American Shorthair

As a medium-sized cat with a friendly disposition, the American Shorthair is ideal for households with children and other pets. Due in part to their appealing personality and adaptability to a wide range of situations, the American Shorthair cat breed is among the most popular pedigreed cat breeds in the United States today. These adorable felines are known for their playful natures, but they also have a tendency to be a little more independent than some other breeds.

The American Shorthair cat is a robust and long-lived breed (15 years or more). In spite of their lack of athleticism, American Shorthairs have developed amazing amounts of muscle and strength as a result of their long history of chasing rats on commercial ships. The round and slightly flat face of this breed resembles that of a Persian in appearance. For its coats, the American Shorthair has thick fur that gets even thicker in the winter and can be found in over 80 various colors and patterns.

American Shorthair Breed Overview

WEIGHT: 11 to 15 pounds (males); 6 to 12 pounds (females)

LENGTH: 12 to 15 inches

COAT: Short

COAT COLOR: A wide variety of possibilities, including white, black, cream, blue, brown, chinchilla, tortoiseshell, cameo, and many more

EYE COLOR: Hazel, gold, blue, copper, or green

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 15 to 20 years

Characteristics of the American Shorthair

Personality of the American Shorthair

A “happy middle” comes to mind while characterizing the American Shorthair. Both large and tiny in stature but not too affectionate or aloof, these all-American cats are a good fit for most households. If you’re looking for a cat who likes to curl up on your lap, but doesn’t want to be in your face all the time, the American Shorthair is a great choice. Known for their adaptability and low-pitched vocals, American Shorthairs like being around people and other animals. In the same way that their Pilgrim ancestors fled England in search of a better life, they also value their independence.

This breed is known for its excellent health, vigor, and stamina due to its working cat heritage. When it comes to a good time, American Shorthairs are just as happy romping around with a ball of paper as they are playing with their favorite people. They have a propensity to stay young at heart far into their senior years. If given access to the outdoors, ASHs enjoy finding and killing catnip mice—and real ones, too, if they’re given the opportunity. This is something breeders discourage. Your catnip mouse-loving ASH will put a well-dead catnip mouse on your pillow and wait patiently for your affection and attention.

History of the American Shorthair

The ancestors of what we now call the American Shorthair were brought to North America by European settlers. Due to their ability to hunt and catch rodents, European ancestor dogs made the journey from Europe to the New World, where they were welcomed by the country’s first settlers with open arms. On the Mayflower, it is widely thought that early American Shorthairs arrived, and they may have arrived even earlier.

Once they arrived in the United States, these cats started breeding and eventually developed the characteristics that make them uniquely American cats. American Shorthairs have been intentionally bred to preserve and spread their many endearing characteristics because of their highly regarded personalities. When they first arrived in the country, many of their physical characteristics can be traced back to their early days of working and hunting outdoors in the severe winters.

Named “American Shorthair” in 1966 to distinguish them from the random-bred Domestic Shorthair, which does not have such distinct qualities, the breed is now known as the American Shorthair. According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association, American Shorthairs are the sixth most popular pedigreed cat breed.