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.
These cats come from a long line of hunters and they appreciate interactive toys and laser beams. Like other cats, the American Shorthair loves to climb. A cat tree will save your drapes from damage while giving your pet the perfect vantage point – not to mention a cozy spot to nap when the time comes!
While American Shorthair cats generally enjoy good health, they are prone to a few issues, with obesity being the most common.
There are two other known health problems that occur in American Shorthairs: Hereditary hip dysplasia affects some members of the breed, and a form of cardiac disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy causes some American Shorthairs to have enlarged hearts. These problems affect only a small percentage of cats, yet they are worth mentioning.
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.
Eyes
Legs & Paws
Tail
The Breed Standard
Body
Head
Ears
Coat
Color
FAQ
How much does a American Shorthair cat cost?
American Shorthair cats cost between $100 - $1,000.
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?
The Average lifespan for American Shorthair is 12 -17 years.
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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We have an American Shorthair and we love him completely. He’ll turn 15 on Jan 25th. In all the years we’ve had him, we’ve never once heard him growl. We also have a DSH who we got as a kitten from a local rescue. When my husband brought him home, our ASH – who was 4 months at the time and was suffering diarrhea at the time – hissed at him. That is the only time he has ever hissed, even if you accidentally step on a little foot. I wonder if that is common in ASH kitties?
Hey Pam, good observation. American Shorthair cats do tend to be very placid, friendly cats, so it doesn’t surprise me that he’s seldom hissed. Domestic shorthairs, on the other hand, haven’t been selectively bred, and there’s very little consistency in their temperaments, so I’d expect more diverse personalities from cats of this type.
T r o y is her name she’s about 3 and 1/2 months I picked her up at a humane society and they gave her shots and whatever else they had to do and thank God I had enough money because there went a $100 on her I thought it was going to pay maybe 20 or 30 I have no idea about this little kitty she’s very playful and she likes to play with my outdoor cat whiskers he’s white and black he’s about six or seven eight years old and I wanted her to have a mommy who is 15 years old and I want to but bubba the 15-year-old now she’s just look at her but leave her alone I have two doggies pebbles and ramble and they like her sometimes they sleep together and play together so I’m back to having little kitties and doggies I’m enjoying them
I have a domestic long hair and a domestic shorthair. At first, they didn’t like each other. That is now history. They love each other dearly. When they play and run through the house, they sound like a herd of horses. I adopted them from an animal shelter. Both of them have FIV and no one wanted to adopt them, but I did. They make me laugh every day and I love them dearly. Adults and dogs cannot get FIV. People need to learn about this cat disease. and realize that these cats need a forever home just like other cats.
That’s so sweet to hear.