The American Shorthair cat is the perfect choice if you want a friendly, balanced and medium-sized feline, ideal for any type of household, be it families with children, seniors or active households. Cats of this breed prefer environments full of activity and love the presence of people. They are intelligent and curious cats, so they will always find something interesting to explore.
If you want to buy an American Shorthair cat, before the purchase it would be good to know more about this breed. From breed history, temperament, specific diet to grooming, all this will help you interact with your cat in the most pleasant way possible and ensure a long and happy life.
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American Shorthair Breed Overview
In general, the American Shorthair cat is a breed with few health problems and has a long lifespan. These cats, while not as athletic as other breeds, are muscular and strong, retaining these traits from their rodent-hunting ancestors on explorers' boats.
- Weight: males have between5 and 7 kg, in the type that females have between2.7 and 5.4 kg.
- Length:between30 and 38 cm, measured from the tip of the tail to the nose.
- Fur:short but dense
- Fur Color:a variety of colors including black, white, blue, cream, chinchilla, brown, cameo and tortoiseshell
- Eye color:brown, green, blue, copper or gold
- Lifetime:between15 and 20 years
The American Shorthair Cat – Breed Standard and Physical Appearance
American Shorthair and American Wirehair they are medium to large sized cats with a robust body, well developed chest and strong hind limbs, especially in males. Females are smaller and more delicate. The head is broad, with well-developed cheeks (especially in breeding males). The nose is medium-short and the eyes and ears are well spaced. The muzzle has a square appearance, but is not shortened. The fur is short, dense and shiny, providing natural protection. The most popular models are tabby and tabby with white.
Despite the strong and well-developed muscles, this American Shorthair cat is absolutely adorable.
This breed easily adapts to any environment: either in an apartment or in a spacious house. It is a natural, medium-sized, muscular cat with a well-balanced body. The coat is short, easy to maintain, shiny and available in a wide range of colors and patterns.
If you give it more time, you will find that the American Shorthair cat is easy to train, being active and loving games like fetch. However, the moments of tenderness with the family are her favourites. It is an excellent pet for small children, other animals, single people, seniors and people with disabilities.
Personality
The American Shorthair is a friendly, tolerant and playful cat even in old age. Females are more active, while males are more relaxed. They are curious, intelligent and retain hunting instincts, being attracted to insects and birds. Although he loves the company of people, he maintains a certain degree of independence. Some are lap cats, others just prefer to be near their owners.
Caring for American Shorthair cats
Their fur does not require complicated care. A weekly brushing is enough to remove dead hair. It is recommended to trim their nails, clean their ears and brush their teeth with special animal toothpaste.
How to feed the American Shorthair cat
The American Shorthair cat prefers a varied diet, consisting mainly of wet food (one serving per day) and dry food available throughout the day. It is important that they always have access to clean and fresh water. To encourage water consumption, place the bowl at least one meter away from the food dish or use a filter fountain.
Health
American Shorthair cats are generally in good health and are not prone to genetic or hereditary conditions. However, regular visits to the vet are recommended to monitor the cat's health.
Life expectancy of a cat American Shorthair is 15 – 20 years old, if properly cared for.
American Shorthair kittens
American Shorthair puppies are sociable, curious and full of energy, which makes them ideal partners for families or single people. Careful home preparation and attention to their needs will help you have a beautiful relationship with the new family member.
How much does an American Shorthair cat cost?
The price for an American Shorthair cat can vary between $500 – $1500, but it can increase considerably in countries where the breed is not very widespread. For example, in Romania and in some Eastern European countries, the American Shorthair cat is not very widespread, which leads to an increase in the price.
Also, the price of an American Shorthair kittenit can vary depending on several factors, including the breeder's reputation, the cat's pedigree, and coat color and pattern.
Useful articles about kittens:
- 15 interesting facts about kittens
- How to raise a happy kitten. 10 very useful tips
- How do you care for orphaned infant kittens?
History of the American Shorthair breed
Although not mentioned in official records, American Shorthair cats arrived in the New World with the first European settlers. They protected the supplies on the ships from pests. These cats were robust, intelligent and had a wide variety of colors and patterns. In the early 1900s, they began to be shown in shows and were known as Domestic Shorthairs. Through the careful selection of breeders, the breed was perfected, receiving the official designation of American Shorthair in the 1960s.
In conclusion, the American Shorthair breed is an excellent choice for cat lovers who want a balanced, playful and loyal companion!
