American Shorthair - Cats.com (2023)

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American Shorthair - Cats.com (1)

Overview

Characteristics

American Shorthair - Cats.com (2)

Temperament

?The breed’s dominant personality traits. While each individual has a unique personality, breed-specific genetics affect qualities like sociability, playfulness, and intelligence.

Active, inquisitive, playful, personable

Origin

?Where this breed was first established.

United States

Other Names

?In addition to their official names, most breeds earn a few nicknames.

ASH

Group

?Breeds are grouped by their size and coat type.

Medium-to-large sized shorthair

Height

?The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.

10"-14"

Body Length

?The typical adult body length among individuals of this breed. A cat’s length is measured from the base of the tail to the tip of the nose.

12"-17"

Weight

?The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.

8-15 pounds

Life Expectancy

?The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.

12 -17 years

Price

?The average price.

$100 - $1,000

Affection Level

?Breeds with a high affection level want to give and receive a lot of attention, while less-affectionate breeds are not as interested in petting and snuggles.

0100%

80%

Activity Level

?Breeds with high activity levels will engage more in active play and demand more space and attention.

0100%

60%

Pet-Friendly

?How well the breed tends to get along with cats, dogs, and other pets.

0100%

70%

Kid-Friendly

?Breeds with a higher rating in this area tend to be gentle and patient, while lower-rated breeds may feel uncomfortable with children.

0100%

80%

Sociability

?Breeds with a higher sociability rating will want to spend time with you all day, while less-sociable breeds seldom seek out human interaction.

0100%

90%

Intelligence

?Breeds with higher intelligence ratings are more curious, investigative, and easy to train. Less-intelligent breeds are less trainable but often laid-back and easygoing.

0100%

80%

Playfulness

?Breeds that score higher in this area have strong hunting instincts that make them great playtime companions.

0100%

60%

Independence

?Breeds that score higher in this area are able to spend hours alone, while less-independent breeds require plenty of attention.

0100%

50%

Vocality

?A higher rating in this area indicates a breed prone to plenty of meowing and other vocalizations, while less-vocal breeds are happy to stay quiet.

0100%

40%

Grooming

?Breeds with higher grooming scores require more maintenance like brushing and bathing, while lower-scored breeds are virtually maintenance-free.

0100%

40%

About the American Shorthair Cat

Friendly, personable, and easy to care for, the American Shorthair cat shares many things in common with the domestic shorthair. The main difference is that American Shorthair cats always share common characteristics with one another, while domestic shorthair cats display various trades from the breeds in their backgrounds.

This can cause some confusion as the American Shorthair was originally named the Domestic Shorthair. The truth is, American Shorthair cats are a breed of their own!

American Shorthair - Cats.com (3)

Care

American Shorthair - Cats.com (4)

Nutrition

American Shorthair - Cats.com (5)

Grooming

American Shorthair - Cats.com (6)

Exercise

American Shorthair - Cats.com (7)

Health

American Shorthair - Cats.com (8)

American Shorthair cats have no special nutritional needs in comparison to most other domestic cats. We recommend feeding your American Shorthair cat a healthy, balanced diet of high-quality cat food.

American Shorthair cats offer low maintenance in the grooming department. While you can get away with never brushing this cat, we recommend using a fine, or a soft brush to remove loose hair from your pet's coat at least once per week. This helps keep your furniture cleaner, plus it reduces the likelihood of hairballs.

American Shorthair cats are moderately active by nature. Without enough exercise, this breed is prone to obesity. You can help prevent this by ensuring that your American Shorthair cat has access to toys, and by encouraging active play.

These cats come from a long line of hunters and they appreciate interactive toys and laser beams. Like other cats, the American Shorthair loves to climb. A cat tree will save your drapes from damage while giving your pet the perfect vantage point – not to mention a cozy spot to nap when the time comes!

While American Shorthair cats generally enjoy good health, they are prone to a few issues, with obesity being the most common.

There are two other known health problems that occur in American Shorthairs: Hereditary hip dysplasia affects some members of the breed, and a form of cardiac disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy causes some American Shorthairs to have enlarged hearts. These problems affect only a small percentage of cats, yet they are worth mentioning.

History

When European colonizers first came to America, they arrived in ships – and they brought cats with them! These hardy mousers were the predecessors to the breed we know and love today as the American Shorthair cat.

