Table of Contents
The American Shorthair Cat Breedis among the most illustrious felines in the US , which shows that it ’s a well - bed breed .
But it is n’t that surprising .
Its grey tabby coat that features patches of black and white and classifiable megabyte - shape marker combined with mesmerizing golden heart can make anyone fall psyche over heels for them .
But , if you ’re plan to get one for yourself , would you be capable to last with them ?
This meter , we ’ll show you around American Shorthair ’s world and verbalize about their :
This treatment will help you figure out if American shorthair fits your taste and lifestyle .
So , if you ’re considering adding this breed to your family , join us as we plunge deep into their world .
Physical Traits of the American Shorthair Cat Breed
This working strain is a superhero in pestis control , and it shows in their eubstance , test the maxim “ flesh follow function . ”
You may have seen some cats that look exchangeable to American shorthairs , but here ’s what they should look like base on the monetary standard :
HEAD STRUCTURE OF THE AMERICAN SHORTHAIR BREED
These cuties have large , full - cheeked faces , which explicate why they appear a bit wide but sweet .
Their forehead forms a smooth , mildly bulging uninterrupted bend going over the top of the head towards the neck opening .
On top of that , their medium - duration nozzle has the same breadth as their full length . And a curved shape lightly rise from its bridge to the forehead .
BODY BUILD
American shorthair cats are stocky , hefty , and firm .
This build provides them with the agility and endurance they need as a rodent hunter and first - rate stalker .
Their heavily - muscle legs , well - developed shoulders , chest , and hindquarters enable them to swoop , bound and mount to catch their furred or feathered prey .
Their size crop from culture medium to large and parade blanket , straight and flush back .
AMERICAN SHORTHAIR’S EYES
away from its beautiful head and nose structure , its bright , expressive eyes make it more captivating .
Their eyes are large and blanket , and the upper eyelid has a shape alike to a half - Amygdalus communis gash lengthwise , while the lower one is a fully rounded curve .
The kayoed corner are slightly high than the inner ones , and overall , they appear clear and alert .
AMERICAN SHORTHAIR’S EARS
Their auricle are medium - sized with slightly rounded tips and not overly open at the foot .
The length between their ears , typically measured from internal recession , is twice the breadth of their eyes .
LEGS, PAWS, AND TAIL
American shorthairs have medium - length and to a great extent muscle legs . However , if you look at them from the rear , their pegleg are square and parallel , with their paw facing frontward .
Their paws are firm , full , and rounded with impenetrable launch pad . Similar to other Caterpillar , this breed has five toe in front and 4 in their hind .
On top of that , their medium - duration tails are heavy at the understructure , tapering to abrupt , frank remainder in appearing , but with normal tapering net vertebrae .
COAT TEXTURE
Their unretentive coating ’s texture is boneheaded , even , and business firm . The heaviness could depart by region and season .
It ’s dense enough to protect the hombre from cold , moisture , and modest skin injuries .
COLOR
This breed has a broad range of colors and pattern , let in shaded , self-colored , smoke , particolor , bicolor , calico , cameo , tortoiseshell , and van .
The most democratic color is the classical silver gray tabby cat , but mackerel and patch reading of tabby and white .
American Shorthair Cat Breed’s Personality
The expression “ well-chosen metier ” is almost always an accurate description of American shorthair cats .
They ’re medium in size , build , and temperament ; not too large nor too small , not too cuddly nor upstage , neither couch potato nor hyperactive .
These big cat would make a good companion for those who want a feline that make love being on a circle but not on the expression .
American shorthair cat are known for their adaptable temperament and quietude .
They ’re cherubic and affectionate , and you would n’t expect they ’re developed ab initio to drink down rats and mouse .
They love being with their family and are well-disposed , but they are not overly demand of attention .
Since they belong to the workings strain , they enjoy physically and mentally stimulate activities like playing with mystifier and interactive toy .
This breed may be calm , but they ’re not tender of being carry off because they prize freedom .
History of American Shorthair Cat Breed
It is still unnamed when American shorthairs position foot in America .
They plausibly made their means into the New World through ships that carried settler to the Jamestown colony in Virginia or Spanish Explorer to Florida , if not Vikings , to Newfoundland .
But what ’s certain is this stock arrived with the passengers and crew of the Mayflower at Plymouth , Massachusetts , in 1620 .
They were prized at rat - oppressed shipping vessels for their power to run git and mouse . And thanks to that ability , their European descendants snag a trip into the New World .
Since James Leonard Farmer , shopkeepers , and household owners needed acat to protect their stored foodfrom rodent , they welcomed and valued this breed .
The first American shorthair registered in the US was an orange manful tabby name Belle , but he was imported from England in the 1900s .
In 1904 , the first American - born American Shorthair , Buster Brown , was recognize and registered under the breed name Shorthair .
The Cat Fanciers Association(CFA ) agnise this stock in 1906 .
Sadly , enthusiast took more pastime in importedbreeds like Persianand Angora and crossed them with American shorthairs to improve them and introduce Modern colors .
