American Shorthair
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!
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, blue, red, cream, white, silver, golden. All colours are possible except for those that make up a colourpoint pattern. |
Black Brown White Red Cream Blue |
Type of coat
Short |
Short |
Eye colour
Harmonised with the coat |
Blue
Green
Yellow
Brown
Odd-eyed
|
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: Characteristics
American Shorthair: Behaviour
Breed compatibility American Shorthair
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.
American Shorthair: Shedding
Average
Hair loss in this breed is moderate, with a slight increase during moults when the seasons change.
American Shorthair: Grooming
Their grooming is simple, you will just need to brush them a bit more regularly during moulting periods.
American Shorthair: Health
Like the vast majority of cats, they live for an average of 13 to 15 years, but some lines may have an even longer life expectancy, stretching to 18 to 20 years.
Being an indigenous breed to North America, they adapt easily to cold, wet climates.
You’ll need to be vigilant with their diet and exercise, as these kitties are very prone to obesity, particularly when they have been sterilised.
While they are a very robust breed, unfortunately they aren’t completely safe from the pathologies seen in domestic cats. Their adventurous side takes them on lots of outdoor excursions, meaning it is advisable to have them vaccinated and dewormed, as well as monitoring for external parasites in line with your vet’s advice.
- Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition that causes thickening (hypertrophy) of the heart muscle, may be more common in American Shorthairs although this can occur in all cats.
The American Shorthair, outside of their own breed, can be paired with the American Wirehair, which is actually just an American Shorthair, only with coarse fur.