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American Shorthair
Shorthair Medium

American Shorthair

Origin

United States

Lifespan

15-20 years

Weight

4-6 kg

Coat

Various

American Shorthairs are the pedigreed version of domestic shorthairs - athletic, adaptable, and great family cats.

Breed Ratings

Affection4/5
Activity Level3/5
Grooming Needs1/5
Vocality2/5
Independence4/5
Kid Friendly5/5
Dog Friendly5/5
Intelligence4/5

Temperament

EasygoingFriendlyAdaptablePlayful

Overview

The American Shorthair descended from cats brought to America on the Mayflower. They're the 'working cats' of the breed world—hardy, adaptable, and excellent mousers. With their muscular build and variety of colors, they're quintessentially American cats.

Health

American Shorthairs are generally very healthy with few breed-specific issues. Some may be prone to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). They can gain weight easily, so diet management is important. Lifespan is typically 15-20 years.

Care & Grooming

Weekly brushing keeps their dense coat healthy. They're low-maintenance cats who adapt to various living situations. Provide opportunities for hunting play to satisfy their natural instincts. Monitor food intake as they love to eat.

Is This Breed Right for You?

Best For

  • Families
  • First-time cat owners
  • Any household

Not Ideal For

  • Those wanting exotic looks