American Shorthair Cats: The All-American Family Cat

American Shorthairs are the quintessential American cat - friendly, healthy, low-maintenance, and easygoing. They are one of the oldest natural breeds in North America and represent America’s working cat heritage.

If you want a cat who is affectionate but not clingy, playful but not hyperactive, and gets along with everyone, American Shorthairs deliver.

They are consistently ranked among the most popular cat breeds in America for good reason: they are adaptable, healthy, and excellent family companions.

Quick Facts

  • Weight: 10-15 pounds (males larger)
  • Lifespan: 15-20 years (one of the longest-lived breeds)
  • Temperament: Friendly, easygoing, adaptable, gentle, playful
  • Grooming needs: Low
  • Energy level: Moderate
  • Intelligence: High (excellent problem-solvers)
  • Vocal level: Quiet to moderate
  • Good with kids: Excellent
  • Good with other pets: Excellent
  • Nickname: “America’s breed”

What Makes American Shorthairs Special

America’s Foundational Breed

American Shorthairs descended from European working cats brought to America on ships in the 1600s. These cats:

  • Controlled rodents on ships and in early American settlements
  • Adapted to harsh American climates
  • Developed into a distinct breed through natural selection

The breed was originally called “Domestic Shorthair” but was renamed “American Shorthair” in 1966 to distinguish purebred cats from mixed-breed domestic shorthairs.

American Shorthairs are working cats at heart - independent, practical, and self-sufficient.

Exceptional Health and Longevity

American Shorthairs are one of the healthiest cat breeds. They:

  • Have fewer genetic health issues than most purebreds
  • Routinely live 15-20 years (some exceed 20)
  • Have sturdy, robust builds
  • Inherit strong working cat genetics

Many American Shorthairs remain active and healthy into their late teens.

True Working Cat Build

American Shorthairs are medium to large cats with powerful, muscular bodies. They:

  • Weigh 10-15 pounds (males larger)
  • Have broad chests
  • Have strong, muscular legs
  • Have thick, dense coats
  • Feel solid and substantial (not delicate)

They were bred to catch rodents, so they are athletic and agile.

Silver Tabby Coat Pattern

While American Shorthairs come in over 80 colors and patterns, the silver tabby is the most iconic.

Silver tabby features:

  • Silver-gray base coat
  • Black stripes and markings
  • “M” marking on forehead
  • Green or hazel eyes

Silver tabbies are the most recognizable American Shorthairs (think Fancy Feast cat).

Other common colors:

  • Brown tabby
  • Red tabby
  • Blue (gray)
  • Black
  • White
  • Calico
  • Tortoiseshell
  • Bicolor

Easygoing Personality

American Shorthairs are famous for their balanced temperament. They are:

  • Friendly but not demanding
  • Affectionate but not clingy
  • Playful but not hyperactive
  • Social but content alone

They adapt to your lifestyle rather than demanding you adapt to theirs.

Round, Sweet Faces

American Shorthairs have round faces with:

  • Full cheeks
  • Large, round eyes (gold, green, hazel, or copper)
  • Medium ears with rounded tips
  • Gentle, sweet expressions

They look approachable and friendly.

Temperament

American Shorthairs are:

  • Friendly - Get along with everyone: family members, strangers, kids, other pets. They are social without being demanding.
  • Easygoing - Rarely stressed or anxious. They take changes in stride and remain calm in chaotic environments.
  • Playful - Enjoy interactive toys and games but are not hyperactive. They have moderate energy and enjoy 10-15 minute play sessions.
  • Independent - Content to entertain themselves when you are busy. They do not demand constant attention.
  • Tolerant - Patient with children, tolerant of handling, and calm around other pets.
  • Adaptable - Adjust well to different environments: apartments, houses, families with kids, single-person homes.
  • Smart - Excellent problem-solvers who learn quickly. They figure out how to open doors and cabinets.
  • Gentle - Rarely aggressive. They use soft paws and avoid conflict.

American Shorthairs are well-balanced cats - the “golden retriever” of cat breeds.

