American Shorthair Cat Breed

The American Shorthair Cat is a medium-sized of a pleasant nature that makes this breed a great companion for families with children or other pets. American Shorthair cats are descended from cat breeds that were brought from  Europe on cargo ships. It is one of the most popular cat breeds in North America, due to their beloved characters and their ability to adapt to various conditions. These beautiful cats are happy and playful pets, but they have an independent nature.

Physically, a short-haired American cat is a healthy cat with a long lifespan (15 years or more). Although they are not known for their sports, the short-haired American has a great deal of strength - a trait acquired during several years of rodent hunting on cargo ships. The most prominent feature of the breed may be its flat, round face, similar to Persian cats. As for their fur, the American shorthair has a  thick coat, and it gets more abundant in winter. It can also be found in more than 80 different combinations of colors and patterns.

Breed overview

• Origin: Europe and North America.
• Weight: 5 to 6.5 kg (male); 3-5.5 kg (female).
• Height: 30 to 38 cm.
• Fur: short.
• Colors: A wide range of colors, including white, black, cream, blue, brown, chinchilla, embossed, and many more.
• Eye color: Hazel, golden, blue, copper, or green.
• Life expectancy: 15 to 20 years.

Characteristics of American Shorthair Cat

• Affection level: high
• Friendship: high
• Child-friendly: high
• Pet suitability: high
• Exercise needs: Medium
• Fun: Average
• Energy level: medium
• Intelligence: average
• Tilt to the meow: Average
• Hair loss: medium

↚

American Shorthair Cat history 

European settlers brought the ancestors of what we now refer to as the American shorthair cats to North America with them. The ancestors of this European dynasty made a trip to the New World, thanks to their love for hunting and catching rodents - a characteristic that was developed on cargo ships carrying mice.

Once they settled in America, these cats began to breed. Over time the features that distinguished them as real American cats evolved. Due to their precious characters, the American shorthair cats have been trained (and still)  and chosen to try to preserve and spread their beloved traits. Many physical characteristics can be traced back to their early days in the country, including a thick coat that was perfect for withstanding cold winter work and outdoor hunting.

The name "American short-haired cat" was given to the breed in 1966 to distinguish it from "short-haired domestic cat," which is randomly bred and does not carry such specific traits from generation to generation. Today, the short-haired American cat is the most popular cat breed among cat breeds, according to the Breeders Association.

Caring for American Shorthair Cat

The short-haired American loves to play and be happy with it. This cat enjoys communicating with humans, although it has an independent personality to entertain themselves, which means they don't usually worry about separation anxiety. Leaving interactive games around the house helps ensure that he gets playing and fun enough exercise, as well as allocating individual playing time. Since this breed deals well with other cats, getting a companion cat is another way to keep an American cat active.
For caring, these cats may have short hair, but they need regular cleaning due to the thick nature of the fur. Weekly cleaning is ideal for the coat's health. Other personal hygiene practices include proper dental care, ear cleaning, and nail cleaning. All these practices must be followed.

Common health problems

The short-haired American cat is relatively healthy. This is proved by the long life they live. However, the breed is prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which is a common form of heart disease that affects many different cat breeds. While it is believed that HCM can be partially tracked in genetics, the disease can appear in any cat and is not entirely preventable. If you purchased a short-haired American from a breeder, make sure that both parents have been specifically examined for HCM.

↚

Diet and nutrition

The American shorthair cat is a strong cat that requires strict nutritional control to ensure that it does not gain weight. Despite his long life and his ability to stay in good health for up to 20 years, this depends on a high-quality diet that provides enough energy for its muscle without causing excessive weight gain. If you are concerned about how to properly feed your cat. Consult your veterinarian about proper nutrition advice.

Features:
Friendly cats and a great home companion.
Coexist alongside other pets.
Independent and do not mind being left alone at home.

Defects:
Prone to weight gain.
You need to clean it with a brush weekly.
Heavier than it looks, it may not be perfect for someone who has trouble carrying things.