American Shorthair cat

The American Shorthair cat breed is well-liked due to its eye-catching appearance and amiable disposition. These gorgeous and hardy cats have a short, thick coat and a sturdy build. Each one is distinct due to the range of colors and patterns they have.

American Shorthairs, who were originally bred for their hunting prowess, make excellent family pets. They are excellent companions for individuals of all ages due to their well-known playful and loving personality. Their popularity is also a result of their intelligence and laid-back demeanor.

History of the origin of the American Shorthair cat breed

Their ancestors, according to history, were European forest cats. When the Romans gave wild cats to the British to protect grain from rodents, the cats ended up in England. Then, there was even legislation safeguarding animals in Britain. Everyone who made fun of them and took away their lives was fined heavily.

Subsequently, the animals faced the Inquisition, which led to the extinction of the breed. Animals were thought to be connected to magic. Thus, there were fewer wild European cats in the wild.

Fascinating! The American short-haired cat holds the top spot in the rock rating among cats in the twenty-first century.

They came to mind during the plague, when the rats-carriers flooded the cities. Cats quickly became common in England. During the "gold fever," they made their way across American territory. Cats were brought on board ships to keep rodents away from the provisions. Animals had already colonized the whole United States and gained immense popularity by the end of the 1800s.

1900 saw the variety’s first registration. The name "domestic shorthair" was given to her. The cat was subsequently dubbed the American Shorthair. A selective breeding program was established at the start of the 20th century with the goal of maintaining and expanding the breed.

Breeders chose the best breeding pairs based on their external data and docile nature. A kitten by the name of Buster Brown was officially registered in 1904; he was a direct descendant of cats who arrived in America via ships. This is American Shorthairs’ first-ever official representative.

Following that, breeders developed a precise formula for producing shorthaired cats. Thus, by 1930, they had added entirely new combinations to the breed’s basic standard. More than 80 colors are currently available, including tricolors, white, and black. Domestic shorthairs was the term used to describe cats until the end of the 20th century. The cat has gained notoriety and been formally referred to as the American Shorthair since 1966.

Fascinating! In 2007, the breed arrived in Russia. A male cat named Lucky and a female cat named Cleopatra were sent to Moscow by the KC Dancers cattery.

The cat’s appearance evolved with time. Her fur thickened and she grew bigger. Their hunting prowess and good health were the only things that didn’t change.

Pros and cons of the breed

Although the American Shorthair cat has many benefits, there are drawbacks as well, if reviews are to be believed.

Pros

• beautiful appearance;
• balanced character and unobtrusiveness;
• they catch rodents quickly and deftly;
• strong immunity;
• love silence and rarely make noise themselves;
• intelligent and obedient;
• do not show aggression towards children or other four-legged pets (not counting rodents).

Cons

• at 3-4 years old, they become less active;
• tend to spend time alone;
• they don"t like to sit on hands and be cuddled;
• often overeat, which provokes obesity and heart problems.

Appearance of the American Shorthair cat

The "British" and American Shorthair cats are comparable. Round eyes, a large head, and a more pronounced pattern on the fur still identify "Americans."

Height and weight

The cat is tall; its withers measure 25 to 35 centimeters. Pets vary in weight from 4 to 8 kg. Males are bigger and more likely to put on weight than females, who are more graceful.

Crucial! Pets grow and put on weight gradually. Owner reviews state that by the time a child is four years old, the final parameters can be set.

Length and shape of the limbs

The medium-length tail has a rounded tip, and its base has a slightly thicker thickness than its tip. Massive pads cover the squat, muscular front and rear legs. The animal appears stocky overall. Unlike the Abyssinians, they do not have elongated paws or a thin neck.

Shape heads

With its broad muzzle and round head, it appears quite large. This is normal, even for kittens, whose heads can take up one-third of their body. Because the height and width of the head are equal, the shape of the head is sometimes referred to as square. One can see a prominent forehead and a large jaw. The neck has muscle and strength.

Particularly in men, large, round cheeks are characteristic. Earlobes are spaced apart from one another. They are arranged nearly vertically. It’s a medium-sized nose.

Color and shape of the eyes

The eyes of the American Shorthair cat are round. The inner corner is facing the nose bridge, while the outer corner is facing upward. They are placed a great distance apart. This arrangement gives the cat a look of surprise and mischievousness.

