American Shorthair Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Temperament & Traits

The American Shorthair is best known for their gorgeous classic silver tabby coat: their shiny silver fur, interwoven with contrasting black stripes, makes them look like a mini version of a silver tiger! But beyond her stunning features, the American Shorthair makes an endearing feline companion, balancing their independent side by showing just the right amount of affection to her owner and family. Indeed, they don’t need you by their side all day long, but they will be more than happy to snuggle up on your lap when you sit down to watch your favorite show.

Still not sure if the Shorthair would make a great addition to your family? Read on to learn more about their care, personality, and health so you can determine whether this calm and charming cat would thrive in your home!

Breed Overview

American Shorthair Cat Characteristics

American Shorthair Cats Characteristics

American Shorthair Kittens

Like all kittens, they need to be adopted by people with the time and energy to properly care for a feline in their younger years. American Shorthair kittens will need food formulated for them, along with plenty of size-appropriate toys to keep them active and healthy!

If you get an American Shorthair from a breeder, they should have all their vaccination records set to go. However, if you are gifted one, make a vet appointment to ensure that your kitten is all up-to-date with the required vaccinations.

Temperament & Intelligence of the American Shorthair Cat

The American Shorthair is not one of those cats who like to be carried around in your arms, but they do have their affectionate side. They like to jump on their owner’s lap to be cuddled from time to time, but they remain quite independent. They are a curious, agile, and smart kitty and particularly good at hunting due to their origins. They adapt very well to living in an apartment but will be delighted if they can have access to the outdoors to explore their surroundings.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

The American Shorthair adapts easily and appreciates children and other pets. They are an ideal cat for family life, whether in an apartment, in the city, or in the countryside. Of course, each cat is unique, and there are as many variables as there are individuals. Therefore, it is important to socialize your kitten well so they have no difficulty adapting to their environment.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

The American Shorthair is easy-going and has no problem sharing your attention with other cats or even a friendly dog. On the other hand, their hunting instinct can take over with rodents, pet birds, and other small animals, so you will have to be careful if they end up in the same room.

Things to Know When Owning an American Shorthair Cat:

Food & Diet Requirements

Since the American Shorthair has no particular health problem, their diet is not too complicated: quality and well-balanced kibble or wet food will suffice for their needs. However, this breed tends to put on weight if they don’t get enough exercise. Thus, you may need to turn to a weight management formula if your cat gets too chubby. Talk to your veterinarian about your options if you’re not sure which brand to go for.

Exercise

The American Shorthair needs daily exercise to avoid becoming lazy and chunky. Put on your agenda a daily session of interactive play with your cat for at least twenty minutes. No need to rack your brain to find game ideas either: a simple roll of toilet paper or a laser pen are enough to entertain your four-legged friend!

Training

Training a cat is easier said than done, but the Shorthair does enjoy learning tricks and challenging their intelligence with puzzles and interactive toys. You could even teach them to fetch a ball or a toy, although it takes a bit more patience and time! If you want to teach them tricks, keep a supply of cat treats handy so you can reward them every time they do the right thing. However, don’t overdo the treats, at the risk of making your kitty fat.

Grooming ✂️

Maintaining the American Shorthair won’t cost you expensive trips to the groomer! Their luxurious, thick, and short fur only needs a good brushing once or twice a week and you’re done. These grooming sessions are necessary to remove dead hair and eliminate small knots while strengthening your bond with your kitty. You can take the opportunity to cut their claws and examine their teeth, which shouldn’t be too hard if your kitten has been used to it from a young age.

Health and Conditions 🏥

The American Shorthair is considered one of the healthiest and hardiest cat breeds. This iron health comes from their origins as a farm-working cat and the fact that caring breeders have strengthened their gene pool over the past few decades. However, that does not give them a pass to avoid going to the vet! They must still receive all the basic vaccines and be dewormed regularly, especially if you let them out of the house. In this case, they will happily hunt small rodents that have the misfortune to frequent your garden, which makes it an additional reason to ensure that your kitty receives regular dewormers.

Moreover, the American Shorthair can be affected by feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a syndrome characterized by an increase in the volume of the myocardium.

Male vs Female

There is no noticeable difference in temperament or behavior between the sexes, especially after your American Shorthair has been neutered. The male tends to be slightly bulkier than the female, but this is the case in most cat breeds.

3 Little-Known Facts About the American Shorthair Cats

1. The American Shorthair Is a Very Hardy Kitty

The ancestors of the American Shorthair were bred to produce cats resistant to cold and disease, which made them outstanding mouse hunters in barns and farms. This trait has been passed down from generation to generation and, added to the good genetic diversity of the species, explains the robust health of this breed.

2. The Breed Was Formalized Relatively Recently

The American Shorthair received this name only in 1966 in order to distinguish this breed from other Domestic Shorthair cats.

3. The American Shorthair Is Not Very Talkative

Unlike many cats, the American Shorthair does not meow for attention and is neither overly demonstrative nor overly reserved. They prefer to sit by your side and quietly observe you while you go about your business.

Final Thoughts

The beauty, endearing personality, and great adaptability of the American Shorthair make it a four-legged companion of choice for single people or families. However, as is the case with purebred cats, you should expect to shell out a fairly high price from a reputable breeder. But, if you take care of her needs, you will have a strong, healthy feline companion that will live by your side for many years to come. Plus, you can always opt for adoption and save money by bringing a cat into your home that is in desperate need of a forever family.

Featured Image Credit: Clement Morin, Shutterstock