American Shorthair cat: an affectionate and gentle animal

The affectionate and laid-back disposition of American Shorthair cats is well-known. This breed’s peaceful disposition and love of company make it a popular choice for both families and single people.

The adaptability of the American Shorthair is one of its most remarkable traits. This cat adapts well to a variety of settings and does well in both noisy and peaceful homes. Because of its amiable nature, it is a wonderful companion for adults, kids, and other pets.

In addition to having a gentle disposition, American Shorthairs require little upkeep. The cat requires little maintenance due to its short coat, which keeps it looking neat and presentable with little work. For people who want a loving cat that is also easy to take care of, this breed is perfect.

Characteristic	Description
Breed	American Shorthair
Temperament	Affectionate and gentle
Coat	Short and thick
Colors	Various, including silver, tabby, and white
Size	Medium to large
Lifespan	15 to 20 years
Exercise needs	Moderate, enjoys playing
Good with families	Yes, friendly with children

Meet the American Shorthair cat

On the outside, American cats with short hair resemble the beloved "Britons" in a way. Despite being relatively new to the cat world, this breed has won over a great deal of admirers with its exotic looks and unconventional personality.

Many cat lovers are won over by the American Shorthair’s cheerful appearance and placid disposition.

Principal traits of the breed:

• Origin – USA.
• Classification WCF – category 3, Shorthair (short-haired), AWH standard.
• Possible colors:

• tabby;
• white;
• blue;
• black;
• cream;
• red;
• chinchilla;
• shaded cameo, shell cameo, silver shaded (variants of marble);
• smoky and bicolor colors;
• particolor.

• males – 7-8 kg;
• females – 4-5 kg.

History of the breed

In America, the breed was first formally registered in 1904. Buster Brown, the cat, was identified as the first American shorthair representative. But this breed was well-known and in demand much earlier.

It is thought that the first settlers who arrived in Maine Flame Tower by ship in 1620 brought the cat to the continent. According to reports, the Mayflower ship that arrived in America carried multiple cats (from the British Isles) that were trained to hunt rats. Eventually, this breed of cat could be seen in almost every American backyard. They were housed to eradicate rodents on ranches and farms. Cats were known for their excellent hunting skills, docile nature, and superior health and endurance.

Later, Bombay cats, Maine Coons, Ocicats, and other breeds were bred from American Shorthairs.

The first cats, acquired in the process of stabilizing the breed, emerged circa 1930. Breeders decided to rename it the "American Shorthair" in 1965 after it was first known as the Domestic Shorthair. When a male silver tabby was voted best cat in 1966, the breed was duly acknowledged. Currently, it ranks sixth among the most popular shorthaired breeds in the United States.

1966 saw the official recognition of the breed by the AACE, ACA, ACFA, CCA, CFA, CFF, TICA, and UFO. Still today, though, the International Federation of European Cat Fanciers (FIFe) refuses to acknowledge it.

The owner of an opulent fur coat has a long history of being well-known for her intelligence and agility.

Since the turn of the century, American society has been drawn to the strong, resilient, well-groomed, and placid feline. At that time, this breed was already being bred in more than 100 nurseries.

In Japan, there was a high demand for American shorthairs, with over 20 nurseries producing them. It was not until the turn of the 20th century that the breed gained popularity in Russia. It wasn’t until 2007 that the first representative was brought in.

Description

The American shorthair cat is well-known for having a gorgeous fur coat, a calm and gentle disposition, and good health.

Flowing, powerful cats that scared rodents

Appearance

The way "Americans" look fits with their inherent purpose. Rat trappers resemble actual hunters.

The WCF’s adopted breed standard for appearance should be followed:

• The body is medium-sized or large, strong, muscular. The round chest is well developed.
• The head is quite large. The muzzle seems rounded, but slightly longer than wide. Well-developed cheeks, a strong chin, forehead and cranial part are slightly rounded. The nose is straight, medium in length and evenly wide. The base of the nose at the forehead should be noticeable. The neck is of medium length, muscular.
• The limbs are thick, strong, of medium length, tapering evenly to strong round paws.
• The ears are of medium size with rounded tips, they may have tassels. The distance between the ears is wide. The height approximately corresponds to the width at the base.
• The coat is short and thick, dense and shiny.
• The tail is of medium length with a wide base, slightly tapering to a rounded end.
• The eyes are round, open, set wide apart, slightly obliquely set, shiny. They have a clear color – green, yellow, copper or blue.

