American Shorthair

Breed Overview

Introduction

The American Shorthair is a sturdy, medium-to-large domestic cat breed known for its gentle, good-natured personality. Descended from the working barn and ship cats of early European settlers, this breed developed in the United States and remains one of the country’s most popular pedigreed cats.

Typically calm and adaptable, American Shorthairs make excellent family pets – they are affectionate and playful with people of all ages, yet not overly demanding of attention. They enjoy interactive play and cuddling, and many will contentedly follow their owners room to room or nap quietly nearby rather than meowing incessantly.

Their friendly, loyal nature combined with a long healthy lifespan (often into their late teens) has made the American Shorthair a beloved and enduring companion breed.

American Shorthairs are also valued for their robust health and adaptability. These cats tend to be hearty and long-lived (often 15–20 years) with few breed-specific health issues.

They do well in a variety of home environments – from busy families to calm households – as long as they have toys and interaction.

Their short, thick coat comes in an impressive range of colors and patterns, and while they shed moderately, they only require minimal grooming (usually a weekly brushing) to keep their fur healthy.

Overall, the American Shorthair’s blend of gentle temperament, sturdy build, and easy care makes it a model “all-around” cat for many owners.

Breed History

American Shorthairs trace their roots to the ship and barn cats brought by European settlers to North America. Early colonial records suggest these domestic cats arrived on vessels like the Mayflower and others in the 1600s, prized for their skill at controlling rodents on long voyages.

Once in the New World, they lived on farms and in homes, breeding freely and developing traits suited to outdoor working life – a dense coat, muscular frame, and strong constitution for hunting and harsh winters.

Over centuries, these tough, self-sufficient cats became known as hardy “farm cats.” By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, some were exhibited in early cat shows.

In fact, Americans Shorthairs were shown at the first U.S. cat show in 1895 and became one of the five founding breeds recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1906.

Originally called the Domestic Shorthair, the breed was formally named “American Shorthair” in 1966 to distinguish it from the random-bred domestic shorthaired cats and to honor its American heritage.

Selective breeding efforts in the 20th century emphasized the cats’ friendly temperament, strong hunting instincts, and a variety of coat colors and patterns.

As a result, the American Shorthair of today is a calm, sociable breed that retains the vigor and hardiness of its ancestors. It has since become one of the most popular pedigreed breeds in the United States (and is even recognized internationally), thanks to its balance of working-cat heritage and domestic temperament.

Physical Characteristics

American Shorthairs are well-muscled cats of medium-to-large build. They have broad chests and strong legs – males tend to be larger and heavier (up to about 11–15 lb) than females (up to about 6–12 lb).

Their body shape is sturdy and square, reflecting the breed’s origins as working cats; this means even their neck, chest, and hindquarters are well-developed.

The head of an American Shorthair is round and solid, with full cheeks and a strong jaw. They have large, wide-set eyes that are usually green or gold (though some cats have other eye colors, including odd-colored eyes).

The ears are medium-sized with rounded tips, set well apart on the head. Overall, the expression is sweet and alert but gentle.

A defining feature is the coat: it is short, dense, and thick (often slightly longer and fuller in winter). Despite being a short-haired breed, the coat’s thickness requires regular grooming to remove loose hair, especially during seasonal sheds.

The colors and patterns are extremely diverse – American Shorthairs come in over 80 recognized variations. About 75% of them are tabby-patterned (often silver-tabby), but you can also find solid colors, tortoiseshells, calicos, particolors (bi-color or tri-color), smoke and shaded coats, and more. This variety means nearly any color combination is possible.

In summary, the American Shorthair presents a powerful yet balanced build with a plush short coat and an array of colors. Its appearance reflects functionality – a cat designed to be strong and hardy – while also making them striking and attractive pets.

Behavior and Personality

American Shorthair cats are renowned for their even-tempered, friendly personalities. They are typically playful and curious – after all, they descend from natural hunters – but not hyperactive or destructive.

Many will enjoy batting around toys, chasing feather wands or crinkle balls, and even playing fetch. They also relish lounging or watching the world; a common favorite pastime is gazing out a window at birds or squirrels.

These cats balance their playful side with a laid-back attitude: they are not demanding of constant attention and can entertain themselves if needed.

American Shorthairs love companionship with their human families. They often follow their favorite people from room to room and appreciate being included in household activities, but they tend to do this on their own terms.

Generally quiet by nature, they communicate with soft meows or happy chirps rather than loud vocalizing. Unlike some very affectionate breeds, an American Shorthair is “lovable but not clingy” – meaning they enjoy pets, cuddles, and lap time, but do not usually demand to be held or constantly picked up.

These cats are also good with others. They are known to get along well with children and other pets. American Shorthairs are patient and gentle around kids, and they typically tolerate other cats (and often even dogs) peacefully.

Early socialization helps them adapt to new environments and companions, making them flexible housemates.

In short, the American Shorthair’s personality is gentle, intelligent, and easygoing. They form strong bonds with their families without being overly needy, and they adapt well to a variety of homes.