As time passed, other cat breeds made their way to America, and of the American Shorthair gained recognition as a distinct breed with different characteristics that set it apart from the rest.

The original bloodline was strengthened by an infusion of British Shorthair DNA. Still, American Shorthair cats have rounder, softer body shapes then their cousins from across the pond. You probably won't be surprised to learn that American Shorthairs starred in the first cat show ever held in the United States, in 1895.

Cat fanciers recorded the first-ever breeding between two American Shorthair cats in 1904. Since then, this breed has remained one of the most popular in the United States.

American Shorthair - Cats.com (9)

Did You Know?

Even though the breed is distinctly American, these cats are popular in other parts of the world. The American Shorthair has been recognized by TICA – The International Cat Association.

Pick a color! Whatever your favorite cat color may be, it's likely that you'll find an American Shorthair to match. There are more than 80 recognized American Shorthair cat colors and patterns.

Thanks to their general good health, American Shorthair cats have long life expectancies, often exceeding 15 years.

The Breed Standard

American Shorthair - Cats.com (10)

Eyes

The American Shorthair has large, rounded eyes with half-almond shaped upper lids and distinctly rounded lower lids. There should be at least one eye width between the eyes, and the upper corners should be set slightly higher than the lower corners.American Shorthair eye colors vary between gold and green. Blue eyes are also acceptable, as are two different colored eyes.

Legs & Paws

The American Shorthair cat has strong, stocky legs that may appear somewhat short and less elegant than the legs of many other cats breeds. This breed's paws are strong, round, and somewhat wide. Paw pad color typically corresponds to nose leather color, with many different variations depending on the cat's color and pattern.

Tail

American Shorthair cats have long, proportional tails that are a little wider at the base with a slight taper toward the end. The tail is often carried level or at a slightly upward angle to the body.

Body

The American Shorthair exudes power, confidence, and grace. Their bodies are muscular and compact, with a rounded shape that's as cuddly as it is attractive.

Head

It's easy to distinguish an American Shorthair from a domestic shorthair by looking at the head shape. These cats have distinctly rounded heads with prominent cheeks and fleshy whisker pads. Many American Shorthairs have prominent jowls; this feature is particularly noticeable in intact males.

Ears

An American Shorthair cat has medium-sized ears with rounded tips, set wide apart on the head and not overly large at the base.

Coat

This breed has a short but lustrous coat with ample body and an even texture. The coat should appear soft and healthy.

Color

American Shorthair cats come in every color and pattern except for pointed as in Asian breeds such as the Siamese. Tabby, tortoiseshell, smoke, blue, white, and black colors and patterns are all acceptable. In all, the breed standard allows more than 80 acceptable American Shorthair colors and patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a American Shorthair cat cost?

American Shorthair cats cost between $100 - $1,000.

How big do American Shorthair cats get?

American Shorthair cats tend to be medium in size. A fully grown American Shorthair cat might weigh between 8-15 pounds or more and range in height anywhere from about 10"-14" inches tall.

How long do American Shorthair cats live?

The Average lifespan for American Shorthair is 12 -17 years.

Do American Shorthair cats shed?

American Shorthair are short-haired cats. Therefore, they do not shed as much as long-haired cat breeds.

Find More Cat Breeds

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British Shorthair

JOIN THE FAMILY

  1. American Shorthair - Cats.com (21)Pam B, Dec 21, 2022 at 11:06 am

    We have an American Shorthair and we love him completely. He’ll turn 15 on Jan 25th. In all the years we’ve had him, we’ve never once heard him growl. We also have a DSH who we got as a kitten from a local rescue. When my husband brought him home, our ASH – who was 4 months at the time and was suffering diarrhea at the time – hissed at him. That is the only time he has ever hissed, even if you accidentally step on a little foot. I wonder if that is common in ASH kitties?

    Reply

    1. American Shorthair - Cats.com (22)Mallory Crusta Dec 28, 2022 at 7:35 pm

      Hey Pam, good observation. American Shorthair cats do tend to be very placid, friendly cats, so it doesn’t surprise me that he’s seldom hissed. Domestic shorthairs, on the other hand, haven’t been selectively bred, and there’s very little consistency in their temperaments, so I’d expect more diverse personalities from cats of this type.

