How Big Will an American Shorthair Get? Average Weight & Growth Chart

The American Shorthair is a popular breed of domesticated cat, and when you consider their affectionate natures and striking looks, it’s no wonder! These remarkable cats have been around for centuries as working cats and now grace many homes worldwide as cuddly companions.

It’s essential to keep your cat healthy, and this can include keeping track of their weight. This ensures that you’re not feeding your cat too much or too little and that you’re helping them maintain an optimum weight. By the time your American Shorthair is fully grown it should weigh around 7–16.6 pounds and be 12–15 inches tall.

In this article, we go through the normal weight and size ranges that you can expect your American Shorthair to reach throughout their lifetime. This should aid in supporting your cat’s growth and overall well-being.

American Shorthair Overview

The American Shorthair’s ancestors have been in America since the original colonists arrived on North American shores. It’s believed that these cats accompanied the crew on the Mayflower and were brought onto the ship to keep the rat population under control.

American Shorthairs are medium-sized cats that come in almost every color and pattern but are most commonly tabbies. They are affectionate, gentle, and curious cats that thrive on attention from their humans. They make excellent pets for families with children and for singles and seniors.

Owning an American Shorthair cat will give you an excellent chaser of bugs and mice and a loyal and loving companion.

American Shorthair Size and Growth Chart

American Shorthairs are medium in size with a somewhat stocky build. The males are typically larger than the females; the average healthy adult male should weigh between 11 to 15 pounds and the female from 6 to 12 pounds.

American Shorthair cats will grow until they are about 3 to 4 years of age, which is when they settle into their adult weight. The following chart contains the weights and sizes of the average American Shorthair up to 3 years of age. Since most kittens aren’t adopted until they are 3 months of age, that’s where we’ll start. That said, keep in mind that these numbers won’t necessarily reflect every cat.

When Does an American Shorthair Stop Growing?

The American Shorthair takes longer to grow than most other cat breeds. Other cats will reach their full adult size by the time they are 12 to 18 months, while the American Shorthair will continue to grow until they are 3 to 4 years old.

You’ll see the fastest growth occur within the first year of their life, so once they’ve hit that age milestone, you’ll need to monitor their weight so they don’t gain weight too rapidly or too slowly.

Factors Affecting the Size of an American Shorthair

Sex is usually the biggest factor determining an American Shorthair’s size. Males can average 11 to 15 pounds or more and females 6 to 12 pounds, which is a noticeable difference! Beyond this, genetics are definitely a factor; offspring will reach a similar size to their parents.

Early nutrition is also paramount in the healthy growth of kittens. Since they grow so much in their first year, if they have an inadequate diet, this can lead to stunted growth. Health conditions and inherited issues can also result in a small cat.

Finally, if a cat is overfed or underfed, this will affect their overall size.

Ideal Diet for Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means at least 70% of their diet must be meat. Otherwise, they will have a taurine deficiency, which can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy and liver problems.

Your American Shorthair will need high-quality and well-balanced cat food. Your vet can help you pick the best food and determine how much they should eat for their current age and size. Don’t forget that giving your cat too many treats in addition to their regular meals could lead to obesity.

How to Measure Your American Shorthair

Measuring your American Shorthair might be challenging due to cats not always being cooperative. To get the length of your cat, start at the tip of the nose, and take the measuring tape to the base of the tail. You don’t include the tail for this measurement. For your cat’s height, measure from the top of the shoulder down to the feet. Now you know what your cat’s length and height are!

Weighing your cat is usually done at the veterinarian’s clinic. You can use your scale at home, but it isn’t easy to get an accurate read with a cat that isn’t likely going to sit still. Your other option is to weigh yourself and then weigh yourself again while holding your cat and subtracting the difference. It might not be the most accurate measurement, but it should do in a pinch.

Conclusion

American Shorthairs are medium-sized cats that can verge on the side of large, given that they can weigh up to 16 pounds (and sometimes more). From kittenhood to adult, they should put on weight steadily, but watch for any signs that your cat might be over- or underweight.

You should be able to feel your cat’s ribs under a slight cover of fat. If you can’t feel the ribs, they are overweight, and if the ribs are pronounced, they need to gain weight. Any weight loss or gain should be done with your veterinarian’s guidance.

Featured Image Credit: Thanakorn Kosalakorn, Shutterstock