American Shorthair

Other names: kurtshaar

The American Shorthair cat is rightfully considered the purring symbol of the United States. It is difficult to resist this graceful beauty and her feminine sly look!

Characteristics of American Shorthair

Basic moments

• American Shorthair cats have a balanced character: they do not go to extremes, behave with restraint, but at the same time do not forget about fun games with their own tail.
• “Americans” do not like to sit on their hands, so if the opportunity arises, they will leave their forced perch and go in search of a cozy place where they can take a nap.
• Representatives of the breed rarely make loud meows and prefer to communicate with the owner mostly with lively facial expressions.
• American Shorthair cats can cope with forced loneliness, but your extended absence is undesirable.
• Fluffy beauties love to hunt and often “please” family members with a caught fly, and in a private house with a bird or a rodent.
• “Americans” get along well with other animals (except for rodents and birds), they are no less tolerant and affectionate with children.
• Cats can be trained only with a trusting relationship with the owner and learning commands in a playful way.
• The American Shorthair is unpretentious in care, but you will have to carefully control the pet’s diet: this breed is prone to overeating and, as a result, obesity.

The American Shorthair cat has come a long way from an unremarkable rat catcher to the most popular breed in the United States. Such widespread fame ceases to amaze when you get to know her better. The American Shorthair is characterized by a delightful appearance, good health and a docile disposition. Cats easily make contact with people; they know when the time is right for violent games with the owner, and when for peaceful sniffing nearby. Animals are not alien to hunting instincts, but this does not prevent them from being gentle and loving pets that every person dreams of. Get this beautiful ball of wool – and you will forget what a bad mood is!

History of the American Shorthair

There is a wonderful legend connected with the origin of the American Shorthair cats. It says that Christopher Columbus, planning to go in search of mysterious India, ordered to take cats to all the ships of the flotilla. According to the well-known navigator, this measure would save the sailors from having to deal with rodents that caused damage to the food taken. This is how the ancestors of American shorthair cats came to the Indian lands in the 15th century.

Unfortunately, this legend has not been documented, which cannot be said about the widespread version of the origin of the breed. The first cats, which may have become the progenitors of the “Americans”, appeared in the New World at the beginning of the 17th century, along with a group of English Protestants. They arrived in America on the Mayflower and founded Jamestown, the first British settlement. This is evidenced by entries in journals that have survived to this day since 1609.

Once in a different climate, the animals were forced to adapt to new living conditions. The size of cats has increased in comparison with European counterparts, and their coat has become more rigid and thick. Whilst away their days on farms and ranches, near houses and barns, the ancestors of the American Shorthair increasingly boasted good health. This was noticed by the settlers and soon began to appreciate the “stability” of animals along with their excellent skills in the extermination of rodents.

Until the beginning of the 20th century, the reproduction of cats proceeded in free conditions: no one cared about the exterior and purebred pedigree, no attempt was made to standardize the breed. The ancestors of the “Americans” retained their resemblance to the British relatives, but differed in a more stretched and athletic physique. In addition, the animals were hardy, intelligent and fearless, which made them a valuable material for breeding. US breeders soon realized they needed to save the breed. Thus began the breeding of American Shorthair cats.

Fans of these amazing animals are busy acquiring bright representatives of the breed and forming ideal breeding pairs. This would preserve the remarkable appearance and complaisant nature of cats. In 1904, the CFA registered Buster Brown, a direct descendant of the “British” who came to the United States with the colonists. Since that moment, American breeders have developed a clear breeding program for cats.

Its results became clear by 1930, when, with a relatively small number of generations, it was possible to “enrich” the breed with many remarkable colors. Among them was silver – a legacy from the Persians . The breeding of American Shorthair cats played an important role in the lives of their fellows. With the participation of these animals, it was possible to create new breeds: snowshoe , bengal , scottish fold , ocicat , bombay , devon rex , exotic , maine coon, etc.

In the middle of the 20th century, CFA members published the first catalog, which included about fifty representatives of the breed. She was known at the time as the domestic shorthair. Under the same name, the animals first participated in the exhibition in 1966. The victory was won by Shawnee Trademark, who inherited the title of “Cat of the Year”. At the same time, they decided to rename the breed in order to reflect its true “American” character and thereby separate it from other short-haired counterparts. Despite this, cases of registration of cats under the former name occurred until 1985.

