- Playful and curious cat
- Sociable and dependent cat
- Somehow talkative cat
- Average build cat breed
- Requires grooming once a week
- Non hypoallergenic breed
- Needs some out-door space
- Great family cat
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Generally healthy breed
The American Shorthair cat is known to have good health and resilience but like most felines, they should be monitored for common health concerns like obesity, urinary disorders, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or dental disease. Their flat faces can also make them more susceptible to ocular and respiratory problems.
American Shorthair Cat Appearance
The American Shorthair cat size is medium to large, with a muscular, well-proportioned body. They have round faces with full cheeks, large round eyes, and medium-sized ears. Their coat is usually short, dense, and can come in a variety of colours and patterns, with the most popular one being the silver tabby pattern.
American Shorthair Cat Personality
This cat breed is known for their calm, friendly, and versatile nature. They are typically easy-going and can get along well with children, other pets, or even strangers. While they enjoy playtime and can be quite playful, they are also happy to just lounge around the house.
Vet Rating
| Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
| Playfulness: | 4/5 |
| Intelligence: | 4/5 |
| Tendency to Vocalise: | 4/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 4/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 2/5 |
| Shedding: | 3/5 |
The American Shorthair has a rich and complex history, tracing its roots back to the early European settlers who brought cats to North America to help with rodent control on ships or farms. Over time, they adapted to their new environments and became the breed we now know as the American Shorthair. They were officially recognised as a breed in the early 20th century and have since become one of the most popular cat breeds in the U.S.
You’ll find that American Shorthairs have no real preference for either indoors or outdoors. But as a general rule, it’s best to keep them mostly indoors where they’re safe from traffic, predators, or diseases. They should, however, be kept entertained with plenty of indoor enrichment like games or toys.
It’s safe to say that American Shorthairs are relatively low maintenance, so they don’t need excessive attention. Toys, scratching posts, and interactive playtime from time to time will be enough to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
Since they’re generally healthy, American Shorthairs only need a complete and balanced cat food to meet their nutritional needs. Make sure to always provide them with fresh water, complement the diet with good exercise and treats should only be given rarely and in moderation, to avoid cat obesity.
It’s recommended to groom an American Shorthair a couple of times a week in order to remove dead hair and keep their coat shiny and healthy. Regular checks of their ears, eyes, teeth, and nails are important for their overall health, as well as vaccination, parasite control and annual vet checks.
The American Shorthair makes for a great family pet due to their calm and tolerant nature. Their versatile and easy-going temperament makes them suitable for a variety of household environments, from busy families to quieter, single-person homes.
If you’re thinking about getting an American Shorthair cat, we encourage you to consider adopting one as there are many out there in need of a loving home. You can look for an American Shorthair cat for adoption on the Wamiz website.
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The breed is one of the oldest in America, with a history that dates back to the early settlers.
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The silver tabby pattern is one of the most iconic and recognisable appearances of the breed.
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American Shorthairs have been featured in numerous ads and media due to their classic good looks and friendly demeanour.
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They only got the ‘American Shorthair’ name in 1966 when it was needed to distinguish them from other domestic shorthairs.
Are American Shorthair cats affectionate?
Yes, they are known to be quite affectionate and friendly. While they are not overly demanding of attention, they appreciate affection and will seek out cuddles and companionship on their own terms.
Are American Shorthair cats friendly?
They can have a calm and easy-going temperament and tend to get along with people, including children and strangers, as well as other pets. Overall, American Shorthairs are considered one of the friendliest and most well-rounded cat breeds.
Are American Shorthair cats hypoallergenic?
No, American Shorthairs are not considered to be hypoallergenic, but they do have a low-maintenance coat that sheds moderately.
Do American Shorthair cats like to be held?
It depends on each cat’s individual personality but generally, American Shorthairs are more independent and might not seek out being held as much as other breeds. They do appreciate affection and closeness in other forms.
