American Shorthair: Cat Breed Profile

The American Shorthair is a popular medium-sized cat with a wonderfully gentle nature. Many experts recommend American Shorthairs as companions for families with pets and children. Descended from cats brought over on shipping vessels from Europe, the American Shorthair is one of the most common pedigree cats in North America.

The endearing personality of the American Shorthair makes it an excellent choice for people in search of adaptable cats that can thrive in any circumstance. These adorable kitties are playful and happy pets, though they can be independent too.

A Quick History of the American Shorthair

Characteristics / Attitude of the American Shorthair

American Shorthairs remain popular in North America and throughout the rest of America due to their endearing personality. From a physical perspective, the most memorable feature of the breed is the slightly rounded and flattened face, similar to a Persian. The coat of the American Shorthair is also short and thick, with a density that increases in the winter.

American Shorthairs are now available in more than 80 different patterns and colors. These affectionate and loving cats are wonderful lap cats, and great for companionship.

American Shorthair Cat Breed Care

One of the things that makes the American Shorthair so appealing is how much they love to play. This active cats like socializing with other people, but they’re not overly clingy. Your feline friend will be more than happy to entertain themselves when they have the right tools to do so. 

Leaving plenty of toys for your cat to interact with around the home should keep your American Shorthair happy, and there aren’t too many worries here with separation anxiety. Making sure your American Shorthair gets enough exercise and setting aside time for one-on-one play is essential. A kitty companion might be a good idea if you find that your cat is a little restless, as the American Shorthair gets on well with other animals. 

When it comes to grooming, don’t be fooled by the short hair coat of your new cat. Although these felines don’t require the most grooming of any breed, they do need some brushing because of how thick the coat is. Weekly brushings are ideal to improve coat health, and standard grooming practices are important too. Ensure your cat’s teeth, clean his ears, and trim the claws when necessary. 

If you’re concerned that you don’t have a lot of time to spend spoiling your cat, then the American Shorthair might be a good choice. These cats tolerate being left on their own quite well. Though they’re affectionate too, these kitties don’t mind having some time to themselves.

American Shorthair Common Health Issues

All cats can suffer from some health issues. The best way to protect your feline friend is to take them to the vet for regular checkups, and ensure they have all the right vaccinations and care. One thing to be wary of is that American Shorthairs are sometimes prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – which is a common heart issue that applies to a lot of pedigree cats.

While HCM can sometimes be traced in genetics, meaning that you can always check with your breeder, there’s always a chance that the disease might appear in any cat.

Another thing to be aware of is your cat’s weight. Obesity is a significant problem for a lot of felines, including the American Shorthair. Obesity leads to a lot of medical problems, from diabetes, to heart disease. Talk with your vet at the next annual exam for your cat about a health exercise routine and diet for your new furry pal.

Recommended Diets for the American Shorthair

American Shorthairs are sturdy and robust cats. For the most part, you’ll be able to feed this cat a standard diet, but you will need to be wary of how much you give your cat each day to ensure that they don’t become overweight. Speak to your doctor about how to measure and provide the right serving of food.

While American Shorthairs can have a long lifespan, it’s worth remembering that this is dependent on a lot of things, including the kind of diet they get. The food you give your American Shorthair will fuel their muscular stature. If you’re concerned about how to feed your American Shorthair, or you think your cat is becoming overweight, speak to your vet.

Some Helpful Facts about the American Shorthair Breed

American Shorthairs are delightful felines with tons of love to give. These fun and affectionate cats got their name to help differentiate them from other cats with a similar appearance, but no genetic traits. Arriving in America from the Mayflower, according to historical reports, the American Shorthairs you see today aren’t the same as domestic shorthairs. 

One fun thing to note about the American Shorthair is that it can come in a huge selection of different colors and patterns, so you know you’re going to get a feline that’s pretty unique. Another bonus is that these beautiful cats come with big wide eyes that make them look extra adorable. 

American Shorthairs are particularly cute as kittens with their tufty fur and their large cartoon style eyes. It’s easy to fall in love with these cats.

Final Thoughts of the American Shorthair

If you’re looking for a popular cat with a lot of love to give, and you don’t want to spend a fortune on a pedigree, then an American Shorthair could be just the cat for you. Although these felines require a little more attention and maintenance than your standard domestic Shorthair, they’re pretty laid-back and easy-going, and don’t require too much attention.

American Shorthairs will give you affection and love when you need it, while also looking after themselves at times too. Just remember to watch that weight, and ensure that your Shorthair gets regular checkups at the vets.