      Reply

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FAQs

How much is American Shorthair cat? ›

American Shorthair has a market price of Php 15,000.

Are American Shorthair cats good pets? ›

The American Shorthair is a very pleasant companion cat. She is easy going and placid. The American is a loving cat and will attach herself to all members of the family. While the American loves to play, she doesn't need hourly attention.

What is the temperament of an American Shorthair cat? ›

Temperament. She's adaptable and good-natured, which makes her the ideal family companion. Although she loves attention from her people, including children, the American Shorthair does not like being carried and is fairly independent.

Do American Shorthair cats like to be held? ›

They love to be around their family and are even fine being carried about by younger humans. American shorthair cats are known for being easygoing and docile, yet curious enough to make an entertaining companion.

How long do American Shorthairs live for? ›

American Shorthair

These cats are usually good at entertaining themselves, and they don't demand attention. But they also appreciate interactive play and socialization. Most are generally healthy but can be prone to heart disease. The breed has an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years.

Do American Shorthairs have health problems? ›

The American Shorthair is generally healthy, but some of the problems that affect the breed include hip dysplasia and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common form of heart disease in cats and causes enlargement (hypertrophy) of the heart muscle.

Are American Shorthair cats talkative? ›

Since they are social cats, American Shorthairs also enjoy the company of other animals, including dogs. But they're not terribly talkative; their expressions communicate their needs instead.

What is the best known color of the American Shorthair? ›

American Shorthair cats are most famous for their brown or grey tabby coats, but they can come in many different colors and patterns. Standard American Shorthair colors can include streaks and patches of white, black, brown, cream, silver, and blue in their fur.

Are American Shorthair cats high maintenance? ›

Caring for Your American Shorthair Cat

This is an easy going, low maintenance breed. Their shorthaired coat doesn't mat, so grooming requirements are minimal. The American Shorthair is also a relatively healthy breed, on average they live 15-20 years.

Do cats like to sleep with us? ›

Yes, cats want to bond with their owners in their own unique way. One of their ways of showing their affection is to sleep with you. It's your cat's way to show how much they want to be near you. It also brings your cat a sense of comfort to hear the sound of your breathing or your beating heart.

What do American Shorthairs like to eat? ›

Your American Shorthair will benefit from a portion of wet food once a day. Otherwise, you can give them a bowl of dry kibble during the day. They should do well on high-quality, dry kibble. Find a brand that your pet enjoys.

Do cats sleep with us? ›

While some cats might not be interested, others want to be as close to their human counterparts as possible. And many humans seem to prefer it that way. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 50% of pet owners in the United States allow their pets to sleep in bed with them.

How big is a full grown American Shorthair cat? ›

As pets or for showing, American Shorthairs are low-maintenance cats. These cats are not only beautiful, but healthy, easygoing, and affectionate. Males are usually larger than females, averaging 11 to 15 pounds, while females may weigh 6 to 12 pounds.

Do American Shorthairs need haircuts? ›

Once a week is an ideal amount. However, staying cool isn't the only reason Domestic Shorthair cats require regular haircuts. Often, they suffer from skin conditions, hairballs, shedding prevention, hygiene issues, and matted fur if they don't maintain short hair.

Are American Shorthairs easy to train? ›

American Shorthair cats are super smart, devoted fur babies that are easy to train and groom. They're famous for their robust health, sweet personality, and friendly nature toward children, dogs, and other pets.

What is the most loved cat? ›

CFA spotlights 10 most popular feline breeds worldwide
  • #1: Ragdoll. This large, longhaired cat with a plush coat is ranked No. ...
  • #2: Maine Coon Cat. Also called the “gentle giant," the Maine Coon Cat, the largest pedigreed cat, moved up the ranks to second place. ...
  • #3: Exotic. ...
  • #4: Persian. ...
  • #5: Devon Rex. ...
  • #6: British Shorthair.
Feb 14, 2022

Are American Shorthair good for first time owners? ›

The American Shorthair is a delightful companion cat ideally suited to a large variety of households. These cats are perfect for a first-time cat owner because of their docile nature and easy-to-maintain lifestyle.