For tabby or black iris, in particular, a yellow-orange color is regarded as classic. Green eyes are found in silver colors. Rare are the cats with blue eyes and white fur.

Wool

The fur is thick and the hair is short. The animal’s fur and skin fit together snugly. It is shielded from the cold and harm by this feature.

There’s an inherent luster. Pets develop a thicker undercoat as winter approaches. They start to shed in the spring. Rarely, solid hues like red and tabby.

Constitution

Cats have small, muscular bodies. proportionate physique. Wide in back. Hips and chest have good development. A cat’s profile reveals a small incline that extends from the head to the tailbone.

Voice

The fact that cats prefer not to meow or scream loudly has always set them apart from other types of cats. They enjoy quiet and are fairly circumspect in their speech. Rarely, voice signals are audible—for instance, when the food runs out.

Life expectancy

Animals typically have 15–16 years of life. Their lifespan can reach 20 years if they receive proper care and routine exams from a veterinarian.

Possible defects

There are many flaws in the American Shorthair cat breed. They don’t completely change the animal’s appearance, but they do prevent it from being shown or used for breeding. Some individuals view pets with flaws as a benefit because they can be purchased at a significant savings. They still have such an alluring appearance at the same time.

• for silver colors, a green iris is characteristic, if the animal has a different shade of eyes – this is a defect;
• elongated ears;
• kinks or knots on the tail;
• too stocky or, conversely, excessively elongated body;
• lilac or chocolate color;
• fur with long hairs;
• underweight or overweight;
• deafness;
• often unscrupulous breeders cross varieties that are similar in appearance, such selection disqualifies the pet.

The external features of cats are displayed in our photo and video gallery at the conclusion of this article.

Coat color

There are over 80 colors available for American Shorthair cats. Any desired color can be found, including striped, tricolored, and one-color designs.

One-color

Say red; otherwise, it’s referred to as red. The picture displays the solid blue American Shorthair cat. There are shades of cream, black, and white. Since pure colors are so rare, they are highly prized.

Tabby

A tortoiseshell tabby, a brown tabby (as in the picture), etc. are frequently found in a litter. Clear stripes, short, narrow stripes, wide, more blurred stripes, or just forehead markings are all implied by tabby coloring.

The word "tabby" in English means "motley" or "striped." The oldest coloring is thought to be tabby. It evolved spontaneously in wild cats as a means of camouflage. Predators could conceal themselves in the bushes and then stealthily attack their prey thanks to tabby fur.

Marble

The silver marble coloration of the American Shorthair cat (seen in the picture) is well-known. This is the color scheme used in the "Whiskas" commercial. Here, stripes that resemble marble stains are clearly visible. Compared to parallel brindles in other breeds, they are more disorganized.

Spotted (tricolor)

Three primary shades are visible in the photos. Mostly tricolor, spotted cats are born with two mixed shades occasionally.

Fascinating! Tricolor cats are typically female.

Characteristics and habits

The character of the American Shorthair cat is easygoing and well-balanced. She loves kids, is kind to people, and is moderately active and lazy. Not imposing.

Crucial! For a family where one or more members are always at work or school, this is the perfect cat.

Activity and curiosity

Particularly when they are as young as a year old, these breed’s kits never refuse to play. Cats become calmer and less active with time. Pets are devoted to travel, shifting environments, and moving.

They are not overbearing. They don’t bother the owner if he’s not in the mood or is preoccupied with something important. Cats enjoy being by themselves and are independent. In between games, they take sweet dream-like pauses.

Take note! CATTROPHY FOR ACCESSORIES AND. To burn off excess calories and maintain good physical form, the owner must engage in mobile physical exertion.

Communication with people and other pets

American short hair cats make exquisite human companions. Although she respects others’ personal space, she is always happy to talk.

Reviews mention that the cat is content to be alone since no one has been home yet. She will have the ability to locate amusement on her own. They would much rather sleep during the day. The owner’s work schedule is accommodated for the pet. He will undoubtedly awaken by the time he gets there and find someone at the door.

The only animals they don’t get along with are birds and rodents.

Crucial! Even though the cat is friendly toward people, it cannot be considered tame. They favor brief, intense interactions lasting no longer than ten minutes.

