American Shorthair

Weight: 8 - 12 pounds
Life span: 15 - 20 years
CFA rank: 9

Breed History | Background:

Accompanied Europeans sailing across the Atlantic Ocean to settle in the New World in the early 1600s to protect valuable cargo from mice and rats.
Some records indicated that this breed came over on the Mayflower with Pilgrims.
During the California Gold Rush, pioneers brought this breed with them to control the rodent population in their new homesteads.
According to CFA records, a brown tabby American Shorthair was offered for sale for $2,500 at the Second Annual Cat Show at Madison Square Garden in 1896.
Selected as among the first five registered breeds by the CFA in 1906.
Originally called the Domestic Shorthair, but was renamed to American Shorthair in 1966.

Cat Look:

Strong, hardy breed of medium to large build.
Dense coat is designed to weather the cold and shield against superficial skin injuries.
Head features full cheeks, large, wide-set eyes, powerful jaws, round-tipped ears and square muzzle.
Eyes are golden or green.
Comes in more than 80 different colors and patterns, ranging from brown-patched to silver tabby.
Sports a sight pouch and loose skin, designed for protection when hunting.

Behavioral concerns:

Extremely smart and even tempered.
Not very chatty, preferring to chirp or make sweet squeak sounds.
Very athletic.
Once touted as the all-American mouser, this breed prefers now to follow its favorite people from room to room.
Favors walking on its own over being picked up and cradled.
Behaves gently around children.
Lovable but not clingy.

Grooming:

Sports an easy-to-care-for short but thick coat that requires weekly combing and brushing.
Coat has a textured feel to it.

Suggested Nutritional Needs:

Due to their moderate activity level, measure food portions to reduce the risk of this cat from becoming overweight.

Medical conditions seen:

Fun Facts:

Its strong and powerful jaws make it one of the most feared felines among mice and other rodents.
Famous American Shorthair named Pepper once belonged to John Lennon of the Beatles.

Glossary