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American Shorthair

Origin: U.S.A.

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Origin:

U.S.A.

Coat:

Short, thick, hard and dense.

Colors:

American Shorthairs come in more than 80 different colors and patterns, from solid colors of pure white and coal black to tabby, calico and tortoiseshell.

Special considerations:

Strongly built, well-balanced, medium to large cat. Large, full-cheeked head. Gold, green or hazel eyes, with the top of the lid shaped like half an almond and the bottom of the lid a fully rounded curve.

History:

The first shorthaired cats to appear in the United States reputedly came across on the Mayflower in 1620. These sturdy, athletic mousers, who kept ships free of rats and mice, were the precursors to today's pedigreed American Shorthair. They made their way across to the New World, forming bonds with human communities that relied on them to keep the grain stores rodent-free. Over the centuries that followed, this sturdy, muscular working feline established herself as the native American cat. At the start of the 20th century, imported longhaired cats began commingling with the native felines, creating kittens with varieties of coat lengths, body types and colors. Cat fanciers, wishing to preserve the natural beauty of the native species, acquired excellent specimens and began selectively breeding them to perfect their color and coat patterns. These cats were called the Domestic Shorthair until 1966, when the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) changed the name to American Shorthair to differentiate them from the plentiful, randomly bred shorthaired cats found in shelters and feral colonies across the U.S. Today, the American Shorthair is one of the 10 most popular breeds of cat.

Personality:

American Shorthairs are low-maintenance, easygoing feline companions. In spite of their natural curiosity, they are cautious and tend to evaluate a situation before plunging into it. Calm, patient, tolerant, sweet and observant, these cats are also easily trainable. They are affectionate and enjoy being with people. They tend to bond with one special person in the family but will share their devotion with other family members as well. They are not very vocal, save for the occasional expression to let you know that they want something.

At home:

These cats are intelligent and are known for their problem-solving abilities - finding the hidden treat container or learning how to open cabinets is not out of the question, so a cat-proofed house is in order. Their laid-back nature makes them suitable for both quiet and moderately active households. They are likely to follow their owners around the house until they are able to settle comfortably next to them. They may not necessarily enjoy being on someone's lap or being picked up, but they do enjoy petting and lying near a family member.

Feeding:

Canned or dry food is appropriate, as long as the protein source is high quality. American Shorthairs can be finicky, so trying a variety of nutritionally sound food can be helpful.

Compatibility:

American Shorthairs are gentle and get along well with people of all ages, dogs and other cat breeds. They do well with children, provided the children are educated on the proper way to treat cats. Because these cats are playful, they tend to form a special bond with kids. They are interested in visitors but may be slightly aloof before deciding to lavish the guest with affection.

Health:

American Shorthairs have a life span of 15 to 20 years. This is a hardy breed with no genetic health problems.

Fun fact:

Because American Shorthairs understand many words and can be trained easily, they are often used in television commercials.

Grooming blurb:

Although their coats are easy to care for, some grooming is still required. In the spring, especially, during the height of shedding, running a metal comb through the coat is recommended. Also, going over the body with a damp cloth or shammy will remove excess hair and help prevent hairballs.

Disclaimer:

This document has been published with the intent to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter within. While every reasonable precaution has been taken in preparation of this document, the author and publisher expressly disclaim responsibility for any errors, omissions, or adverse effects arising from the use or application of the information contained herein. The techniques and suggestions are used at the reader's discretion.