Intelligence

The playful nature of the American Shorthair cat belies its sophisticated intelligence. Teaching it the fundamentals is simple. They locate the toys, scratching posts, litter box, etc. with relative speed. Breeders give the breed’s intellectual development an eight out of ten.

Crucial! In the apartment, animals never leave a mess. A person sleeps soundly when they are not at home.

Hunting instinct

The world’s greatest mouser is this one. To capture the poor creature, they must launch two or three attacks. This breed’s ancestors swiftly wiped out all the rats, even sparing humans from the plague. They catch moths, ants, and flies in apartments. House mice and hamsters are not allowed in this neighborhood because the animal will always lose to hunting instincts.

Attitude to children

American Shorthair cats have a favorable opinion of young children. Pets are kind, reasonable, patient, and always willing to communicate. They will take great pleasure in joining a big family. It’s important to go over behavior guidelines and safety measures with a cat with the young person. Pets exhibit patience and care even in emergency situations, refusing to release their claws.

Education and training

Cats are naturally polite animals. They don’t ruin clothes, take food from the table, or leave marks on the slippers. They use the litter box on a regular basis and are very clean. They dislike receiving instruction.

Before you start training your pet, it is important to follow the points on the list:

1. Establish a warm, trusting relationship with it. Cats follow commands only when they have a close emotional connection with a person.
2. Accustom to classes from early childhood.
3. Create effective motivation and encouragement.
4. The training process should resemble a game, and not a strict learning process.

Care and maintenance

Because the American Shorthair cat breed is so low maintenance, it’s an excellent choice for first-time cat owners. Cats require a basic level of comfort, which is explained below.

Settling into a new home

Acquiring the essentials for a new home is part of keeping a cat:

1. The tray should be wide and deep, but proportional to the animal. Kittens require low sides and small dimensions. Silica gel or granulated wood sawdust is used as a filler.
2. Scratching posts are required. It is better if there are several of them – one in each room. It is especially useful to install them near the feeding area and the tray. Teaching a pet to sharpen its claws in one place is not so difficult, but weaning it off scratching the sofa is almost impossible.
3. It is advisable to install a climbing frame or exercise machine for cats so that the pet can independently expend the accumulated energy. In a private house, cats are released into the backyard.
4. A feeding area is provided, which will be at a distance from the tray. There should always be clean drinking water (boiled or distilled), as well as a daily dose of dry food. For greater convenience of the owner, silicone mats are placed under the bowls. Then you won’t have to scrub the floor from cat food.
5. If you are going to walk your pet, you will need a harness. There are convenient models in the form of vests or simpler ones – straps. Before a walk, the fur is treated against fleas and other parasites.

Hygiene and medical procedures

1. Water procedures. Pets do not need frequent bathing. Washing is carried out only when the animal is seriously covered in mud. In other cases, they cope well on their own. The American shorthair cat is very clean, it licks itself several times a day.
2. Ears and eyes. Regularly, once every 2 weeks, examine the eyes and ears. To remove mucus and accumulated sulfur, use a clean cotton swab. Ears can be wiped with chlorhexidine or a special lotion from a pet store.
3. Claws. Every 2-3 weeks the animal"s claws are trimmed. The procedure can be done at home. A claw cutter is used, the cut is made at the very tip of the claw. The main thing is not to touch the blood vessels, they can be seen in the light.
4. Teeth. To prevent tartar from spoiling the pet"s smile, they are treated with hard treats. Dry food also helps to clean the teeth. In some cases, veterinarians prescribe cleaning with a silicone brush and a special gel.
5. Every season, the animal is given antihelminthic drugs. Regular procedure protects the pet from helminths.
6. If you go for a walk with the animal outside, a special drug against external parasites is dripped onto the withers.
7. Every year, a number of mandatory vaccinations are given.
8. If breeding is not planned, the issue of sterilization or castration is decided. Cats tolerate the operation best at the age of up to 1 year.

Coat care

Animals with short hair are frequently combed because short hair quickly becomes matted and tangles. At least once a week, ideally twice a week, is when the procedure is done, especially during the shedding season. No requirement to take a bath. Particularly when coloring something solid, red, or tabby, care must be taken. They have dandruff, shedding, and very noticeable protruding hairs.

Crucial! There are people who, on occasion, dislike licking themselves. In this instance, cleaning the animal may be advantageous, particularly if it goes outside frequently.

