American Shorthair

The American Shorthair has a stocky, athletic body. The legs are very short and strong. The head is large and rounded, the tomcats also have broad cheeks – the so-called “tomcat cheeks”. The ears of the American Shorthair are also rounded and the eyes are relatively far apart.

Origin and History

Where does the American Shorthair come from?

The American Shorthair is similar to the European Shorthair or the British Shorthair. Just like the two other cat breeds, she was on her own and was constantly developing alongside humans. Her above-average hunting instinct does not come from anywhere, because in the past the American Shorthair was primarily thought to take over the rat and mouse hunt – and she has always done this with great passion.

Traits of Temperament

How does the American Shorthair tick?

The American Shorthair is a very calm and reserved breed of cats. She is still affectionate, but never intrusive. Whenever the cat makes a sound, it is very tender. So the voice doesn’t quite fit the strong physique. She is also a perfect hunter. This is why it is so suitable as an outdoor cat because it loves to hunt.

Nursing, Health, and Diseases

What are the typical diseases of the American Shorthair breed?

Although this cat is a very robust breed, it is not immune to typical diseases that can affect other domestic cats.
Especially because of their adventurous side, they may come home with minor or major wounds. The “hypertrophic cardiomyopathy” also occurs somewhat more frequently in this breed of cats. This is a disease that causes the heart muscle to thicken.

How much exercise does an American Shorthair need?

Although it is also suitable for living in a quiet senior household, you should ensure that you get enough exercise so that, on the one hand, it does not become fat and, on the other hand, it gets its necessary workload. Because: these cats are very intelligent and have a high hunting instinct. With the help of hunting games, you can also keep these cats busy indoors. Above all, one should make sure that lurking and chasing prey is not neglected.
Due to its intelligence, it is also suitable for clicker training and intelligence games.

Upbringing and Attitude

What food does an American Shorthair need?

This breed needs a healthy and balanced diet in order not to get fat. If she is actually out and about a lot in the open air, she is sure to consume mice and the like on a regular basis, which is why the feces should be checked for worms on a regular basis, or deworming should be carried out on a regular basis.

What else do I need to keep an American Shorthair?

The American Shorthair is very suitable for novice cats. The adaptable and calm cat is better off in quieter households than in hectic families. However, this cat has absolutely no problem with children, as long as there are places of refuge for the cat where the children leave them alone. They are also very suitable for a life with senior citizens.
Due to its great hunting instinct, it is not particularly suitable for keeping in an apartment, but rather requires being outdoors. If you can’t offer that, you have to offer lots of hunting games indoors and enough variety so that the cat doesn’t get too fat through enough exercise.

Considerations before You buy

Where can you buy an American Shorthair?

The American Shorthair is not to be found in the FIFE standard, but only in the CFA standard. Serious breeders pay attention to hereditary diseases and Co. – as well as the character traits of the parent animals. It can cost between € 600 and € 1,100.
You can get them from a reputable breeder with a pedigree, as well as being chipped and vaccinated. In the shelter, there are also cats that are very similar to this breed.

What are the special features of the American Shorthair?

She can really get involved with dogs and cats, as well as children and visitors. However, it can affect smaller animals such as rabbits, house rats, hamsters, birds, and many more. problems arise because these usually trigger the hunting instinct of this breed of cats. If she is to live with one of these animals, it is important that the animals have a good cage and that the cat is not allowed into this room if you are not at home or if you do not have time to take care.