Living with an American Shorthair

They Are Low-Maintenance

American Shorthairs are beginner-friendly. They:

  • Require minimal grooming (weekly brushing)
  • Do not need special diets
  • Adapt easily to routines
  • Entertain themselves

If you want a cat who is easy to care for, American Shorthairs are perfect.

They Are Excellent Family Cats

American Shorthairs are patient with children. They:

  • Tolerate kids’ handling
  • Remain gentle during play
  • Do not scratch or bite easily
  • Enjoy family activities

They are consistently ranked as one of the best cat breeds for families.

They Are Moderate Energy

American Shorthairs enjoy play but are not hyperactive. They:

  • Play in short bursts (10-15 minutes)
  • Nap frequently
  • Enjoy both interactive and solo play
  • Remain playful into adulthood

They are active enough to be fun but calm enough to relax.

They Get Along with Other Pets

American Shorthairs are social and tolerant. They do well with:

Other cats:

  • Get along with most cat personalities
  • Share resources well
  • Prefer peaceful coexistence

Dogs:

  • Adapt well to cat-friendly dogs
  • Remain calm around dogs
  • Often become friends with dogs

Small pets:

  • Moderate prey drive (they were bred as mousers)
  • Supervision recommended with birds, hamsters, fish

American Shorthairs prefer harmony over conflict.

They Are Content Alone

American Shorthairs tolerate alone time well. They:

  • Nap while you are gone
  • Entertain themselves
  • Do not develop separation anxiety

They greet you when you return but are not anxious when you leave.

Care Requirements

Grooming

American Shorthairs have short, dense coats that require minimal grooming.

Grooming routine:

  • Brush once per week with a slicker brush or rubber brush
  • Increase to 2-3 times per week during shedding season (spring and fall)
  • Trim nails every 2-3 weeks
  • Clean ears monthly
  • Brush teeth regularly

Their coats naturally repel dirt and do not mat.

Shedding

American Shorthairs shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding in spring and fall.

Shedding management:

  • Brush more frequently during shedding season
  • Use a de-shedding tool
  • Vacuum regularly

They shed less than long-haired breeds but more than hairless breeds.

Exercise and Play

American Shorthairs need moderate exercise. Provide:

  • 10-15 minute play sessions 1-2 times daily
  • Interactive toys (feather wands, laser pointers, balls)
  • Puzzle feeders for mental stimulation
  • Opportunities to climb and explore

They enjoy play but are not hyperactive.

Diet

American Shorthairs have hearty appetites and can gain weight easily.

Feeding tips:

  • Choose high-quality, protein-rich cat food
  • Measure portions (follow feeding guidelines on food packaging)
  • Avoid free-feeding (leaving food out all day)
  • Limit treats to 10% of daily calories
  • Monitor weight regularly

American Shorthairs are prone to obesity if overfed.

Indoor Living

American Shorthairs thrive indoors. Provide:

  • Cat trees for climbing
  • Window perches for watching birds
  • Scratching posts
  • Safe outdoor access (catios or supervised walks with harness)

They do not need outdoor access to be happy.

Health Considerations

American Shorthairs are one of the healthiest cat breeds, but watch for these conditions:

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

HCM is a heart condition where the heart walls thicken. Some American Shorthairs inherit it.

Signs:

  • Rapid breathing
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite

Prevention: Ask breeders for HCM screening results. Annual vet checkups help catch it early.

Obesity

American Shorthairs love food and can gain weight easily.

Signs:

  • Rib cage not easily felt
  • Loss of waistline
  • Reduced activity

Prevention:

  • Measure food portions
  • Limit treats
  • Encourage daily play
  • Monitor weight regularly

Obesity leads to diabetes, joint problems, and shortened lifespan.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Some American Shorthairs develop PKD, though it is less common than in Persian-related breeds.

Signs:

  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Weight loss

Prevention: Ask breeders for PKD genetic testing results.

Dental Disease

American Shorthairs are prone to dental issues like most cats.

Prevention:

  • Brush teeth regularly
  • Provide dental treats
  • Schedule annual dental cleanings

Are American Shorthairs Good with Kids?