In 1984, the handsome Mr. H won a similar victory, and in 1996, Sol-Mer Sharif. The end of the 20th century was significant for representatives of the breed. For two decades, American Shorthair cats have gracefully climbed to the top of the rankings of the most popular breeds and have chosen a place in the top ten US shorthair pets.

The CFA organization has about a hundred registered catteries that specialize in breeding this breed. At the same time, most of them are concentrated on the territory of America: breeders entrusted their national treasure to a few. The history of American Shorthair cats in Russia began in 2007 with the advent of a breeding pair – Lakki the cat and Cleopatra the cat, brought from the KC Dancers cattery.

Official nurseries can boast of worthy producers from the USA. Despite the few litters of American Shorthairs, representatives of the breed are increasingly common. Russian breeders are working hard to ensure that these cats take an important place in the hearts of people and in the future win as many victories as possible at specialized exhibitions. So far, these are just dreams: the European “cat” organization FIFe still does not officially recognize short-haired “Americans”. Representatives of this breed are less common in Russia than, say, in Japan.

Video: American shorthair cat

Appearance of the American Shorthair cat

The animal looks rough – a kind of workhorse, but in a cat’s body. However, this does not detract from the grace of her movements. The breed is characterized by sexual dimorphism: cats are much larger than cats – 7-8 kg and 4-5 kg, respectively.

“Americans” refers to short-haired breeds of large and medium sizes. They grow slowly and acquire final proportions by the age of four.

Head and skull

The head shape of the American Shorthair cat is called square or rectangular: its length and width are almost equal (with the exception of a couple of millimeters). The frontal part of the skull is slightly convex, which is noticeable when the animal is turned in profile.

Muzzle

The square muzzle of a cat is quite wide and short, it is distinguished by a certain angular outline. The cheeks are plump (especially in adults), the cheekbones are rounded. A clear transition between the forehead and the muzzle of the animal is visible. The nose is of medium length. The chin is well developed, formed by strong jaws and set perpendicular to the upper lip.

Ears

The cat’s head is decorated with small, smoothly rounded ears, covered with short hair. They are set wide apart and have a rather narrow base. The distance between the inner corners of the ears corresponds to the distance between the eyes, doubled.

Eyes

The eyes of the American Shorthair cat are medium to large in size and are round in shape (except for the base, which is more almond shaped). The distance between them corresponds to the width of the eye itself. The breed standard provides for an orange iris in most colors, except for silver (green eyes are characteristic of these animals). Solid white cats have blue or orange eyes. Often there is a combination of these colors.

Neck

The neck is proportional to the size of the animal: more medium than short; strong and muscular.

Frame

The American Shorthair cat has a harmoniously built body. Its outlines are rounded and practically not stretched. The shoulders, chest (especially in cats) and the back of the body look quite developed – largely due to the muscles. The back is wide and even. In profile, a smooth slope from the hip to the base of the tail is noticeable.

Tail

It has a thick base, tapering to a non-pointed tip. Carried on the back line.

limbs

The fore and hind limbs are parallel to each other. They are heavily muscled and of medium length.

coat

Short hair is close to the body of the animal. Harsh to the touch, has a healthy sheen. The undercoat becomes denser as winter approaches. A change in its thickness depending on the regionality is allowed.

Color

The standard provides more than 60 color variations with points. They are usually divided into plain, spotted, smoky and tabby. Silver marble is recognized as the most popular. A cat with this color can be seen in an advertisement for Whiskas.

Possible vices

Common breed defects include:

• iris pigmentation other than green in silver-colored animals;
• elongated and close-set ears with pointed tips;
• rather thin or thick tail with creases;
• elongated and / or stocky torso;
• “plush” coat;
• neck of an atypical format;
• underdeveloped croup.

The disqualifying vices of the American Shorthair are:

• colors – Tonkin, Burmese, fawn, cinnamon, lilac or chocolate;
• long and/or fluffy coat;
• the presence of white points;
• excessively deepened stop;
• malnutrition or obesity;
• amputated claws;
• overshot or undershot;
• undescended testicles;
• bulging eyes;
• deafness.

