The American Shorthair is a friendly and sturdy cat breed with beautiful looks and a calm nature. In this article, you’ll learn more about its history, personality, and care — making it a great family pet.
The American Shorthair Cat
Looking for an easygoing yet beautiful cat? Then the American Shorthair might be the perfect pet for you. In addition to its stunning appearance, this breed has a sweet and open character — ideal for families with children. You’ll enjoy their company for many years, as they are generally healthy and have a long life expectancy.
History of the American Shorthair
The name suggests they come from the United States, but it’s likely that the breed was originally developed using cats from Europe — though no one knows for sure. The first officially registered American Shorthair dates back to 1904, and one of its parents was a British Shorthair.
The American Shorthair is traditionally a working cat. They were used to hunt mice and rats and mostly lived outdoors. That’s why they still have thick, dense coats. Breeding focused on strength and health to make them effective pest controllers.
Personality of the American Shorthair
The American Shorthair is a true sweetheart. They are calm and easy to handle, making them ideal for families. They are playful and very tolerant, especially with children. While they love cuddling, they also appreciate their independence.
Even in old age, they remain active and playful — often entertaining themselves. They generally get along well with other pets. A good scratching post, plenty of space, and stimulating toys are a must, as they are intelligent hunters by nature.
Appearance of the American Shorthair
This breed is medium in size but very muscular. They were bred for strength and agility to catch vermin. They have round heads and heavy bones, giving the impression of a solid build.
Their legs are strong and sturdy, perfect for running and jumping. But the real eye-catchers are their eyes — which can be copper, gold, blue, or green. Since they traditionally lived outdoors, they have a thick coat, which grows longer and coarser in winter to protect them from the cold.
Nutrition and Health of the American Shorthair
Their strong build makes them prone to weight gain. Proper nutrition is essential, as is daily exercise. Originally hunters, American Shorthairs thrive on meat-rich diets.
They are known for their robust health — a trait breeders specifically selected for. However, like many cats, they may develop HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy). Responsible breeders test for this condition and avoid breeding affected cats.
American Shorthair Coat Colors
The coat of the American Shorthair is thick and strong. Despite being a shorthaired breed, it can become matted, so regular brushing is recommended, especially in winter. Their fur is typically shiny but can feel coarse in colder months.
This breed comes in many colors, often with stripes across the body. Common shades include blue, black, cream, and red. Silver, gold, brown, and cameo are also frequently seen.
Buying an American Shorthair — What’s the price?
Interested in owning an American Shorthair? We get it. Expect to pay between €750 and €1000 for a kitten. In the Netherlands, this breed is still quite rare. In the U.S., however, they are much more common and less expensive.
It’s important to buy from a certified and experienced breeder who focuses on socialization and health. If you’d like to give one a second chance, consider adopting from a shelter — you might find the perfect new companion there.
