The American Shorthair is the 8th most popular breed of cat in the United States according the Cat Fancier's Association for 2006-2007. The breed is believed to be descended from English cats (the forebears of today's British Shorthairs ) brought to North America by early British settlers to protect valuable cargo from mice and rats.

American Shorthair Cat Origin

The American Shorthair was developed from native American working cats. American Shorthairs are true working cats: stocky, muscular, and powerful in build.

When settlers sailed from Britain to North America they carried cats on board ship to protect the stores from mice. Most of these cats "settled" in the New World, interbred, and developed special characteristics to help them cope with their new life and climate. Early this century a selective breeding program was established to develop the best qualities of these cats.

The very first CFA registered (American) Shorthair was not born in America; he was a red tabby male named Belle of Branford, born in England in 1900. The British Shorthair played a large part in the American Shorthair's gene pool, however the American Shorthairs are now larger then their British cousin, with less rounded faces and longer legs and tails.

Originally known as the Domestic Shorthair, the breed was renamed "American Shorthair" in 1966 to better represent its "All American" character and to differentiate it from any other shorthaired breed. Today, the term "domestic shorthair" is used to describe cats of unknown parentage or origin, and American Shorthair is the title given to the true pedigreed variety. They were among the first breeds recognized in the United States; 71 "Shorthair" cats and kittens were displayed at the very first U.S. cat show in 1895.

American Shorthair Cat Appearence

A very athletic cat, American Shorthair has a larger, leaner, and more powerfully built body than its relation, the British Shorthair.

American Shorthairs are a pedigreed cat with strict standards and a distinctive appearance as set by the various Cat Fanciers Associations worldwide. Males are significantly larger than females, weighing eleven to fifteen pounds when fully grown. Mature females weigh eight to twelve pounds when they achieve full growth at three to four years of age. American Shorthairs can live fifteen to twenty years, like most felines, and often only requiring only annual vaccinations, veterinary checkups, a quality diet and plenty of tender loving care. These cats have long tails and usually slender bodies.

 

American Shorthair Cat Colors and Coats

This breed is accepted in a wide variety of colors and patterns. American Shorthair coat is short, glossy and very dense and can be of more than eight recognized colors, including classic tabby pattern in silver, brown, red, or cream cameo.

The most well-known American Shorthair color today is the silver tabby, with dense black markings set on a sterling silver background.

The American Shorthair 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. 

These cats are healthy, easy-going, affectionat. Also the American Shorthair is a very sociable and adaptable cat. He gets along with dogs, and other animals and loves children. Looking for a cat that will be a gentle companion, a playmate for your children, and a full-fledged member of the family? Look no further than the American Shorthair. It's no wonder that the American Shorthair consistently ranks as one of the ten most popular breeds of cat - truly a star in the feline world.