American Shorthair

Is an American Shorthair right for you?

The American Shorthair is a sturdy, even-tempered breed descended from the mousers that sailed to North America on settlers' ships. Affectionate but not clingy, it enjoys play yet can keep itself busy. It has no flashy feature, and that is exactly its appeal: an easy companion for families looking for a "regular cat".

Before you adopt

Outside North America, genuine pedigreed American Shorthairs are uncommon. The silver classic tabby pattern is closely associated with the breed, but the same pattern is common in mixed-breed cats. Many cats advertised as "American Shorthair" are actually mixed-breed or confused with the British Shorthair. Don't rely on breed claims for a kitten without registration papers from a body such as CFA or TICA.

If buying from a breeder, ask for:

• The parents' pedigree papers.
• Heart ultrasound (echocardiography) results for the parents, to screen for HCM.
• PKD screening results (genetic test or ultrasound).
• A kitten at least 12 weeks old with vaccinations started.

If you love the look but don't care about papers, adopting a mixed-breed cat with a similar pattern from a shelter is an excellent choice. Either way, check local microchipping rules (in Turkey, for example, owned cats must be registered in the PETVET system).

Temperament

CFA describes the breed as having an "even temperament". In daily life that means:

• Affectionate but independent: Likes to be near its people but doesn't demand constant lap time. Many prefer sitting beside you to being held.
• Playful: Joins in interactive play willingly; the hunting drive comes from its ancestors.
• Self-sufficient: Independent enough to entertain itself while you're out.
• Calm: Not overly vocal; adapts relatively well to new settings and changes in routine.

Its mousing heritage is still obvious: if you have hamsters or budgies, keep cages secure and don't leave the cat unsupervised with them.

Health issues and lifespan

A generally robust breed; CFA states that it is not currently known for any breed-specific health problems. Still, keep an eye on:

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): Cornell Feline Health Center lists the American Shorthair among breeds predisposed to HCM, while CFA says cases seen in the 1980s-90s have largely disappeared thanks to preventive screening. Given this difference between sources, asking for parental screening still makes sense. Signs: rapid or laboured breathing, open-mouth breathing, lethargy; in the worst case sudden hind-limb paralysis from a blood clot. These are emergencies.
• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): A study in Japan reported American Shorthairs carrying the PKD mutation. Signs usually start in middle age: increased thirst and urination, weight loss, poor appetite, vomiting. Diagnosis is confirmed by ultrasound.
• Obesity: A solid build plus a good appetite means weight creeps up easily, raising the risk of diabetes and joint problems.
• Dental and gum disease: Bad breath, red gums, chewing on one side.
• Urinary problems in males: A male cat visiting the litter box often, passing little urine or straining should see a vet the same day.

We found no reliable breed-specific lifespan study. Popular breed guides usually quote 15 years or more; well-cared-for cats kept at a healthy weight are known to live long, but don't treat that range as data-verified.

Feeding

According to breed sources, males weigh about 5-7 kg and females 2.5-5.5 kg; males are noticeably larger.

• Kitten (2-12 months): Kitten food, 3-4 meals a day. Don't overfeed to make the kitten "big"; rapid weight gain sets up later obesity.
• Adult: Meat-based, high-protein complete food. Start with the chart on the pack and aim for a condition where you can feel the ribs with light pressure.
• Neutered adult: Lower energy needs; weigh the food.
• Senior (8+ years): Yearly blood and urine tests; monitor kidney values and weight.

Serve meals rather than free-feeding; a "bowl always full" approach quickly adds weight in this breed. Wet food and a drinking fountain increase water intake.

Grooming and coat

CFA describes the coat as short, thick, even and hard in texture. Easy to care for, but it sheds.

• Brush a few times a week, daily during shedding, with a slicker brush or grooming mitt.
• The coat thickens in winter and sheds heavily in spring, when hairballs may increase.
• Baths are rarely needed.
• Trim nails every 2-3 weeks and brush teeth several times a week.
• Use grooming time to check body condition: ribs and waistline.

Living space and enrichment

1. A sturdy cat tree. Choose wide-based models that won't tip under a heavy cat.
2. Hunting play. Two 10-15 minute sessions a day with a wand toy satisfy prey drive and help with weight.
3. Food puzzles. Serving part of the dry food from toys slows eating.
4. A window seat. Bird-watching is strong stimulation for this breed; make sure windows are netted.
5. Litter box. A large box to suit a big body; number of cats + 1.
6. Keeping cool in summer. A cool room and several water bowls for a dense-coated cat.

History

Settlers sailing from Europe to North America took cats on board to protect stores from mice. These ship's cats became working cats on farms and in homes in the new continent, and over time a strong, hardy, dense-coated type emerged.

The breed was shown at the first cat show in the United States in 1895 and in 1906 became one of the first five breeds recognised by CFA. It was originally called the "Domestic Shorthair"; in 1966 it was renamed American Shorthair to stress that it is a pedigreed breed distinct from random-bred cats.

Today it is recognised by CFA and TICA in more than 80 colours and patterns, the best known being the silver classic tabby.