Photo of an American Shorthair cat

American shorthair personality

Representatives of the breed observe the golden mean in everything – the main quality that distinguishes American Shorthairs from their brethren. These cats are sociable but do not impose their company; they love to play, but they are not reputed to be restless fidgets. In relation to the owners, the animals are very attentive, but prefer to observe subordination. The cat is watching what is happening from the side, is not too lazy to follow the sound of its nickname, but you still should not count on a many-hour session of hugs with your pet. If desired, she herself will jump on your knees, but even in this case, the attention of the fluffy beauty will not last more than ten minutes.

Do not expect a lively “conversation” from a pet: American Shorthair cats are not very sociable. The animal will prefer to carefully approach the owner and make a quiet “meow” rather than start a “conversation” in the next room. This feature is more than offset by the lively facial expressions of the cat: its muzzle is a mirror in which all the desires and emotions of the animal are displayed. Learn to recognize these non-verbal cues and make it much easier to communicate with your pet!

“Americans” quickly become attached to the people they live with. They will get used to the owner’s work schedule and will meet him with an affectionate meow, and not a demanding “siren”. In your absence, the animal will most likely curl up on a soft bed and calmly wait for the return. However, long business trips are a significant reason for cat concern. Ask relatives or friends to look after your pet: “moving” to a hotel for animals will negatively affect her psyche and general well-being.

These cats inherited sharp hunting instincts from distant ancestors. Living in a private home, American Shorthairs often present their owners with a pleasant – from their point of view – surprise in the form of a careless mouse or sparrow. This is how the animal takes care of the members of its “pack”, therefore, in no case do not scold the pet, and in its absence, get rid of the prey it has caught.

For this reason, it is not recommended to keep American Shorthair cats with ornamental birds and rodents, otherwise a home safari is guaranteed. If it so happened that small pets have been living with you for a long time and do not plan to give way to anyone, try to protect them with a bell around the neck of your graceful huntress.

As for the cohabitation of “Americans” with dogs, it takes place in fairly peaceful conditions. Yes, they may not become best friends, but they will not enter into constant skirmishes for territory and the attention of the owner.

Due to their calm and friendly nature, representatives of the breed perfectly take root in families with children. These cats are condescending to the pranks of the child and will never use their claws with a careless and painful poke. If the American Shorthair gets bored with children’s attention, she will hide on the highest shelf of the closet and hold her breath. For this reason, many cat owners “lose” their pets and do not think to look in search of them on the mezzanine.

If you like an obedient and quiet pet, be sure to pay attention to the American Shorthair cat. Representatives of this breed will not arrange a pogrom in the absence of the owner, they will not demand a tidbit during dinner, or even worse! – steal it from the table. “Americans” are set up for friendly and calm communication, and this, as you know, is the best antidepressant and an extra reason to smile in response to the gentle purring of a pet.

Education and training

American Shorthair cats are quick-witted and smart, but this is not enough for successful pet training. Representatives of the breed are quite stubborn and independent, and learning new tricks and commands is not among their favorite things. To achieve a positive result, use a few tips.

• Start classes from your pet’s childhood and gradually increase their duration.
• Establish a trusting relationship with the animal.
• Think of effective motivation for a cat.
• Build training in the form of a game so that your pet does not get bored.

Do not forget to teach the fluffy beauty to use the “amenities” and shorten your natural manicure with a scratching post, and not your favorite sofa.

Care and maintenance

Compared to long-haired cat breeds, “Americans” do not need careful care for their charming fur coat. A weekly combing of the coat with a rubber brush or a glove with silicone growths is enough for them. During the seasonal molt, it is necessary to repeat the procedure every day so that your pet looks neat. American Shorthair cats do not like to take a bath and are also quite clean, so refrain from frequent water procedures. You can use a damp piece of cloth to brush off small dust particles. A piece of suede will help to apply a healthy and eye-catching shine to the coat.

If your pet is still dirty, bathe it with a pet shampoo for shorthair breeds. After a cat bath, make sure that the pet is not in a draft: this is fraught with colds even for such a strong and healthy breed.

