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Writer's pictureThe CATastrophic Cat Blog

Cat Breed of the Month--American Shorthair


The American shorthair is one of the most popular cat breeds in the US, being found in hundreds of households across the country.

History They originate from the European cats that earned their way as mousers onto settlers’ ships as they traveled to North America. They then interbred with the cats that inhabited the Americas that had been brought by Christopher Columbus on the Mayflower several years before. These cats had adapted to life in the New World over time. Through selective breeding, the American shorthair was preserved, and continues to prosper today! The CFA fully recognized the American shorthair as a breed in 1906. Appearance The American shorthair is a powerfully built, thick-boned cat with semi-rounded features and a flat face. Males are generally larger than females, weighing between 11-15 lbs. (5-7 kg). Females typically weigh 8- 12 lbs. (4-5 kg). The breed is recognized in many different colors and patterns, although the most common is sliver marbled tabby. Eye color includes blue, green, gold, copper, and hazel. Personality & Behavior American shorthairs are affectionate, calm, and friendly. They are known to be more laid-back, and less energetic than other breeds so keeping them active is important. The breed is typically good with children and other pets. Health & Care American shorthairs are generally healthy and can live up to 15-20 years of age, although they, like other breeds are more prone to certain illnesses and diseases, such as hyperthyroidism, kidney and heart disease, diabetes, renal failure, and a urinary tract infection. The breed is very food-driven and has low energy levels, so they must be kept active and their food intake monitored to avoid obesity. American shorthairs shed moderately and only require grooming once a week. To avoid the rotting or loss of teeth, just like any breed, your American shorthair’s teeth should be brushed daily. If introduced to water at an early age, an occasional bath is helpful to keeping their coat healthy and shiny. Fun Facts

  • The American shorthair was originally called “Domestic shorthair” but was named “American shorthair” in 1966 to avoid confusion with moggies​

  • American shorthairs can be 80+ different colors and patterns!​

  • They were the fifth cat breed registered with the CFA​

  • American shorthairs are known to be pretty independent and can play by themselves​

  • In 1896, one of the first American shorthairs was put up for sale at the Second Annual Cat Show for $2,500​

  • In 2021, the American shorthair was the eighth most popular cat breed in the USA and sixth place in 2020​

Similar & Related Breeds

  • Persian​

  • Exotic Shorthair​

  • British Shorthair​

  • European Shorthair​

Works Cited “6 Common American Shorthair Health Problems,” Spot Pet Insurance, https://spotpetins.com/american-shorthair-cat-health-problems/ “American Shorthair – The Cat Fanciers’ Association,” CFA, https://cfa.org/american-shorthair/ “American Shorthair – Wikipedia,” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Shorthair#:~:text=The American Shorthair (ASH) is,pedigreed cat in the world. Mueller Laura, “American Shorthair – Cat Breed Profile,” TheSprucePets, https://www.thesprucepets.com/american-shorthair-cat-breed-profile-4774399 “Most Popular Cat Breeds for 2021,” CFA, 14 February 2022, https://cfa.org/cfa-news-releases/top-breeds-2021/ Image above by Phebuspainter via Pixabay

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