This temperament — affectionate but independent, playful but calm — makes them particularly appealing for families and first-time cat owners alike

Care Tips

Diet

American Shorthairs have a hearty appetite and can gain weight easily if overfed. Providing a high-quality, balanced diet rich in protein is important. Measure portions and consider feeding smaller meals (2–3 times a day) rather than leaving food out all day, which can help prevent overeating.

As natural hunters, they also enjoy “playing with their food” – offering puzzle feeders or food-dispensing toys can mentally stimulate them and slow down meal times.

Always have fresh water available, and avoid too many treats to keep weight in check.

Exercise

These cats are moderately active. Daily interactive play (for example, two 10–15 minute sessions) will keep an American Shorthair mentally and physically fit. Toys like wand teasers, balls, and catnip mice are excellent for satisfying their predatory instincts.

Climbing structures such as cat trees or shelves are also great outlets for energy and give them perches to survey their territory.

Playtime helps prevent boredom and can also help an American Shorthair maintain a healthy weight.

Environment & Enrichment

A stimulating environment is important. American Shorthairs enjoy exploring and watching activity: window perches are highly recommended so they can bird-watch or sunbathe safely.

Provide scratching posts or pads to let them stretch and mark territory. Interactive toys and cat trees add interest. This breed is adaptable, so they thrive in various living spaces (apartments or houses) as long as they have places to climb and play.

Keeping dangerous objects out of reach and providing a secure indoor environment will protect these curious cats from injury or illness.

Grooming

The American Shorthair’s short coat is relatively low-maintenance. Regular brushing (about once a week) is usually enough to remove loose hair and reduce shedding.

During seasonal coat changes (spring and fall), more frequent brushing (a few times a week) helps prevent matting and hairballs. Bathing is rarely needed unless the cat is very dirty.

Other routine grooming includes trimming nails, cleaning ears, and wiping around the eyes and nose as needed.

Don’t forget dental care: brushing their teeth or providing dental treats can help prevent the common oral health issues that all cats face.

Mental Stimulation

American Shorthairs are intelligent and enjoy challenges. Rotate their toys to keep them engaged, and consider puzzle feeders for meals.

These cats can even learn tricks; reward-based training (clicker training, harness training) is often successful because they are eager to please in exchange for treats. Engaging in new activities—like teaching them to walk on a leash or play fetch—can be rewarding for both cat and owner.

Ensuring they have plenty of attention and variety in their routine will keep an American Shorthair happy and well-adjusted.

Health Concerns

Is This Breed Right for You?

FAQ

How much do American Shorthairs shed? 

American Shorthairs have a short, dense coat and shed moderately year-round, with heavier shedding in spring and fall. Regular brushing (about once a week, more during seasonal changes) will significantly reduce loose hair and hairballs.

What is the typical temperament of an American Shorthair? 

They are typically gentle, easygoing, and affectionate. Most American Shorthairs are calm and social, enjoying quiet companionship. They are playful and curious but rarely destructive, and they tend to be more relaxed than nervous or aggressive.

Are American Shorthairs good with children? 

Yes. This breed is known for being good-natured and tolerant, making them excellent family cats. They generally handle kids gently and enjoy playing with children under supervision. As with any cat, interactions should be supervised to ensure gentle handling.

How much does an American Shorthair cost? 

Price can vary widely. Purebred kittens from reputable breeders may range from about $500 to $1,500 or more, depending on pedigree and coat. However, many American Shorthairs are found in shelters or rescues; adoption fees are often around $50–$200 and typically include vaccinations and spaying/neutering.

Are American Shorthairs hypoallergenic? 

No, they are not hypoallergenic. Their coat sheds moderately and can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Regular grooming helps reduce allergens, but there is no truly allergen-free cat breed.

Bonus Facts

American Shorthairs were originally called “Domestic Shorthairs” until they were renamed in 1966 to reflect their distinct history and traits.

They were one of the first five breeds recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 1906.

The CFA honored them as “Cat of the Year” in 1965, 1984, and 1996 – a record among cat breeds.

One famous American Shorthair named “India” was the all-black First Cat of the White House under President George W. Bush; India lived to 18 years old.

Legendary musician John Lennon once owned an American Shorthair named “Pepper,” showcasing the breed’s celebrity fans.

Early American Shorthairs likely helped protect crops during the American Revolution era – a breed similar to them may have even lived through the Continental Congress in 1776.

References

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“Breed profile: About the American Shorthair”. The Cat Fanciers’ Association, Inc. Archived from the original on January 28, 2020. Retrieved April 22, 2016.

“Cat Breeds – American Shorthair”. Pet Source. April 22, 2014.

“American Shorthair”. TICA.org. The International Cat Association. Retrieved October 11, 2024.

Mattern, Joanne (December 2010). American Shorthair Cats. Capstone. ISBN 978-1-4296-6628-2.

“American Shorthair”. Cat Fanciers’ Association. Retrieved January 7, 2024.

“American Shorthair Standard” (PDF). Cat Fanciers’ Association. Retrieved January 7, 2024.

Mattern, Joanne (July 2002). The American Shorthair Cat. Capstone. ISBN 978-0-7368-1300-6.

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