Once every two to three weeks, pay attention to the eyes and ears of the animal. Remove foreign matter with a damp cotton pad. If your cat regularly walks outside, inspect it daily to prevent possible infections.

Important: if the discharge from the eyes and ears has a specific color or smell, contact your veterinary clinic for advice.

It is equally important to take care of the “combat arsenal” of the American Shorthair cat – teeth and claws. In the first case, the rules are quite simple: plaque is removed with a paste. Do not use your own hygiene product: it foams a lot and has a minty taste that is sharp for the animal. An old brush or a finger nozzle is suitable as a tool. For preventive cleaning of teeth, special hard treats are often used.

Shorten the claws of the “American” with a nail cutter. It will not be superfluous to buy a scratching post. It will help keep the interior of the apartment intact. It is not a problem to teach a kitten to sharpen its claws in a certain place, it is more difficult to forbid it to an already mature animal.

There is one important nuance in feeding the American Shorthair cat. Representatives of this breed are characterized by excessive appetite and are ready to absorb all food within a radius of several meters. You will have to strictly control the volume of the portion and not respond to the begging look of the pet. It is recommended to weigh the cat every week and adjust its diet depending on the weight indicators. If your graceful pet is more and more like a clumsy ball, pay attention to active games. Obesity of American Shorthair cats entails problems with the cardiovascular system.

Nutrition should be built in such a way that the animal, along with food, receives the necessary amount of vitamins and minerals. The best option is premium balanced dry food. If you decide to stick to a natural diet, use a vitamin-mineral complex as an aid. This will help your pet stay in excellent health.

Do not include in the American Shorthair cat’s diet:

• lamb and pork (due to their high fat content);
• fried, pickled, sweet and salty foods;
• “human” drinks – coffee and tea;
• milk (not relevant for kittens);
• river fish in any form;
• legumes;
• tubular bones;
• onion and garlic;
• dried fruits;
• potato;
• mushrooms.

In a separate bowl there should be filtered water – bottled or infused for 6-8 hours. It is not recommended to give the animal boiled water. Its frequent use entails urolithiasis.

American Shorthair health

Since the breed is classified as aboriginal, astronauts can envy the health of its representatives! American Shorthair cats rarely have ailments typical of their relatives. Some lines are susceptible to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart disease that can be fatal. Sometimes American Shorthairs are diagnosed with hip dysplasia, although this pathology is not so common.

How to choose a kitten

The following rules will help you get a healthy and cheerful pet.

• There are many places where you can buy a cat: bird markets, pet stores, bulletin boards and catteries. In the first three cases, there is a high risk of getting an ordinary yard Murzik instead of a thoroughbred “American”, so it is recommended to find an official nursery that breeds the breed. Breeders monitor the health of producers and do not allow animals with hereditary defects to be mated.
• The optimal age of a kitten is three months. From that moment on, the baby no longer needs mother’s milk, and is distinguished by balanced mental and physical health. In addition, by the age of three months, kittens are already vaccinated against dangerous viral diseases.
• Pay attention to the behavior of the baby. A healthy animal is playful and curious, not afraid of strangers or hiding in a corner. If an American Shorthair cat responds to your gentle touch with a plaintive meow, this is an indirect sign of a painful condition.
• Examine the kitten carefully. He should be moderately well-fed, excessive thinness is an alarm bell for a future buyer. In a healthy pet, the coat looks silky and shines in the light, the eyes and ears are free of painful discharge, the area under the tail is dry and clean.

A strong and charming baby is immediately visible, but it still does not hurt to conduct an additional examination. Ask the breeder to provide you with the necessary documents: a pedigree diploma, a veterinary passport and other certificates. Now it’s up to the small thing – to get a kitten and make every effort so that, having matured, he remains as playful and healthy!

Photo of american shorthair kittens

How much is an american shorthair cat

The cost of the American Shorthair in private nurseries varies between 150-250$. The price of a kitten in an elite cattery is slightly higher: from 350 to 500$. Individual specimens – often descendants of multiple champions – will cost the future owner more.

A delightful beauty with a friendly character and the grace of a wild predator – this is how you can describe the American Shorthair cat. This is a great option for a person who dreams not only of a beautiful pet, but also a devoted friend for many years to come!