Do American Shorthairs shed a lot? ›

Yes, they do — although shedding is less of a problem than it is for some longer-haired breeds. There are steps you can take to reduce shedding but you can't prevent it completely. You can reduce the amount of cat hair in your environment with air purifiers and thorough vacuuming.

Are American Shorthair cats good for seniors? ›

American Shorthair – People-oriented and love cuddling, making them a great companion choice for seniors. Birman – Affectionate, gentle, and intelligent breed. Loves companionship, has a playful side, and is low maintenance.

How often should you bathe an American Shorthair cat? ›

In general, cats should be given a bath once every 4-6 weeks, depending on how often they groom themselves, and the environment they're usually in. If your cat is more outdoorsy and soils itself while playing, it's a good idea to help with the grooming process as they alone won't be able to properly get cleaned.

How often should you brush an American Shorthair cat? ›

Cats with short hair only need to be brushed once weekly. Use a metal comb to loosen dead fur, starting at their head and working toward the tail. With a bristle or rubber brush, do the same thing to remove the dead hair. Always be careful around your cat's face, belly, and chest.

Are American Shorthair cats rare? ›

The American Shorthair (ASH) is a breed of domestic cat believed to be descended from European cats brought to North America by early settlers to protect valuable cargo from mice and rats. According to the Cat Fanciers' Association, in 2020, it was the eighth most popular pedigreed cat in the world.

What breeds are not good with cats? ›

These are not them.
  • Australian Cattle Dog. This adorable herding breed makes a loyal and devoted pet, but your cat may have a different opinion. ...
  • Beagle. ...
  • Greyhound. ...
  • Jack Russell Terrier. ...
  • Miniature Schnauzer. ...
  • Siberian Husky. ...
  • Weimaraner.
Jul 26, 2019

What type of cat is least popular? ›

Black cats seem to be the most common coat color and sadly also the least desirable at adoption time. In fact, black cats are half as likely to find a home than a cat of another color.

Are male or female cats better? ›

The truth is that the sex of the cat really doesn't matter when it comes to choosing the purrfect pet for you. Although there are some behavioral differences between male and female cats as they grow from kittens to adults, a cat's genetics and environment play a bigger role in how well the two of you will bond.

Are American Shorthair cats lazy? ›

Personality and Temperament

The American Shorthair has a calm, friendly and very well-balanced character. They're ideal for anyone who has never had a cat before. They're not especially active but not particularly lazy either. They're not clingy but also not reserved or aloof.

What is the most desired cat color? ›

What color cat is the most popular? While not definitive, surveys reveal that the most popular cat colors in the U.S. include orange tabbies and tuxedo-colored cats (black and white).

Are American Shorthairs like dogs? ›

Easygoing and affectionate, the American Shorthair is known for its brotherly (or sisterly) love for dogs.

What are the different types of American Shorthairs? ›

  • White American Shorthair. Pure white with no trace of any other colour. ...
  • Cream American Shorthair. ...
  • Black American Shorthair. ...
  • Blue American Shorthair. ...
  • Red American Shorthair. ...
  • Chinchilla Silver American Shorthair. ...
  • Blue Chinchilla Silver American Shorthair. ...
  • Red Chinchilla (Shell Cameo) American Shorthair.
May 28, 2020

Why do cats lick you? ›

Your cat is expressing her affection for you.

Your cat's licking may be an affiliative behavior, which is a friendly, altruistic behavior. Mothers groom their kittens, and cats may groom one another, which is called allogrooming.

Why do cats follow you to the bathroom? ›

The bathroom is full of the smells of you: your cat's favorite human! You spend time there doing important things, or at least it may seem that way to your cat. Your cat may be intrigued by watching you do all the little things humans do in there.

How do cats choose their favorite person? ›

According to a study done by the nutrition company, Canadae, they discovered that the person who makes the most effort is the favorite. People who communicate with their cat by getting to know their cues and motives are more attractive to their cat companions.

What is cats favorite drink? ›

Our moggies should be drinking water every day to stay happy and healthy. There's nothing else your cat should be drinking. You should make sure your cat has a source of clean, fresh water all the time (even if they do sometimes prefer drinking from puddles).

What is a cats favorite human food? ›

Many cats like corn, and polenta, a coarsely ground cornmeal, has a good texture for them. You can try brown rice, barley, and wheat berries, but you may need to mash them first. Cats tend to like smaller grains like millet and couscous. Just make sure any grains you give are cooked so your kitty can digest them fully.

