Description: American Shorthair
The American Shorthair is a true breed of working cat characterized by its robust health, good looks, quiet disposition, and amiability with children and dogs. Known for its longevity and robust health, it is a common breed in North America. Originally brought to North America by early settlers to protect valuable cargoes from mice and rats, the American Shorthair has evolved from a simple street cat into one of the most beloved breeds in the United States. It features a wide range of colors and patterns but is most famous for its classic silver-tabby patterning. The breed is well-known for its gentle temperament, making it an excellent pet for families.
Properties
The American Shorthair is a breed whose origins can be traced back to the early settlers in North America, who brought cats with them to help control pests. Over time, these working cats evolved into the American Shorthair breed, characterized by its robust health, good looks, quiet disposition, and friendliness towards humans. Known for their longevity and genetic health, these cats typically live 15 to 20 years, making them a long-term companion.
The breed is medium to large in size, with males weighing 11 to 15 pounds and females slightly smaller. American Shorthairs possess a muscular build that testifies to their original function as efficient mousers. Their coat, which can come in over 80 different color and pattern variations including the classic tabby, silver tabby, and calico, is thick and dense due to their historical development in harsh climates.
One of the most appealing features of the American Shorthair is its adaptability. They are known to get along well with other pets and children, making them an excellent choice for family pets. Importantly, their nature is neither overly dependent nor too aloof; they strike a balanced temperament, often happy to play or relax, as the environment or their human companions suggest.
Their intelligence and playful nature make them easy to train. American Shorthairs also show a keen interest in their surroundings, which makes them less prone to anxiety or behavioral issues when their living environments are appropriately engaging. Despite this, they are generally low-maintenance cats, not demanding excessive attention.
Regular grooming is advised to keep their coat in good condition, although their grooming needs are not as demanding as those of long-haired breeds. Their diet, like that of most cats, should be high in protein and fat, considering their energetic disposition.
The American Shorthair is often featured as an ideal cat in various cat shows due to its balanced physical characteristics, pleasant demeanor, and historical significance in America. They continue to be a popular and beloved pet choice, epitomizing the classic house cat with a touch of rugged American heritage.
Appearance
The American Shorthair cat, with its muscular build and robust health, is a true example of an all-American breed, developed from cats that came over on the Mayflower to rid the settlers’ homes and streets of mice. Over the centuries, selective breeding has transformed this working cat into a beautiful and dependable family pet.
The American Shorthair is known for its longevity, robust health, calm demeanor, and friendliness, but it is its physical appearance that truly sets it apart. This breed exhibits a wide range of colors and patterns; the most famous perhaps is the classic silver tabby, with dense black markings set on a sterling silver background that shines brightly. In total, over eighty different colors and patterns can be found in this breed, from the solid color to the smoke, tabby, and particolor.
The body of an American Shorthair is well-built and powerful. The chest is broad, and the shoulders are strong, which originally helped in their hunting activities. The legs are thick and muscular with large, round paws and tufted toes, which enhance their ability to capture prey. Their neck is thick and their head is large with a squared jaw. Eyes are wide and round, expressing alertness; eye color can vary, often corresponding with their coat color.
Their coat is thick and dense, designed to keep them warm during their outdoor adventures, yet it is not overly long or prone to matting. It requires minimal grooming and is noted for its hard texture, which protects them from moisture and cold weather. This breed’s coat makes it uniquely suited for a rigorous life, even in rough climates.
Another trait distinctly found in the breed is its muscular size that is not bulky but is instead proportionate, allowing for agility and strength. American Shorthairs are known for their longevity and genial temperament, making them excellent family pets that get along well with children and other animals. Affectionate but not clingy, they are perfectly content to play with their toys or curl up for a nap. They embody a balance of independence and companionship, adjusting their temperament to the energy levels of their home.
All these qualities combine to make the American Shorthair a beloved and beautiful companion in homes across the United States and beyond.
History
The American Shorthair, a breed symbolizing the pioneering spirit of America, boasts a rich and robust history that traces back to the early European settlers in North America. Originally brought aboard ships to protect the cargo from rats and mice, these cats were valued by early settlers not only for their utility but eventually for their companionship and beauty as well.
The ancestors of the American Shorthair arrived on the North American continent with the settlers, where they thrived and developed over hundreds of years. Through natural selection, they evolved into a hardy, robust breed capable of withstanding the harsh climates and conditions of their new homeland. Over time, these working cats were bred for specific traits that aided their survival and utility, resulting in a distinct breed that excelled in hunting and companionship.
Originally known as the 'Domestic Shorthair,' the breed was renamed to 'American Shorthair' in 1966 to better reflect its American heritage and to differentiate it from other shorthaired breeds. The name change also marked its official recognition by various cat registries, including the American Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), which helped promote the breed further among cat enthusiasts.
In terms of physical appearance, the American Shorthair is characterized by its muscular build, large head, and broad chest, attributes that helped it excel in its original role as a prolific hunter. It has a dense coat that can come in a variety of patterns and colors, making each cat quite unique in its looks. These cats are known for their longevity and robust health, often living into their late teens or early twenties with proper care.
Not only admired for its physical features, the American Shorthair also enjoys a reputation for its mild, affectionate temperament. It is believed to be a great family pet, getting along well with children and other pets. Its gentle disposition coupled with its playful nature makes it a favorite among cat lovers around the world. Today, the American Shorthair remains a popular and beloved breed, cherished for both its historical significance and its role as a loving companion.