Types of cats: American shorthair

American Shorthair Cat Breed Information

The American Shorthair

is a medium sized cat with a gentle nature that makes this breed a great companion for families with children / or other pets.

American cats are descended from cat breeds that were brought on European cargo ships, and it is one of the most popular cat breeds in North America, due to their likable personalities and their ability to adapt to various conditions. These lovely cats are happy and playful pets, but have an independent personality.

Physically, the American Shorthair is a healthy cat with a long life (15 years or more). Although they are not known for their athleticism, the American Shorthair has a great deal of strength - a trait that was created during several years of hunting rodents on board cargo ships.

Perhaps the most notable feature of the breed is its flat, round face, similar to the Persian cats. As for their coat, the American cat has thick fur that thicken in the winter and can be found in over 80 different combinations of colors and patterns.

Overview of the breed

• Origin: Europe and North America
• Weight: 5 to 6.5; kg (males); 3 -5.5 kg (female)
• Height: 30 to 38 cm
• Fur: ​​short
• Colors: A wide range of colors, including white, black, cream, blue, brown, chinchilla, plaid, and many more
• Eye color: hazel, golden, blue, copper, or green
• Life expectancy: 15 to 20 years

History of the American Shorthair Cat

European settlers brought them to North America with them, including the ancestors of what we now refer to as the "American Shorthair".

The ancestors of this European breed made a voyage to the New World thanks to their love of hunting and catching rodents - a characteristic that was bestowed on cargo ships that carried mice as they were in the homes and barns of the country's inhabitants.

Once in America, these cats began to breed, over time developing the traits that set them apart as true American cats. Due to their prized personalities, they were raised (and still are) chosen Americans in an effort to preserve and propagate their lovable traits.

Many physical traits can be traced back to their early days in the country, including a thick coat that was perfect for withstanding cold winters while working and hunting outdoors.

The name "American Shorthair" was given to the breed in 1966 to distinguish it from the "short-haired domestic cat", which is bred randomly and does not carry such specific traits from offspring to offspring. Today, the American Shorthair is the most popular cat breed, according to the Fanciers' Association.

Care for a shorthair American cat

American Shorthair loves to play and is happy about it. This cat enjoys communicating with humans, although it has a very independent personality to entertain themselves, which means not usually worrying about separation anxiety.

Leaving interactive toys around the house helps ensure he gets enough play and fun, as well as allocates individual play time. Since this breed gets along well with other cats, getting a companion cat is another way to keep your American cat active.

As for maintenance, these cats may have short hair, but they need regular brushing due to the thick nature of the coat. Weekly brushing is ideal for the health of the coat, and other personal hygiene practices must be followed, including regular dental care, ear cleaning and nail cleaning.

Common health problems

The American Shorthair is a relatively healthy cat, as evidenced by the long life they live. However, the breed is prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which is a common form of heart disease that affects many different cat breeds.

While it is believed that HCM can be partially tracked in genetics, disease can appear in any cat and is not completely preventable. If you purchased American Shorthair from a breeder, make sure both parents have been specifically checked for HCM.

Diet and nutrition

American Shorthair is a hardy cat that requires strict food control to ensure that it does not gain weight. Although it has a long life and can live healthy for up to 20 years, this is based on a high-quality diet that provides sufficient energy for its muscular tissue without causing excessive weight gain. If you are concerned about how to properly feed your cat. Consult your veterinarian for proper feeding advice.

Features

• Friendly cats and wonderful home companions
• Get along with other pets
• Independent and don't mind being left alone at home

Defects

• Prone to weight gain
• You need to brush weekly

• It's heavier than it looks, and it may not be ideal for someone who has a hard time holding things