The palette of colors of American Shorthair cats is varied

Breed defects

It’s possible that a flaw in the breed won’t be apparent right away. However, there are stringent requirements for show animals. Serious flaws may result in the pet’s disqualification:

• tail kinking;
• bridge of the nose, protruding more than usual;
• bulging eyes;
• malocclusion;
• crooked jaw;
• fused toes;
• gait defect (lameness, waddling gait);
• excessive length and/or waviness of coat;
• presence of white spots;
• weight discrepancy;
• eye color.

The cat—or rather, its owner—will be fined for having a tail that is too short or a body that is excessively coarse.

Character

This breed of cat is docile, peaceful, and serene by nature. Like the majority of its relatives, it is independent and only enjoys cuddling and purring when it feels like it. When its owners are gone for the entire day, the cat can tolerate being alone with calmness. Being reasonably indolent, it won’t destroy your house; instead, it will quietly take in the surroundings or drift off to sleep.

When its owner is not around, the cat will either sleep or observe its surroundings.

The cat is amiable, adores both kids and adults, and quickly forms bonds with other animals. gentle and gregarious, but also highly self-sufficient and autonomous. enjoys courtship and returns the favor with unending love and tenderness. Loves everyone without distinction, not distinguishing between friends and strangers.

The cat is a calm and slightly lazy creature, but it will always play happily when it feels like it. Cats have a strong hunting instinct; they enjoy catching mice and other rodents, even if they are made up.

"American" is a courageous, robust, resilient, and astute cat. It is not surprising if she presents you with a few rodents as a token of her devotion and utility. When it comes to food, they are avaricious; they will not share and prefer to eat in private.

These cats have two intriguing characteristics: they burrow food supplies and don’t mind getting wet.

Video: details about the American shorthair breed

Acquiring an "American" kitten

Purchasing a baby from a nursery is the best option as it ensures both the breed’s purity and the pet’s exceptional health.

Selecting a child is a responsible decision.

A kitten may not be removed from its mother before three months of life. By now, the infant will have grown immune, become stronger, and acquire certain habits that the mother will teach.

The kittens are given helminth treatment at this point, are able to eat a variety of foods on their own, and are already acclimated to the litter box. After the babies get all the required shots, they’ll be prepared to go to a new home.

Although kittens are taken from the mother no earlier than 12 weeks of age, they are reserved for breeding at an earlier age of 8–10 weeks.

Certain catteries sell sterilized kittens that are between 6 and 10 months old if you’re not planning to breed the animal.

You need to take into account the cost of the future pet. The price of American Shorthair kittens depends on the gender, the "importance" of the parents and the class of the animal. If you decide to breed and buy a show-class cat, you will have to part with a considerable amount. If exhibitions and breeding are not for you, then the cost of the baby will be significantly less. Breeders estimate such kittens at about $200-400. If the price is even lower, then there is a chance to buy a kitten with some hidden defects of the breed.

Take note of the circumstances surrounding the care of the animals in the nursery. The cats should appear happy and healthy, and the area should be tidy. Request that the breeder show the parents of the kitten. Find out if the infants have undergone testing for hereditary illnesses.

Consider the following factors when selecting a purebred show-class kitten: conformity to the breed standard and lack of obvious defects

• the coat is short, soft and thick, shiny, the color meets the necessary criteria, has a beautiful marble pattern, there are no white spots and inclusions (the color cannot be uniformly gray, lilac, chocolate or colorpoint);
• eyes are clear, shiny, not too bulging, slightly slanted, emerald, blue, yellow or copper in color;
• strong muscular legs and a powerful chest;
• bite is correct, even;
• ears are straight, even, rounded at the ends;
• tail is straight, thick at the base, without kinks or curvatures;
• confident movements, does not limp or "wag" when walking.

When selecting a kitten, you should carefully inspect the young animal as well as its home and its lineage.

Where to buy

It wasn’t until the early 1900s that this breed of cat was raised in catteries in Russia.

Table: catteries of Russia and Ukraine breeding the breed

Nam of the cattery	What breeds are bred	Location
DonLeon	Multi-breed cattery	Russia, city. Moscow
Shooting Stars	American Shorthair	Russia, city. Zhukovsky
RUMFOLD	American Shorthair, Scottish Fold	Russia, Moscow region
Artemisiacat	American Shorthair	Ukraine, city. Kyiv
Gold Bastet	American and British shorthair	Ukraine, city. Kyiv
Forlooking	Scottish and American Shorthair	Ukraine, city. Mariupol

Renowned for their exceptional well-being, American Shorthair cats don’t need complicated upkeep. All the prospective owner needs to know is the fundamentals of cat ownership. In addition to a litter box, a bowl with food and water, a scratching post, and plenty of toys, the pet should have room to roam around. What matters most is your affection and focus.

