American Shorthair

Guide Note

The American Shorthair is a hardy breed descended from the working cats that accompanied the first European settlers of North America. They were prized for their skill in hunting rodents aboard ships and in the first settlements of the New World.

The American shorthair is a pedigreed breed distinguished from the domestic shorthair by its traceable parentage.

Fast Facts

1. Weight 8-15 pounds
2. Life expectancy: 15-20 years
3. 71 American shorthairs shown at first U.S. cat show in 1895
4. Originally known as the "domestic shorthair"
5. Name changed to "American shorthair" in 1965
6. More than 80 recognized colors and patterns
7. Most popular color and pattern combination is the silver tabby

American shorthairs have retained many of the characteristics that allowed them to adapt to life in the New World and remain highly adapable to most environments and situations. They have strong, sturdy bodies with dense coats and long blunt tails. The muzzle is short and square, with strong jaws for grasping prey. Avid and skilled hunters, American shorthairs are fairly independent, but do enjoy regular human interaction.