Yes. American Shorthairs are excellent family cats. They:

  • Tolerate handling well
  • Remain patient with children
  • Do not bite or scratch easily
  • Enjoy gentle play

Teach kids to:

  • Pet gently
  • Respect the cat’s space
  • Use toys, not hands, for play

American Shorthairs are consistently ranked as one of the best cat breeds for families.

Are American Shorthairs Good with Other Pets?

Yes. American Shorthairs are social and adaptable. They do well with:

Other cats:

  • Get along with most personalities
  • Provide separate resources (food, litter, beds)
  • Supervise introductions

Dogs:

  • Adapt well to cat-friendly dogs
  • Remain calm around dogs
  • Often become friends with dogs

Small pets:

  • Moderate prey drive due to working cat heritage
  • Supervise interactions with birds, hamsters, or fish

American Shorthairs prefer peaceful coexistence.

Common Mistakes

Overfeeding

American Shorthairs love food and can gain weight easily. Measure portions and avoid free-feeding.

Expecting a Lap Cat

American Shorthairs are affectionate but not clingy. They show love by sitting near you, not on you.

Underestimating Their Intelligence

American Shorthairs are smart problem-solvers. They open cabinets, doors, and get into things. Provide puzzle toys and mental stimulation.

Not Providing Enough Play

American Shorthairs need daily play to stay healthy and prevent obesity. Set aside 10-15 minutes for interactive play.

Confusing Them with Domestic Shorthairs

American Shorthairs are a specific breed with predictable traits. Domestic Shorthairs are mixed-breed cats who may have American Shorthair ancestry but vary widely in temperament and health.

Finding an American Shorthair

American Shorthairs are moderately popular, so finding breeders and rescues is relatively easy.

Adoption

Check breed-specific rescues and shelters. American Shorthairs occasionally end up in rescues.

Where to look:

  • American Shorthair rescue organizations
  • Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet (search “American Shorthair”)
  • Local shelters

Note: Many cats labeled “domestic shorthair” in shelters are American Shorthair mixes.

Reputable Breeders

Expect to pay $600-$1,200 for a purebred American Shorthair from a reputable breeder.

What to ask:

  • Are parents HCM tested?
  • Are parents PKD tested?
  • Can I meet the parents?
  • How are kittens socialized?
  • What health guarantees do you offer?

Red flags:

  • Breeders with constant availability
  • No genetic testing
  • Unwilling to let you visit
  • Selling kittens under 12 weeks old

Waitlists Are Less Common

Unlike rare breeds, American Shorthairs are usually available without long waitlists. Expect to wait a few weeks to a few months.

American Shorthair vs. British Shorthair vs. Domestic Shorthair

All three are short-haired cats but differ in breed status and traits.

American Shorthair:

  • Purebred with predictable traits
  • Moderate energy, easygoing personality
  • Medium to large build

British Shorthair:

  • Purebred with round, chubby appearance
  • Lower energy, very calm personality
  • Stockier, heavier build

Domestic Shorthair:

  • Mixed-breed cat (not a breed)
  • Unpredictable traits
  • Varies widely in size, personality, health

If you want predictable traits, choose a purebred American Shorthair. If you want to adopt, consider a domestic shorthair who may have American Shorthair ancestry.

What To Do Next

  • If you want a healthy, easygoing, low-maintenance cat, American Shorthairs are perfect
  • If you want an exotic or high-energy breed, consider other breeds
  • If you have kids or other pets, American Shorthairs adapt well
  • If you prefer a clingy lap cat, choose a more affectionate breed like a Ragdoll or Burmese

Check local shelters and rescues.

Common Mistakes

Overfeeding

American Shorthairs gain weight easily. Measure portions.

Expecting a Lap Cat

American Shorthairs are friendly but independent. They will not sit on your lap for hours.

Not Providing Enrichment

Even easygoing cats need stimulation. Provide toys, puzzle feeders, and window perches.

What To Do Next

  • If you want a low-maintenance, family-friendly cat, American Shorthairs are perfect
  • If you want a clingy, affectionate lap cat, consider a different breed
  • If you have kids, American Shorthairs are excellent
  • Check out our guide on obesity prevention for weight management tips
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