Care

Like cats of any other breed, "Americans" require regular nail trims, fur maintenance, ear cleaning, and, if needed, eye washing with a special solution.

Beautiful thick fur owners are more likely to shed occasionally. The cat should be brushed 2-3 times a week during this time, using rubber gloves or special brushes to remove any extra hair. Every other week, combing is sufficient.

During the shedding season, it’s easier to comb a short-haired pet with a special rubber glove.

Even though "Americans" don’t mind the water, they should only take baths when absolutely necessary. They are capable of cleaning their own fur coats.

You will need to purchase or construct a scratching post in order to keep the cat from destroying the furniture. Both homemade structures and the industrial stands that are available in specialty stores look fantastic inside. This could be a board or a piece of wood that has been twine-wrapped or covered in carpet.

A pet bed and scratching post like this would look great inside a home or apartment.

My kitties’ preferred spot to sharpen their claws is an old wooden chest located in the hallway. The wallpaper on the walls and the remaining furniture in the house are in perfect order, but at this point there’s no way to discard it. Claw removal surgery is a surgical procedure that some cat owners turn to. I believe that this process is cruel and harmful to animals. They won’t be able to defend themselves in the event of animal aggression and will become unaccustomed to daily living.

American short-haired cats tend to overeat and gain weight because they enjoy eating so much. They must be given enough opportunities for motor activity. This is not hard; despite their phlegm, they are always willing to participate in the game.

Nutrition

The secret to your pet’s longevity and good health is carefully chosen nutrition. First, you have to determine for yourself what kind of food your cat will consume: natural or dry. It is not advised by veterinarians to feed dry food and natural food at the same time. Select one item.

The cat cannot be fed both natural and dry food at the same time.

Premium class dry food should be fed to pets based on their age, weight, and level of mobility. There are many high-quality premium feed and superpremus class products available on the market today.

• Royal Canin-can be given to babies from 1 month of age;
• Hill"s – from 4 months of age;
• Iams;
• Purina.

Industrial cheap food, like Kitekat, Darling, and Whiskas, should never be given out because they are made with inferior ingredients and can lead to a number of health problems.

Kittens and adult cats can eat natural food, but there are certain aspects of the diet that need to be considered:

• porridge is cooked in water, adding finely chopped meat, vegetables, eggs to it;
• for kittens, the meat should be completely cooked;
• food should be prepared without adding salt and spices.

The following items are suitable for feeding a kitten:

• chicken breast (boiled and finely chopped);
• beef, veal (boiled and finely chopped);
• quail egg (raw or boiled);
• low-fat kefir or fermented baked milk;
• low-fat cottage cheese;
• kelp (adding to various dishes);
• boiled vegetables without salt;
• olive oil (to season porridge or vegetable dishes).

Fresh, clean water should always be available to the cat.

How often to feed a domestic cat

It is recommended to feed young kittens four times a day, older kittens three times, and adult cats twice a day. The animal’s sex, weight, age, and whether or not it will be outside all influence how much food is fed. The packaging of ready-made premium and super premium food items needs to include instructions.

No matter how pathetically it asks, you cannot feed a cat from your table. Owners have to follow a rigid feeding schedule. The animal will only be lively, healthy, and free of obesity under these circumstances.

Litter tray

Selecting the appropriate tray is another crucial step. The tray ought to be sufficiently large. The cat likes to strew the filler all over the place while digging. In this instance, the toilet’s high sides and ample depth will be advantageous.

There are various options for the tray’s filler:

• silica gel granules;
• clumping composite;
• granulated wood sawdust.

Based on their preferences and experience, the owners make the decision themselves. You can purchase a toilet with a net; in this instance, emptying the lower container and washing the tray on a regular basis suffices in place of filler.

A deep tray will prevent filler from overflowing.

Walks

In the event that you decide to let your pet walk outside, you must ensure the animal’s safety. Information about the owner should be on the collar that is placed on the cat. The kitten should receive all recommended vaccinations and helminth treatment on a regular basis (every three to four months). Treatments for fleas and other parasites are applied to the wool.

Vaccinations

It is essential to administer several vaccinations to your American Shorthair cat to safeguard it against infections, even if it does not walk outside. Cat owners who believe their pets cannot become ill because they bring them outside are misguided. Numerous diseases are transmitted by fleas and other insects, and the infection can enter through your shoes and clothing.

