American Shorthair Cat
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Cat Facts:
Breed Type: Natural
Body Type: Short and sturdy, on low legs.
Coat Type: Shorthair
Size: Medium to large (3.5-6.5 kg or 8-14 lbs)
Temperament: Gentle and playful. Good with children. Undemanding.
Colors: Solid(self): Black, white. Tabby: red classic, brown classic, cream classic, silver classic, brown patched, red/white van, cream mackerel, blue mackerel. Calico dilute. Tortie: blue-cream. Shaded: chocolate and silver.
Origins:
Developed from native American working cats, American Shorthairs have established itself to be one of the most popular and prevalent breeds in America. They are true working cats with a stocky, muscular, and powerful build that comes from a long history of selective breeding.
They first arrived in America with the first settlers to help deal with rodents abroad the ships. Natural selection through surviving harsh New England winters has allowed this the American Shorthair to become a strong and hardy cat with adaptable temperaments. They have become the sixth most popular short hair cat, according to registration totals.
Breed Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easygoing and laid-back
- Doesn’t need constant attention
- Gets along with other animals and children
Cons
- Has a tendency to overeat
- Generally don’t like to be held and cuddled
December 18, 2007 @ 9:02 am
Steph said,
This breed is so cute. My shorthair loves people.
January 26, 2008 @ 12:30 pm
Jan said,
I love my american shorthair. She is not generally a lap cat, but she is adorable. She talks alot and loves people. God is so creative to create such a cute cat!
June 30, 2008 @ 5:35 pm
Nevada949@aol.com said,
Are female yellow tabbies rare ?
September 17, 2008 @ 7:42 pm
Makala said,
That is a vote of 3.
May 15, 2009 @ 12:08 am
Soby said,
I disagree with every website out there that says the American Shorthair is strong and hardy. I bought mine at a pet store and we only had it a year and four months before my husband and I had to put it down. It seemed healthy when we got it, it was only 1 and a half years old. But it became the sickest cat I ever knew. FLUTD and colon problems, throwing up, eating problems, etc., etc. I LOVED my cat so much, he was very very sweet, but it was heart-breaking to see him suffer so much and eventually have to put him down. Never believe a website that describes a cat as “strong and hardy”. Because of that, I thought American Shorthair was a good pick! But each cat is different and all animals get sick and die.
June 24, 2009 @ 10:29 am
Ilana said,
That will teach you, Soby, to never ever buy a cat from a pet store. American shorthair cats, as a breed, are perfectly hearty. Pet store cats often come from kitten-mills, and are sickly. You probably also got him at a young age, under 12 weeks. Not good for him at all.
July 7, 2009 @ 9:23 am
Caleb said,
In my 11year life I had 6 American Shorthair Cats.I love each of them.My one cat even brings me socks.They all are playful.