American Shorthair

Photo: adult cat of American Shorthair breed
© Lalandrew / Shutterstock
Photo: adult cat of American Shorthair breed
© Top Photo Engineer / Shutterstock

The American Shorthair is to North America what the British Shorthair is to England, and the European Shorthair to Continental Europe. These three breeds of short-haired cat developed by themselves and were favoured by humans as useful assistants for dealing with rats and mice. Eventually, humans brought them into their homes and, of course, their hearts. Although all three are likely to have common origins, each of them has a distinctive appearance and should not be confused. The American is no exception and their pedigree is as prestigious as any other breed of cat, even if Europe is a little slower to admit it!

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Life expectancy

The American Shorthair has a life expectancy of between 13 and 15 years

Temperament

Adult size

Female Between 12 and 14 in
Male Between 12 and 14 in

Adult weight

Female Between 7 and 11 lb
Male Between 9 and 15 lb
Coat colour
Black Brown White Red Cream Blue
Type of coat
Short
Eye colour
Blue
Green
Yellow
Brown
Odd-eyed
Good to know

The American Shorthair is said to have an easygoing character and love everyone. The presence of other animals is usually not a problem for them, but do watch out for animals that they might see as prey! Their instinct, which can be very strong, may curtail the lives of rabbits, domestic rats, hamsters and birds... especially if their cage isn’t very strong, or perhaps non-existent... The good news, however, is there are likely very few insects in the house!

More details about the American Shorthair

American Shorthair: Origins and history

The ancestors of the American Shorthair arrived in the New World at the same time as the first settlers, coming from all over Europe. Initially used as vermin controllers on the boats of explorers and merchants, they adapted their job to the extermination of rats and mice in barns, attics, mines and all other human settlements in America. For many centuries, natural selection has favoured individuals with the best hunting skills, and those who are the most robust and resistant to the living conditions of North America. This makes them a naturally-occurring breed.

Eventually, the farmers chose to favour not only the most efficient hunters, but also those with the nicest temperament and the prettiest colours. At the time, they were known as the Domestic Shorthair.

At the beginning of the 20th century, breeders wanted to preserve the typical American cat, which was at risk of disappearing in favour of other breeds of short-haired cats. Surprisingly, the first recognised American Shorthair was English, and was crossed with a British Shorthair. Other crosses were also made in the early 1900s, but these are now banned. The breed has been known as the American Shorthair since 1966 and it is now one of the 10 most popular breeds in the United States, Canada and Japan. However, they are still rare in Europe, where some associations still refuse to recognise them as a breed.

American Shorthair: Purchase price

Depending on their pedigree, an American Shorthair will be more expensive. We do not have enough data to set an average price for an American shorthair cat. For your monthly budget, less than £25 will be enough.

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1 comment

  • cats4
    cats4
    my 4 cats Pebbles and Hazel the girls and Hugo and Pumpkin the boys and they are American Shorthairs
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