American Shorthair

Origin

United States

Height

10"-14"

Adult Weight

8-15 pounds

Life Span

12 -17 years

TEMPERAMENT

Active, inquisitive, playful, personable

OTHER NAMES

ASH

Group

Medium-to-large sized shorthair

Price

$100 - $1,000

Personality and Temperament

Friendly, personable, and easy to care for, the American Shorthair cat shares many things in common with the domestic shorthair. The main difference is that American Shorthair cats always share common characteristics with one another, while domestic shorthair cats display various trades from the breeds in their backgrounds. This can cause some confusion as the American Shorthair was originally named the Domestic Shorthair. The truth is, American Shorthair cats are a breed of their own!

Care

NUTRITION
GROOMING
EXERCISE
HEALTH

American Shorthair cats have no special nutritional needs in comparison to most other domestic cats. We recommend feeding your American Shorthair cat a healthy, balanced diet of high-quality cat food.

American Shorthair cats offer low maintenance in the grooming department. While you can get away with never brushing this cat, we recommend using a fine, or a soft brush to remove loose hair from your pet’s coat at least once per week. This helps keep your furniture cleaner, plus it reduces the likelihood of hairballs.

American Shorthair cats are moderately active by nature. Without enough exercise, this breed is prone to obesity. You can help prevent this by ensuring that your American Shorthair cat has access to toys, and by encouraging active play.

While American Shorthair cats generally enjoy good health, they are prone to a few issues, with obesity being the most common.

Characteristics

Affection Level 80%

Activity Level 60%

Pet-Friendly 70%

Kid-Friendly 80%

Sociability 90%

Intelligence 80%

Playfulness 60%

Independence 50%

Vocality 40%

Grooming 40%

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 of the American Shorthair gained recognition 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. Cat fanciers recorded the first-ever breeding between two American Shorthair cats in 1904. Since then, this breed has remained one of the most popular in the United States.

The Breed Standard

Body

The American Shorthair exudes power, confidence, and grace. Their bodies are muscular and compact, with a rounded shape that's as cuddly as it is attractive.

Head

It's easy to distinguish an American Shorthair from a domestic shorthair by looking at the head shape. These cats have distinctly rounded heads with prominent cheeks and fleshy whisker pads. Many American Shorthairs have prominent jowls; this feature is particularly noticeable in intact males.

Eyes

The American Shorthair has large, rounded eyes with half-almond shaped upper lids and distinctly rounded lower lids. There should be at least one eye width between the eyes, and the upper corners should be set slightly higher than the lower corners. American Shorthair eye colors vary between gold and green. Blue eyes are also acceptable, as are two different colored eyes.

Ears

An American Shorthair cat has medium-sized ears with rounded tips, set wide apart on the head and not overly large at the base.

Legs & Paws

The American Shorthair cat has strong, stocky legs that may appear somewhat short and less elegant than the legs of many other cats breeds. This breed's paws are strong, round, and somewhat wide. Paw pad color typically corresponds to nose leather color, with many different variations depending on the cat's color and pattern.

Tail

American Shorthair cats have long, proportional tails that are a little wider at the base with a slight taper toward the end. The tail is often carried level or at a slightly upward angle to the body.

Coat

This breed has a short but lustrous coat with ample body and an even texture. The coat should appear soft and healthy.

Color

American Shorthair cats come in every color and pattern except for pointed as in Asian breeds such as the Siamese. Tabby, tortoiseshell, smoke, blue, white, and black colors and patterns are all acceptable. In all, the breed standard allows more than 80 acceptable American Shorthair colors and patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a American Shorthair cat cost?

How much does a American Shorthair cat cost?American Shorthair cats cost between $100 - $1,000.
How big do American Shorthair cats get?

How big do American Shorthair cats get?American Shorthair cats tend to be medium in size. A fully grown American Shorthair cat might weigh between 8-15 pounds or more and range in height anywhere from about 10"-14" inches tall.
How long do American Shorthair cats live?

How long do American Shorthair cats live?The Average lifespan for American Shorthair is 12 -17 years.
Do American Shorthair cats shed?

Do American Shorthair cats shed?American Shorthair are short-haired cats. Therefore, they do not shed as much as long-haired cat breeds.

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