Typically, the immunization schedule looks like this:

• At the age of three months, the kitten is given the first vaccination against rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia and calicivirus (NobivacTricat vaccine). After 21 days, revaccination with the same vaccine and a rabies vaccination (NobivacRabies). The kitten will gain immunity only 2 weeks after revaccination, and this should be taken into account when moving.
• If you are going to go out of town, get a vaccination against lichen (Vakderm or Polivak-TM). The next vaccination should be done in a year, plus or minus 2 weeks. The vaccination is done once.

Hereditary diseases of American shorthair cats

Hereditary diseases do not affect American shorthair cats. However, there are some pathologies occasionally.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

The genetic heart condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by a thickening of the muscle wall. For many cats, it is a common cause of early death.

The subtle nature of HCM lies in its early asymptomatic state and challenging diagnostic process. The onset of symptoms could happen when there is no way to assist the animal. Owners of breeds where heart failure is common are advised by veterinarians to have their dogs’ hearts ultrasonically monitored twice a year. If a disease is identified early on, it can be effectively treated. A veterinary cardiologist must be consulted before performing any anesthetic-assisted surgical procedure (such as sterilization).

The heart’s ventricle walls thicken in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which makes it more difficult for the heart to function normally.

Shortness of breath (rapid breathing with mouth open) and rapid fatigue are the first symptoms you should be aware of. Thromboembolism, or the occlusion of vital vessels by blood clots, is one of the side effects of HCM. The femoral arteries are typically impacted. The animal hurts and is unable to stand on its hind legs. Negative outcomes can be avoided and blood flow can be restored with prompt veterinary assistance.

Animal tests to identify this disease are widely used in America. After doing research, nurseries sell cats in order to keep unhealthy animals out of breeding programs. Research has also been conducted by certain Russian nurseries to verify that their kittens do not have HCM.

Hip dysplasia

Feline hip dysplasia is most often a hereditary disease. The disease causes pain and lameness in the animal. The cat becomes sedentary, the gait is uncertain, wagging. The cat chooses how to place its paw in order to feel less pain and discomfort, cannot jump on a chair, falls to the side and cannot get up quickly, while meowing in pain. Not only an animal with a hereditary predisposition, but also a pet with an excess weight and the wrong diet can get sick with dysplasia of the hip joint.

Hip dysplasia can only be surgically treated in young, robust cats.

Based on the aforementioned symptoms, analyses, and radiography, a diagnosis is made. Vitamins, anti-inflammatory medications, painkillers, and diet plans are recommended as treatments. The treatment approach that is operational can only be used on young, healthy cats.

Polycystic kidney

One severe genetic condition that can lead to the rejection of this organ is polycystic kidney. Kidney processes become irreversible as the disease gradually advances.

• lethargy;
• loss of appetite;
• thirst;
• frequent urination;
• weight loss;
• vomit.

Many liquid-filled cavities form in the kidney when there is polycystic kidney disease.

Among the diagnostics are:

• blood test;
• urine test;
• ultrasound examination.

• protein and phosphorus-restricted diet;
• subcutaneous fluid administration;
• phosphorus-removing drugs;
• vitamin D intake;
• antacid intake (to prevent vomiting);
• mandatory blood pressure monitoring.

Because half of the kittens produced from the crossing of a healthy and sick animal will inherit the illness, sick cats are not used in the breed’s continued breeding.

Currently, special tests can be carried out to determine genetic pathologies.

Breeding of the breed

The breeder or nursery where the kitten was purchased should oversee the breeding process. Selecting a mate needs careful consideration in order to prevent inbreeding. Breeders only permit American Shorthair and American Wirehair crosses.

Cats that are purebred should only mate under the guidance of experts; at eight months old, they are ready to give birth to kittens.

Cats are sexually mature at eight months of age. It is preferable for breeding purposes to mate a male with a female who is already pregnant. Young breeding cats can mate up to twice a week initially, then once or twice a month.

Cats that are 6 to 9 months old are ready to breed. Every animal has a unique estrous cycle, which can last anywhere from three days to two weeks. A cat can have two or three periods of sexual activity in a year. It is not advised to give birth more than twice a year, though. A cat’s labor lasts a long time; she can give birth for up to eight years, but she can do so until the day she dies.

During the estrus phase, cats mate one to three days after the onset of estrus. Indications that the feline is prepared for mating:

• purrs;
• screams shrilly;
• takes a pose for mating;
• moves her tail to the side, shifting her hind legs.

