American Shorthair

American Shorthair Cat Breed

Appearance:

• The American Shorthair is a medium to large-sized breed with a muscular and robust body.
• They have a well-balanced structure and a sturdy build.
• American Shorthairs have a short and dense coat that comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Common coat colors include silver tabby, brown tabby, black, and white.
• They have round faces with full cheeks and expressive eyes that can come in various colors, such as gold, copper, or green.

Temperament:

• American Shorthairs are known for their easygoing and adaptable nature. They are typically laid-back cats that can adjust well to various living situations.
• They have a calm and even-tempered disposition, making them suitable for families and individuals seeking a relaxed and affectionate companion.
• American Shorthairs are generally independent cats but still enjoy the company of their human family members. They are not excessively demanding and can entertain themselves when needed.
• They are typically good with children and other pets, making them a great choice for multi-pet households.

Care and Health:

• The American Shorthair's short coat is relatively low maintenance and requires minimal grooming. Regular brushing helps to remove loose hair and keep the coat in good condition.
• They are generally a healthy breed with no specific breed-related health issues. However, regular veterinary check-ups are important to ensure their overall well-being.
• Providing a balanced diet, regular exercise, and mental stimulation through playtime and interactive toys are essential for maintaining the health and happiness of American Shorthair cats.

The American Shorthair is a versatile and easygoing breed known for its sturdy build and affectionate nature. Their low-maintenance coat and friendly temperament make them wonderful companions for families or individuals seeking a loving and adaptable feline friend.

History

They are not included in the manifesto, but cats were undoubtedly among the passengers and crew who landed Mayflower in 1620 when it arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts, took to the New World even earlier, on ships such as the Settlers to Jamestown Colony in Virginia, Spanish explorers to Florida and the Vikings to Newfoundland. Some of the descendants of these catfish, prosaically known as the shorthair or house shorthair, became what we now know as the American shorthair.

Cats were valued both on land and at sea. Farmers, shop owners and homeowners all needed a good cat to keep their food supplies safe from mice, rats and other pests. The short hairs were solid, robust workhorses that could withstand the harsh conditions on the untamed continent. They were such good hunters that a publication from 1634 attributes them to saving the crops in a New England colony from squirrels and ground squirrels. From their points of arrival on the coast, they went west with settlers and prospered.

By 1895, short hairstyles had made such a difference that they were presented at the first cat show in the United States. The Cat Fanciers Association recognized them as a breed in 1906. To distinguish them from randomly bred cats, also known as domestic cats, the pedigree cats were named American Shorthair in 1966. The cats are recognized by all registers.

Size

American Shorthair weighs 7 to 12 pounds.

Personality

The adaptable and good-natured American shorthair retains his hunting ability, but is more of a family follower these days, a job he excels at. He is moderately temperate, calm but not innate. American Shorthair is moderately active and has good playing time just like the nearest cat, but does not require unnecessary attention or activity. As befits a working cat who has done well, she is smart and enjoys playing with puzzle toys and interactive toys. He is sociable and not the type to hide under the bed when visitors come. This is a calm cat, but does not particularly like to be carried around. Let him stand on his own two feet. He may be a cat, but he will always appreciate having a place next to you on the couch or at the end of the bed.

Health

Both pedigree and mixed breed cats have different frequencies of health problems that can be genetic. American shorthairs are generally healthy, but ask a breeder about the presence of health problems in their ranks and what tests have been done for genetic breeds.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a type of heart disease, has been seen in the breed but is not yet known to be genetic.

Maintenance

The American shorthair coat is easy to prepare by combing or brushing it a few times a week to remove dead hair and distribute sebum. The thickness of the cat's fur and the amount it loses varies depending on the climate and season.

Brush their teeth to prevent periodontal disease. Daily dental hygiene is best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing. Cut their nails every two weeks. Wipe the eyes with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Use a separate area of the cloth for each eye so that you do not risk spreading an infection. Check your ears every week. If they look dirty, wipe them with a cotton ball or a soft, damp cloth dampened with a 50-50 mixture of apple cider vinegar and warm water. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can damage the inside of the ear.

American Shorthair likes their meals, so it's easy for them to become overweight. To avoid obesity, measure your food instead of feeding it freely.

Keep the litter box completely clean. Bathroom hygiene is very important for cats, and a dirty drawer can cause them to move to other places around the house instead.

It is a good idea to keep an American shorthair as an indoor cat just to protect it from diseases transmitted by other cats, attacks from dogs or coyotes and other dangers that cats face when walking outdoors, such as being hit. of a car. Keeping him indoors also protects local birds and wildlife from this talented hunter. American shorthair that goes outdoors also risks being stolen by someone who wants such a beautiful cat without paying for it.

Fur color and grooming

American Shorthair has the body of a workhorse: powerful, muscular and strong. His physique gives him the agility and endurance he needs to be a first-class stalker, and his muscular legs allow him to jump, leap and climb to catch his furry or feathered prey. This is a medium to large cat, slightly longer than he is tall.

A large head with a full-bodied face gives American short hair a sweet, open expression. It has medium-sized ears that are slightly rounded at the tips and large, large eyes.

A short, thick coat is available in a wide range of colors and patterns: plain, tabby, calico, turtle shell, bicolor, particolor and more. The silver classic tabby pattern is probably the most popular of them all.

Children and other pets

The relaxed but playful American short hair is the perfect choice for families with children and cat-friendly dogs. He can learn tricks and loves the attention of children who will treat him politely and respectfully. He gets along well with dogs if they do not cause him any problems. He is a skilled hunter but can learn to leave companion birds or other small animals alone if they are introduced to them at a young age. However, when you are unsure, separation is best. Always introduce pets, including other cats, slowly and in a controlled environment.

Characteristics

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