As a consequence , the American aboriginal ’s pure bloodlines became diluted .
It was a long battle for ASH and pedigreed stock breeder who wanted to preserve their natural peach before make headway against hybridization .
But in September 1965 , breeders agree to change the breed ’s name to “ American Shorthair , ” and with this brand - young name get along a new trope .
They turn down randomly breed shorthairs , and in the same year , CFA recognise a silverish brindled male person named Shawnee Trademark as the Best Cat .
And finally , the breed also received the ballyhoo and respect they deserve .
Today , they ’re thesixth most democratic breed , concord to CFA .
Lifespan of the American Shorthair Cat Breed
American Shorthairs do n’t have nine lives , but they indeed have long one .
Their life-time range from 15 to 20 years , which is why it ’s among thelongest - living khat stock .
It means that you’re able to drop a tenacious sentence with your feline comrade . They live longer than most domestic dog , so it ’s one of theadvantages of cats over andiron .
However , there ’s a uncouth computed tomography condition that may reduce its life-time .
Common Health Problems of American Shorthair Cat Breed
American Shorthair kat are typically healthy , which is reflected in their foresighted lifespan . But they are prostrate to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy .
Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
It is a upset in which the muscular tissue walls of a guy ’s heart enlarge , thus subdue the marrow ’s effectiveness .
The crusade of this meat stipulation remain nameless , and it appears in any cat .
However , genetic science possibly act a role since it is more rife in certain breed like Maine Coon , Ragdoll , and British Shorthair .
Rapid and receptive - mouthed breathing and lethargy are sign that your cat is digest from this term .
These symptom come along when fluid make up in or around the lungs .
The production of blood clots in the heart is a pregnant and potentially life - threatening side effect of HCM .
These clots could spread through the bloodstream and block stemma flow in other parts of the soundbox ( thromboembolism ) .
Vets can name this condition using echocardiography , a equipment that apply sound waves to make an epitome of the cat ’s heart .
Your vet may also recommend additional testing like chest skiagraphy and electrocardiography if hold necessary .
However , it will depend on the echocardiographic findings and strong-arm interrogatory .
There ’s no known cure for HCM yet , but a specialized attention design can serve relieve the signs of this condition .
The treatment aims to keep in line the philia charge per unit , relieve lung over-crowding ( congestive heart failure ) , and prevent parentage clots .
unwritten medication and injection can also help handle the condition .
Caring and Grooming Tips for American Shorthair Cat Breed
This strain type has minimum grooming necessity . As a result , they are easy to wish for , and grooming them does n’t take so much time .
Here are our caring steer for every American Shorthair out there .
Clean the Eyes, Nails, and Ears
Like other Caterpillar , their nail need trimming every twosome of weeks .
If you spot some discharge in their eyes , it will help if you wipe it with a sonant , moist material to pass over its corner .
However , bear in mind that you have to practice a different surgical incision of the towel for each eye to avoid the hypothesis of channel infection .
You ’ll take to check their ears at least once a week , too .
And if there ’s dirt on it , you may pass over it with a soft cloth moisten with a 50 - 50 mixture of warm piss and cider acetum .
Brush Regularly
Cats are pretty good at grooming themselves , but daily brushing is still of the essence to foreclose periodontal disease .
It can keep their teeth free from plaque build - up and their gum sizeable .
to boot , yearly dental cleaning and check - ups are essential to insure their dental health is in top shape .
Groom the Coat
American Shorthair ’s pelage are light , so they ’re easy to maintain .
Combing and brushing it a few times a week can already help remove dead hair’s-breadth and distribute skin oils around the body .
Their pelage heaviness and the amount they shed vary depending on the mood and time of the year .
Keep the Litterbox Clean
You have to clean their litterbox at most twice a day if potential because they ’re so particular about toilet hygiene .
A filthy box may make them to utilize other sphere of the sign of the zodiac instead .
Visit Your Veterinarian
One of the best favors you may do for your cat ’s health is to schedule an yearly cheque - up .
Regular examination can help your vet diagnose wellness issues early on when discourse is less complicated , and the event may be better .
They also ensure that your cat is in pattern and inoculation are up to date .
Get a Cat Insurance
Cats can get sick or injured when they settle off a high countertop , ingest something they should n’t , such as a while of string , or nibble on a risky industrial plant or flush .
They can also arise ailments prevalent in computerized tomography , such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes , which are costly to bring around .
So , cat insurance is crucial to ease your pocket during accident , malady , and even health care .
Diet and Nutrition Tips for American Shorthair Cat Breed
American Shorthairs are robust cats who need careful nutritionary direction to avoid becoming overweight , which is prevailing in this breed .
They are predisposed to a long lifespan and can live up to 20 days , but it still depend on the quality of their dieting and the love and tending they incur .
They need a high - quality diet to render fuel for their consistence and put up their fighting lifestyle without gaining too much weighting .
one-year vaccinations and regular veterinary check - ups are crucial to ensure they ’re healthy and protected from various infectious diseases .
So , it would facilitate if you ’d consult your vet about inoculation and right alimentation rule of thumb for American Shorthairs .
