American Shorthair. American Shorthair cat information, breed profile, history overview, typical American Shorthair characteristics guide, pictures and more.

Looking for a cat that will be a gentle companion, a playmate for your children, and a full-fledged member of the family? Look no further than the American Shorthair.

This breed is known for its longevity, robust health, good looks, quiet disposition and amiability with children and dogs.

History

The American Shorthair is America's own breed, whose ancestors came to North America with early settlers from Europe.

Records indicate the ships carried several cats to hunt rats. These working cats eventually established themselves as the native North American shorthaired cat.

Their beauty and loving nature came to be valued as much as their rat-catching skills. Early in the 20th century, foreign breeds imported to the United States (Longhairs and Siamese) interbred with native shorthaired cats, producing kittens with varied coat lengths, body styles, colour and temperament.

Those who wished to preserve the North American shorthaired cat acquired the finest examples of the breed and began mating them selectively to preserve the breed.

Originally known as the Domestic Shorthair, the breed was renamed "American Shorthair" to better represent its "All American" character and to differentiate it from any other shorthaired breed.

The American Shorthair is recognized in more than 80 different colours and patterns ranging from the striking brown-patched tabby to the glistening blue-eyed white, the beautiful shaded silvers, smokes and cameos to the flashy calico van, and many colours in between.

The most well-known American Shorthair colour today is the silver tabby, with dense black markings set on a sterling silver background.

Characteristics and Temperament

These beautiful cats are not only lovely to look at, but healthy, easy-going and affectionate.

Special Requirements

American Shorthairs are low-maintenance cats. They can live fifteen to twenty years, requiring only annual vaccinations, veterinary checkups, a quality diet and plenty of tender loving care.