Breeders feel that it is more appropriate to introduce a female into a male’s home rather than mating them on the first day. The optimal time to conceive is on the third day of estrus. Two matings are typically engaged in.

A cat carries a baby for nine to ten weeks. By the end of the term, the animal starts acting strangely, searching for a quiet area to dig and build a nest.

Sterilization or castration

If sterilizing the animal is not worth it, then the question of whether to breed it becomes relevant. Cats’ sexual activity can be suppressed with certain medications. These come in tablet, injectable, and drop form. However, not everyone is aware of the negative effects of their frequent use. These medications are intended to momentarily halt a cat’s active sexual behavior. When used frequently or continuously, they may cause genital illnesses. Therefore, castration or sterilization are preferable options if having children is not planned.

Animal sex gland removal is known as castration (Latin: castratio – castration). Not only are animals rendered incapable of procreating after castration, but they also cease engaging in sexual behavior. The incapacity to produce sex hormones causes males to lose their marking of territory and aggression, while females lose their signs of estrus.

Sterilization, from the Latin sterilis, which means "infertile," is a surgical procedure that keeps an animal from becoming pregnant while preventing it from producing sex hormones. The vas deferens in males and the fallopian tubes in females are tied or partially removed during this procedure, preventing conception, but the sex glands are left intact. In contrast to castration, sex hormone production and sexual impulses are retained following sterilization.

Whether to castrate or sterilize your pet is a decision that a veterinarian will assist you with. However, the goal of both of these treatments is to improve the animal’s behavior and its incapacity to breed.

Advantages of sterilization (castration)

It is safe to say that the following information supports sterilization (castration):

• Such animals live longer and get sick less often.
• In cats, such an operation eliminates uterine diseases and significantly reduces the risk of mammary gland diseases.
• Neutered cats are distinguished by a docile and balanced character.
• In cats, the likelihood of diseases such as prostatitis, hormone-dependent tumors of the testicles and testicles is reduced.
• Castration and sterilization operations are well-established and are performed in all clinics. They are safe and painless.

Cats should ideally be sterilized between the ages of 6 and 9 months prior to the first heat. In this instance, there is as little chance of a mammary gland tumor developing.

This procedure should ideally be performed on a cat that is 7-9 months old. He has not yet reached puberty, but he is already fully grown up at this point. Although an adult cat can be operated on, a young cat will tolerate the procedure more readily. Furthermore, 15% of adult cats may still mark their territory out of habit, even though the markings don’t smell as strongly.

Post-operative care

Recovery from surgery doesn’t take much work. On days eight or twelve, cats have their stitches taken out, and they wake up from anesthesia feeling fantastic.

The cat will be bandaged for eight to twelve days following the procedure, after which the stitches will be taken out.

Possible complications

An operation without complications is guaranteed if the animal is the appropriate age. The pet will have a harder time enduring anesthesia and the actual procedure the older it gets.

Every castration procedure is carried out under general anesthesia, which carries a small but constant risk to health. Therefore, operating on animals older than 8 years old is not advised.

Following surgery, complications could arise:

• bleeding;
• development of infection;
• suture divergence.

With an experienced surgeon, their chances drop.

Urolithiasis is more common in cats who have had neutering procedures. Should the pet consume dry food, it ought to be switched to a range of customized items meant for cats who have undergone neutering. It’s critical that the feline consumes adequate water. If your pet is fed naturally, you should restrict fish and high-fat meats and make sure that clean water is always available.

The American Shorthair cat is the ideal companion for both individuals and families because of its perfect combination of gentleness and affection. This breed is laid-back and tolerant of various settings, and it is well-known for its serene temperament and loving nature. An American Shorthair adds cheer and coziness to any home with its playful nature and deep human bond.

Table: pros and cons of the American Shorthair breed

• beauty and exotic appearance;
• intelligence and intelligence;
• friendly and docile character;
• sociability and communication with other pets;
• endurance, agility, playfulness;
• excellent health, longevity;
• unpretentiousness in care.

• high cost;
• not easy to buy due to the small number of nurseries breeding this breed.

The American Shorthair cat, renowned for its gentle and loving disposition, is a truly unique friend. It is an excellent choice for individuals, families, and even homes with other pets due to its peaceful disposition.

This breed’s playful nature makes life more enjoyable, and its independence guarantees that it can amuse itself when necessary. It’s also a laid-back addition to any home because of its versatility in different living situations.

The American Shorthair cat has earned its reputation as a favorite among cat lovers thanks to its affectionate nature and minimal maintenance requirements. For those who are fortunate enough to have one in their lives, it brings warmth and happiness.

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