Diet

When it comes to food, the breed is extremely ravenous. Treats and a fresh portion will be consistently demanded by the American Shorthair cat. It is crucial for the owner to regulate the animal’s calorie intake, as failure to do so could lead to obesity and subsequent cardiac issues.

Crucial! One feeding mode must be selected: natural food or store-bought food. An animal cannot be fed everything at once; a varied diet can cause allergies.

Use high-quality or holistic cuisine; here’s a rough list:

• Royal Canin;
• Hill"s;
• Purina;
• AATU;
• Acana.

It’s crucial to determine the daily food consumption for your pet based on its weight and to stick to it. Typically, the food packaging provides comprehensive information about the portions. Up to four times a day can be fed to kittens under a year old. Feeding occurs no more than twice a day for adult cats.

The daily requirement of dry food ought to be easily accessible. Once or twice a day, wet food is served as a treat.

Crucial! It’s possible that the cat won’t enjoy the first food that is bought. The pet may occasionally reject dry food. To prevent errors and digestive issues, it is advisable to talk to a veterinarian about the upcoming menu changes.

The organic menu consists of:

• lean meat (takes up 70-80% of the plate) – chicken, veal, rabbit – you can freeze raw fillet for 3 days, then scald with boiling water, or completely boil it;
• boiled boneless fillet of lean fish;
• low-fat cottage cheese, low-fat sour cream, kefir;
• boiled eggs;
• vegetables (make up 25% of the diet) – carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkin, greens, broccoli;
• cereals are boiled in water, they help the digestive organs work – rice, buckwheat, oatmeal.

For just one meal, ideally:

• finely chop a piece of chicken meat;
• mix it with finely chopped parsley and grated carrots;
• add a couple of drops of vegetable oil;
• mix everything thoroughly so that the vegetables and greens stick to the pieces of meat.

Sterilization and castration

Not every owner is aware of the necessity of this process. The procedure is required if breeding is not planned. Injectables and tablets designed to suppress instincts do not work as intended and seriously compromise the animal’s health.

There are two steps involved:

1. Castration – removal of the sex glands. After the operation, the cat loses its aggressiveness, he stops marking the territory. Kittens no longer show signs of heat, t.to. sex hormones are not produced.
2. Sterilization – the operation deprives the animal of the ability to bear children, but preserves the production of sex hormones. In male cats, the vas deferens is tied, in female cats, the fallopian tubes.

Benefits of castration or sterilization:

• after the operation, animals live a long healthy life, the risk of developing diseases of the genitourinary system is reduced;
• cats are protected from uterine diseases, the risk of developing diseases of the mammary glands is reduced;
• pets acquire a calm character, but do not lose their individuality, do not become apathetic, they also play actively, but no longer feel aggression;
• the operation is a safe and painless procedure, the main thing is to monitor the pet during the recovery period.

Hereditary diseases

The health of the American Shorthair cat is outstanding. It adjusts to any situation with ease. Genetic abnormalities arise from improper crossing or close inbreeding.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Heart issues frequently result in death. As a result, it’s critical to keep an eye on the animal’s health and schedule routine visits to the veterinarian.

The disease is characterized by a thickening of the heart’s ventricles’ muscular wall. Pathology makes the heart’s job more difficult. Early on, it is nearly impossible to diagnose the deviation because of its difficulty in detection. Reviews state that an American Shorthair cat should have a cardiac ultrasound twice a year.

• shortness of breath – frequent breathing with an open mouth;
• formation of blood clots;
• blockage of blood vessels;
• problems with the femoral arteries often begin, due to which the animal cannot lean on its hind limbs.

Hip dysplasia

A rare genetic illness. The illness causes discomfort, causing the animal to become limp. The animal avoids vigorous motion, and its gait becomes erratic. It can’t hop onto a bed, couch, or chair. Desperate meowing frequently accompanies pain symptoms.

Crucial! Not only can pathology be inherited, but overweight animals can also exhibit it.

Surgery is recommended for young pets. The animal’s diet is changed at the same time that anti-inflammatory medications, vitamins, and painkillers are prescribed.

Polycystic kidney disease

This is the organ’s internal cavities forming and gradually filling with fluid. The illness advances gradually. Organ failure often goes undetected until later.

Early symptom detection is crucial in order to:

• lethargy;
• refusal to eat and lack of appetite;
• constant thirst;
• frequent trips to the toilet;
• vomiting;
• decreased weight.

