American Shorthair
American Shorthair History
- Accompanied Europeans sailing across the Atlantic Ocean to settle in the New World in the early 1600s to protect valuable cargo from mice and rats.
- Some records indicated that this breed came over on the Mayflower with Pilgrims.
- During the California Gold Rush, pioneers brought this breed with them to control the rodent population in their new homesteads.
- According to CFA records, a brown tabby American Shorthair was offered for sale for $2,500 at the Second Annual Cat Show at Madison Square Garden in 1896.
- Selected as among the first five registered breeds by the CFA in 1906.
- Originally called the Domestic Shorthair, but was renamed to American Shorthair in 1966.
American Shorthair Behavior Concerns
- Extremely smart and even tempered.
- Not very chatty, preferring to chirp or make sweet squeak sounds.
- Very athletic.
- Once touted as the all-American mouser, this breed prefers now to follow its favorite people from room to room.
- Favors walking on its own over being picked up and cradled.
- Behaves gently around children.
- Lovable but not clingy.
Look of American Shorthairs
- Strong, hardy breed of medium to large build.
- Dense coat is designed to weather the cold and shield against superficial skin injuries.
- Head features full cheeks, large, wide-set eyes, powerful jaws, round-tipped ears and square muzzle.
- Eyes are golden or green.
- Comes in more than 80 different colors and patterns, ranging from brown-patched to silver tabby.
- Sports a sight pouch and loose skin, designed for protection when hunting.
Grooming American Shorthair Cats
- Sports an easy-to-care-for short but thick coat that requires weekly combing and brushing.
- Coat has a textured feel to it.
Suggested Nutritional Needs for American Shorthair
- Due to their moderate activity level, measure food portions to reduce the risk of this cat from becoming overweight.
Fun Facts of American Shorthairs
- Its strong and powerful jaws make it one of the most feared felines among mice and other rodents.
- Famous American Shorthair named Pepper once belonged to John Lennon of the Beatles.
