine or soft brush once a week can help remove loose hair, keep your furniture cleaner, and reduce the chances of hairballs. It’s a simple way to keep your cat looking great without much effort!
Exercise:
American Shorthair cats are moderately active by nature, but they can be prone to obesity if they don’t get enough exercise. To help keep them fit, make sure they have access to plenty of toys and encourage active playtime. With their hunting background, they love interactive toys and chasing laser beams. Like many cats, they’re also big fans of climbing. Providing a cat tree will not only save your drapes from being shredded but will also give your American Shorthair a perfect place to perch, play, and nap in peace.
Health:
While American Shorthair cats are generally healthy, they can be prone to a few issues, with obesity being the most common. Two other health concerns to be aware of are hereditary hip dysplasia, which affects some members of the breed, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a form of cardiac disease that can cause an enlarged heart. Although these issues affect only a small percentage of cats, it’s important to keep them in mind when caring for your American Shorthair. Regular vet check-ups can help catch any potential problems early.
History
When European colonizers first came to America, they arrived in ships—and they brought cats with them! These hardy mousers were the predecessors to the breed we know and love today as the American Shorthair cat.
As time passed, other cat breeds made their way to America, and the American Shorthair began to stand out as a distinct breed with different characteristics that set it apart from the rest.
The original bloodline was strengthened by an infusion of British Shorthair DNA. Still, American Shorthair cats have rounder, softer body shapes then their cousins from across the pond. You probably won’t be surprised to learn that American Shorthairs starred in the first cat show ever held in the United States, in 1895.