In addition to performing an ultrasound examination, blood and urine tests are taken to determine the pathology.

The course of treatment involves avoiding foods high in protein and phosphorus. A vitamin regimen is advised. Doctors prescribe antacids to stop vomiting. Regular blood pressure checks are performed.

Obesity

Obesity occurs because cats like to eat more than they actually need to. Consequently, the development of urolithiasis, diabetes, or cardiovascular problems occurs.

• regular overeating;
• mixed feeding;
• passive lifestyle, the cat does not spend energy;
• harmful high-calorie treats;
• respectable age;
• castration (the procedure reduces the need for energy, but the animal continues to be fed in the same mode).

A veterinarian will assist you in resolving the issue. He will choose a healthy diet and examine the animal for coexisting diseases. In turn, the owner is responsible for ensuring that the pet gets enough exercise and a balanced diet.

Choosing a kitten and its cost

When purchasing a healthy pet, heed these guidelines:

1. For a purebred kitten, it is better to contact a good nursery. Sick or non-pedigree animals are often sold in markets, bulletin boards and pet stores. Nurseries are interested in further breeding, they monitor the health and appearance of their charges.
2. The kitten is given to the owner at the age of 3 months. By this age, he is given the first vaccinations, they are taught to go to the tray, weaned from cat milk. At the age of three months, a kitten has a stronger psyche, a developed body.
3. If an American shorthaired cat has deviations, a description of the breed will help to avoid acquiring a non-pedigree kitten. It is important to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the animal in advance, remember its external description.
4. Before buying, it is worth observing the kitten. He must be active, curious, playful. A poor signal is a removal from people, clogging into a corner, painful meowing for a simple touch.
5. Eyes and ears should be dry and clean. The body is moderately well-fed. You cannot buy a kitten – this is an unhealthy sign. The fur should be clean and shiny, there should be no bald spots, red spots.

Kittens can be sold in nurseries without paperwork. Such a cat costs between ten and fifteen thousand rubles.

You should get in touch with elite nurseries if the animal is being purchased for exhibitions or further breeding. All paperwork is required, including a passport, vaccination records, pedigree, etc. Such a kitten would cost between 20,000 and 30,000 rubles.

The American Shorthair cat is a well-liked breed that is well-suited for both individual and family companionship due to its adaptability, robust build, and playful nature. This breed is sure to stand out in any home thanks to its unique features and rich history of combining charm and intelligence. Prospective owners can better appreciate what makes the American Shorthair a beloved pet by being aware of its characteristics and maintenance requirements.

Breeding American short -haired

Knitting is limited to members of the same breed. Crossing American short hair with a hard hair breed is acceptable.

Beginning at age eight months, crossing is done. The cat’s body will strengthen during this period to support the genus. Vitus is recommended one to three days during estrus. The cat is always taken into the cat’s territory. In order for the animals to be most at ease.

Young cats can be mated once a month. As people age, the process is done once or twice a week.

Kittens are born to American shorthaired cats between 9 and 10 weeks of pregnancy. Ambulance surgery indicates the typical mom-cat behavior. It will start to dig, build a nest, and search for a warm, isolated area.

Crucial! A cat can only give birth twice a year, even though they can go into heat three to four times annually. A good time to have children is between eight and nine years old.

Photo and video

Pictures of adults and kittens:

Video: Cat breed: American Shorthair

A video introducing the American Shorthair breed. Fascinating information

Video: Unknown Facts About American Shorthair Cats

Characteristic	Description
Origin	United States
Coat	Short, dense fur
Temperament	Friendly and adaptable
Size	Medium to large
Colors	Diverse, including tabby
Lifespan	12-15 years

The American Shorthair cat breed is well-liked and renowned for its versatility and amiable disposition. These cats are a terrific option for both families and individuals because they are not only endearing companions but also hardy and low-maintenance.

American Shorthairs are robust and energetic dogs that do well in a variety of settings. They take pleasure in socializing and playing, but they also like lounging around the house. Every home can enjoy and laugh at their playful antics.

All things considered, the American Shorthair cat is a great choice if you’re searching for a devoted and loving companion. They are a well-liked option for cat enthusiasts worldwide because of their attractiveness, charm, and simplicity of maintenance.

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