What foods make cats happy? ›

Cats are 'obligate carnivores,' meaning that meat is a non-negotiable part of their diet. Keep your cat happy and healthy with hearty meals that include meats like chicken, turkey, and duck. Both cats and dogs only produce a fraction of the omega-3 that they need to maintain a healthy and balanced ratio of fatty acids.

Should I let my cat lick me? ›

In many cases, there's no harm in letting your cat lick you a little bit every now and then. After all, kitty kisses never hurt anyone, right? You'll want to wash your hands after if your cat is licking your hands or fingers, but usually, this behavior is pretty harmless.

What does it mean when your cat follows you everywhere? ›

They love you and want to show their affection

Another common reason why your clingy cat follows you around the house is that they are showing love and affection. While cats have gotten a bad rap being stereotyped as aloof or "evil," cat owners can quickly debunk this myth.

Should I let my cat sleep on my bed? ›

Is it safe to sleep with a cat in bed? For the most part, yes. “In general, I would consider it safe to sleep with your cat, but you have to know them and how they would respond to accidentally being startled or moved while sleeping,” Delgado says.

What cat is the most expensive? ›

The Ashera

The Ashera is reportedly the most expensive breed of cat on the globe, with this beautiful breed of cat costing up to $125,000. This breed is a mix between an African Serval, an Asian Leopard and a domesticated cat.

What is the cheapest cat? ›

Top 12 Cheapest Cat Breeds
  1. Oriental Shorthair. Price (USD) $400–$500. Average Lifespan. ...
  2. Siamese. Price (USD) $200–$800. ...
  3. Turkish Van. Price (USD) $200–$800. ...
  4. Manx. Price (USD) $400–$800. ...
  5. American Shorthair. Price (USD) $600–$1,000. ...
  6. Cornish Rex. Price (USD) $100–$1,300. ...
  7. Snowshoe. Price (USD) $200–$1,000. ...
  8. Tonkinese. Price (USD) $250–$1,000.
Nov 4, 2022

Is American Shorthair rare? ›

The breed has been known as the American Shorthair since 1966 and it is now one of the 10 most popular breeds in the United States, Canada and Japan. However, they are still rare in Europe, where some associations still refuse to recognise them as a breed.

What is the most common color for American Shorthair? ›

The most common American Shorthair cat colors you might encounter are black, brown, and red. Similarly, the most common patterns on an American Shorthair are tabby, solid, or tortoiseshell.

What breed is teddy bear cat? ›

British Longhair

The Persian and the British Shorthair were crossed to create the British Longhair. These kittens are amiable and can make adorable, caring companions. Because of their lush fur and lap-loving personality, they are frequently referred to as the teddy bear of feline breeds.

What is the grumpy cat breed? ›

Grumpy Cat
Grumpy Cat at VidCon 2014
Other name(s)Tardar Sauce
BreedMixed
SexFemale
BornApril 4, 2012 Morristown, Arizona U.S.
7 more rows

What is the least wanted cat? ›

Black cats seem to be the most common coat color and sadly also the least desirable at adoption time. In fact, black cats are half as likely to find a home than a cat of another color.

What is a cat that stays small? ›

The Singapura is considered the smallest cat breed in the world. Ranging between 4 and 6 pounds, this rare cat features a silky, smooth coat and a muscular physique. While they may be small, the Singapura certainly is not shy!

How do you keep a cat cheap? ›

How to Be a Great Cat Parent on a Budget
  1. Focus on Preventative Care. ...
  2. Shop Around for Medicine. ...
  3. Keep Your Pets Hydrated. ...
  4. Avoid Obesity. ...
  5. Buy in Bulk. ...
  6. Brush Your Pet's Teeth. ...
  7. Play Games & Reuse Toys. ...
  8. Brush Your Pet Regularly.

What cat is the rarest? ›

Amur leopard: probably the world's rarest cat? With only around 120 adults left in the wild, the Amur leopard could be the most endangered big cat on Earth.

How intelligent are American Shorthair cats? ›

These cats are fairly intelligent, so foraging toys (i.e., food puzzles) that must be manipulated in order to provide a food reward would also be fun for American Shorthair cats.

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