The words Dog Breed Info with the letter D inside of a black paw print

American Shorthair Cat

Information and Pictures

American Shorthair Tabby kitten sitting on a white backfrop towards the right side and its head is turned to face the camera

American Shorthair tabby kitten

Description

The body of the American Shorthair is solid, muscular and powerful. The rounded eyes are lightly tilted. The tail is medium sized and thick at the base.

Coat

The coat is thick, even and hard in texture.

Colors and Patterns

Colors vary with specific eye colors. Gold eyes are preferred by breeders.

Temperament

The American Shorthair is a true breed of the working cat. It is muscular, intelligent, hardy, agile and makes an exceptional hunter, yet has a good temperament. Easygoing, friendly and independent.

Weight

8-15 pounds (3.5-7 kg)

Health Problems

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Living Conditions

The American Shorthair can tolerate cold weather.

Grooming

This breed needs moderate grooming with regular combing.

Origin

Originating in the United States, the American Shorthair was once called the Domestic Shorthair. The ancestors of today's American Shorthair arrived in North America with early European pioneers. They worked on ships catching mice and rats. When the ships docked ashore, these cats bred freely and eventually established themselves as North America's own shorthaired cat. In 1965 the name American Shorthair was established. The first shorthair placed in the official U.S. registry in 1901 was a British Shorthair orange tabby. The British Shorthair played a large part in the American Shorthair's gene pool, however the American Shorthairs are now larger than their British cousins, with less rounded faces and longer legs and tails.

Outcross Breeds

None

Recognition

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Two American Shorthair tabby kittens are sitting on a blue backdrop and looking at the camera holder

American Shorthair tabby kittens

American Shorthair tabby kitten is sitting on a blue backdrop and looking towards the camera

American Shorthair tabby kitten

Tiger the American Shorthair Tabby Cat sitting a wooden end table and looking towards the camera with medal duct work and black trash bags in the background

Tiger

Close up - Tiger the American Shorthair Tabby Cat is wearing a blue collar with a red tag laying on a chair and looking towards the right

Tiger

Tiger the American Shorthair Tabby cat is laying on a white tiled floor in front of a brown floor with sawdust on it

Tiger

Tiger the American Shorthair Tabby cat laying on an empty highchair and looking to the right

Tiger the cat laying on the highchair

A framed picture of Tiger the American Shorthair Tabby Cat laying on a bed

Tiger

Close up - the face of Tiger the American Shorthair Tabby Cat on a yellow background.

Tiger