American Shorthair

Traits

Height

23 - 25 Cm

Weight

Between 4-8 Kg

Life Expectancy

Between 15-20 years  

Appearance

• Medium to Large Size
• Strong and Sturdy
• Dense Fur Structure
• Full Cheeks
• Wide Eyes
• Rounded-Tip Ears
• Eyes are Golden or Green
• Over 80 Colors and Patterns

General Character

In the past, American Shorthair cats were assigned the task of protecting food stores from rodents and pests. Today, they still take great pleasure in hunting insects. These cats are intelligent and moderately active, enjoying learning new tricks and exploring their mental abilities through puzzles or interactive toys.

American Shorthairs have an incredibly affectionate and caring personality. These breeds, who enjoy spending time with their families, also love to be cuddled. They possess both a calm and gentle nature and a curious disposition.
 

History

While the name suggests that the American Shorthair is one of America's well-established cat breeds, exploring the history and origin of this breed reveals a journey that extends from the Atlantic to America.

The origins of the American Shorthair trace back to the first European settlers who arrived in America in the 17th century. These settlers brought short-haired cats with them to control pests and mice on the ships.

These short-haired cats evolved through natural selection and crossbreeding with native cat populations to adapt to harsh climatic conditions and new challenges. Describing the American Shorthair was challenging until the early 20th century. However, in 1904, the first American Shorthair (referred to as "Domestic Shorthair" at that time) was registered by the CFA. This breed was later renamed "American Shorthair" in 1966.

American Shorthairs are known not only for their short and dense fur but also for their strong body structure, broad head, and friendly nature. These characteristics are adaptations that have helped the breed survive in the challenging American climate and excel in hunting mice.

Today, the American Shorthair is one of the most popular cat breeds in America. They serve as an excellent companion for families and often appearing as popular faces in cat shows.
 

Personality and Character Traits

The American Shorthair cat enjoys playing with toys, watching the outside world from the window, or climbing on a cat tree. However, if they don't have the chance to interact with you, they can also appreciate a pleasant nap.

While American Shorthairs appreciate activity, they are not overly demanding in this regard. They generally have a gentle nature and get along well with people. In many studies, it is noted that this cat breed easily gets along with family members and even other pets. These cats have a sense of independence and enjoy spending time alone. However, this trait doesn't mean that they are not social.

In addition to these traits, American Shorthairs can easily adapt to various living conditions. It is said that their adaptability stems from having lived in different environments throughout history.
 

Appearance

These graceful and athletic cats have evolved to effectively combat pests. With its broad chest, muscular structure, strong jaw, and thick neck, the American Shorthair cat is an excellent representative of feline aesthetics.

The American Shorthair is a medium to large-sized cat breed that requires minimal grooming. Their fur can thicken during the winter months. Fur color options include white, blue, black, cream, red, silver, and gold. Among their patterns are varieties such as spotted, solid color, bicolor, calico, smoke, tortoiseshell, and shaded. However, within this range of color variations, brown tabby and silver tabby are the most popular and sought-after patterns.

Eye color can vary depending on the fur color, with shades of green, blue, copper, gold, hazel, or even cases where each eye has a different color. Unlike domestic cats with different styles and body types among close relatives, purebred American Shorthair cats generally have a quite similar overall structure.
 

General Care

Feather Care

The fur of American Shorthairs consists of two layers: the undercoat and the topcoat. The undercoat, found in the lower layer, protects the cat against cold weather conditions. The topcoat, in the upper layer, is coarser and provides protection against external elements.

Due to their fur structure, American Shorthairs should be brushed at least once a week. Brushing helps remove dead fur and dead skin cells, promoting a healthier coat. It also enhances the shine of the fur and prevents the formation of matting.
 

Exercise

American Shorthairs are a moderately active cat breed and require regular exercise to maintain their physical health. The exercise needs of this breed are closely related to both their innate hunting instincts and energy levels.

Regular physical activity also helps American Shorthairs maintain their ideal weight, which is crucial considering their predisposition to obesity.

 

Health

American Shorthairs have inherited a strong and healthy structure from their ancestors who worked over generations.

The lifespan of American Shorthair cats is typically between 15 to 20 years, and serious health issues specific to this breed are very rare. However, there are some potential risks that pet owners should be aware of.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a common heart condition in cats, characterized by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, and it can affect the American Shorthair breed as well. It is crucial to screen for this disease in American Shorthair cats during breeding.
 

Nutrition

American Shorthair cats, especially at a young age, require high-protein diets. Protein helps maintain and develop cats' muscle mass. The recommended diet for cats should consist of at least 30-40% animal proteins.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are essential for maintaining a healthy skin and coat. These are typically obtained from fish oils and plant-based oils.
 

Did you know?

• The origins of the American Shorthair are associated with the first settlers who arrived in America on the Mayflower ship. These cats were brought on the ship to control rodents.
• American Shorthairs come in over 80 color and pattern combinations.
• They are genetically diverse, which may mean that the breed is less prone to specific inherited diseases.