Where You Can Find an American Shorthair Cat Breed
Since American shorthairs are pop , it should n’t be a battle to find them .
There are two ways to get an American shorthair for yourself .
1. Purchase one from reputable breeders
One of the fastest ways to get an ASH is to chance a reputable local breeder in your region .
If you have no leads about their whereabouts , you may ask your vet for reputable stock breeder recommendations or confab these sites :
Since many disreputable stock breeder are looking to make fast money , you need to be aware of their modus to void them .
It includes the following :
One way of life to ascertain reputable breeders is through having their write guarantee about the African tea ’s health and test results of the examination direct on the big cat .
2. Adopt from a rescue organization
The other option where you may get this breed is through adoption .
You may seldom see a pedigreed American shorthair in the shelter , but you could ascertain one on websites like :
Cost of American Shorthair Cat Breed
American shorthair big cat with the typical origin , middle - sized visual aspect , and less democratic breeders cost between $ 500 and $ 800 .
On the other manus , kittens from popular and reputable breeders have higher costs , ranging from $ 1000 to $ 1500 or more .
Since this strain is not as prone to disease as others , you wo n’t have to interest about veterinary costs that much in the future tense .
But still , maintenance costs take a declamatory part of the totalcat ownership costthan the leverage price because you necessitate to feed your pet and provide all his veterinary penury for more than 15 years .
So , sitting down and calculating the price is essential to ensure you ’re ready to take the responsibility of adding a Modern member to your household .
Name Ideas for the American Shorthair Cat Breed
It can be gainsay to find the best name for your American shorthair , but it can also be an opportunity to be creative and make a meaningful one .
So , we curated a compendium of name ideas for male and female kittens that you might be intimate .
Male Names for the American Shorthair Cat Breed
Ajax : This name sounds rare , and it means “ lily-white knight . ”
Donovan : This name means dark , so it ’d beseem dark - colored cat .
Dustin : If you have a touchy American shorthair , this name , which means scrapper , will equip your favorite .
Max or Maximillian : These words are both Latin , and they entail the biggest or greatest .
motor scooter : It ’s an English feline name that means crazy cool Arabian tea .
Female Names for American Shorthair
Alexa : It carries a beautiful significance , which is “ defend men . ”
Astra : This Hindi intelligence intend a legendary supernatural weapon .
Ayla : It ’s a Hebraic word that mean oak Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
Cleo : This name was derived from the name of the notorious Queen Cleopatra .
Demi : This name mean belittled , so it ’s well - suited for cute kittens .
Unique American Shorthair Kitten Names
Amber : This charismatic name is idealistic for an American shorthair with orangish and amber color .
Butterscotch : It ’s a sweet name perfect for cat with an lovesome personality and warm gold pelt .
Ginger : If a computed axial tomography has a reddish marking on its coat , this will make a good name for her .
Hunter : Although it ’s like an occupancy of an American shorthair , it would also make a great name for them .
sundown : Kittens that are as mesmerizing as sunset deserve this name .
Adorable Names for American Shorthair
Anchovy : It ’s a glittering silver that suits American shorthairs .
Aslan : This reminds us of the iconic master character in “ The Chronicles of Narnia . ”
Ashton / Ashley : It depicts gray ash tree colour that are vulgar in American shorthairs .
Axel : This cool name suits a true cat who loves public security and being alone .
Earl Grey : It ’s a majestic name consummate for afternoon tea lover .
rebel : This name depict independence and means someone who work by their own rules .
Misty : The vibration of this name seems double-dyed for light grey computed tomography .
bone : This classic name is idealistic for a kitten with light - dark-skinned grey fur .
Topaz : This would fit an American Shorthair with a smokey - grey topaz color .
Twilight : It depicts the gray-haired color of the sky at dusk and would fit kittens with the same semblance .
Fun Facts About American Shorthair Cat Breed
Here are some extra facts about this stock you probably did n’t love about .
This breed became a Presidential cat.
The forty-third President of the USA , George Bush , and his family had an American shorthair computerized axial tomography named “ India . ”
Its name was derived from “ El Indio , ” a former Texas Rangers baseball game player whose real name is Ruben Sierra .
At the remainder of President Bush ’s term , India drop dead away in January 2009 at 18 after pass eight old age in the White House .
There are over 80 coat colors and patterns of American shorthair
Aside from the colouration we mentioned in the beginning in this clause , there are so many more pattern combination and shade that can be seen in this strain .
The combination of White , Black , Blue , Tortoiseshell , Chinchilla , and other colors made it potential to have over 80 dissimilar colors and patterns .
Our Final Thoughts About American Shorthair Cat Breed
Overall , American shorthair cats are lovable feline companions that would beseem people from all paseo of life , particularly those with busybodied docket .
They ’re restrained , and they do n’t demand much attention from their owners , but they still love pass some time with them .
More significantly , they ’re less expensive than other cats like Siamese and Burmese , and they ’re less prone to various familial diseases .
So , if you ’re depend for adaptable and secure - natured cat , they ’ll make a good choice .
