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American Shorthair Cat Breed Information and Facts

This page is about the American Shorthair cat breed information and what it means to own one as a companion animal. If you are considering getting American Shorthair cat breed, this profile will be helpful in deciding whether or not they are right for you!

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American Shorthair cat profile picture
OriginUnited States flagUnited States
Other Names
What other names are there for the American Shorthair cat?
Domestic Shorthair
Price
What is the cost of a American Shorthair cat?
$600 to $1200
If you choose to purchase the American Shorthair cat, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and cat finder places. If you have a American Shorthair cat for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the American Shorthair gets to a happy place.
Cost Of Ownership Low
Breed Recognition The International Cat Association (TICA)Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA)American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA)

American Shorthair Size, Appearance and Physical Traits

Size
How big is a American Shorthair cat?
Medium
The medium-sized cats usually weigh 10-15 pounds and are 8-11 inches long from the nose down.
Weight
What is the weight of the American Shorthair cat?
Males: 11 to 15 pounds, Female: 8 to 12 pounds
Bite Force Average Bite Strength: Around 10-15 PSI
An average cat bite strength, usually ranging from 10-15 PSI, is commonly observed in medium-sized cat breeds such as the American Shorthair or those with moderate jaw muscle development. While these cats possess a stronger bite compared to smaller breeds, ensuring proper socialization and comprehending feline body language remain crucial to avoid biting incidents. Cat owners investigating average bite strength in cats, medium bite force breeds, or specific breeds like the American Shorthair will find this category informative and useful.
Body Type Semi-cobby
This body type is a mix between the cobby and foreign types. American Shorthair are muscular but not as broad as cobby cats and not as slender as foreign cats. Examples include the Ragdoll and American Shorthair.
Ear Shape MediumRoundedWide-set
Eye Color GreenCopper
Hair Color and Pattern Wide range of colors and patterns, including solid, tabby, bicolor, and more.
Coat
What kind of coat does the American Shorthair cat have?
Short Hair
Leg Lenght Medium
Whisker Length Medium
Musculature Lean
Head Shape Round
Toe Count 5 front4 back
Eye Shape And Orientation Round
Night Vision
Paw Size Medium
Nose Structure Concave
Neck Length Medium
Fur Texture ShortShaggy
Bone Density Medium
Flexibility
High
Bone Structure SlenderFine
Tail Length Long and Tapered
Sleep Patterns CalmMore Sleep

American Shorthair Special Abilities

Attention Span Long, focused on play and hunting
Guarding Instinct High
Protection Instincts High
Climbing Ability High
Jumping Ability Good
Swimming Ability Poor
Water Affinity
Rescue Capability Good

American Shorthair Health

Litter Size 1-3 Kittens
Special Needs Low maintenanceIndependent
Breeding Easy to breed, large litter size
Dietary Preferences High protein, raw diet
Solo Time Tolerance High
Noise Sensitivity Low
Genetic Diversity High
Sensitivity To Changes
Medium sensitivity
Food Motivation High
Feeding Schedule Twice a dayMorning and Evening
Maintenance Level Moderate
Exercise Needs Medium
Life Expectancy
What is the life expectancy of the American Shorthair cats?
15-17 years
Energy Level
How energetic is the American Shorthair cat?
The American Shorthair cat has an average energy level.
Hypoallergenic
Are American Shorthair cats hypoallergenic?
No
American Shorthair cats don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing an allergic reaction. Some of the cat breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response.

Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the cat's skin) or saliva, not actually to cat hair.

Common Health Issues
Are American Shorthair cats a healthy breed?
Low
Very healthy cat breed. The American Shorthair rarely meets with the veterinarian.
Health Problems Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)ObesityDiabetes Mellitus
Climate Temperate
Cold Tolerance Medium
Heat Tolerance Medium
Breeding Difficulty Medium

American Shorthair Characteristics and Personality

Common Vocalizations Moderate meowing
Interaction With Other Pets Excellent, enjoys other pets' company
Facial Expression Calm and adaptable
Tail Behavior Flicks tail when curious
Explorer Instincts High
Attention Needs Low
Protectiveness High
Territoriality High
Independence High
Response To Commands High
Adaptability To Indoor Life High
Hunting Drive High
Play Style CuriousPlayfulGentle
Escape Tendencies Moderate
Curiosity High
Hunting Skills High ⬆️
Reaction To Strangers Cautious
Stalking Behavior High
Aggression Level High
Training Difficulty Moderate
Agility High
Travel Compatibility Medium
Activity
Moderately Active
Compatibility With Other Animals PlayfulMedium
Household Noise Tolerance Medium
Playfulness
Active Adventurer. American Shorthair are quite playful and enjoy frequent play sessions. They are curious and active, often engaging in interactive games and activities.
Trainability
Are American Shorthair cats easy to train? How hard is it to train an American Shorthair?
Average Trainability: American Shorthair cat breeds are less interested in training and obedience, but can still learn basic commands and routines with enough practice and rewards. Examples of average trainable cat breeds include Persian, Russian Blue, and British Shorthair.
Lap Cat
Are American Shorthair cats lap cats?
Yes
This cat loves to sit on his owner's lap.
Temperament
What personality do American Shorthair cats have?
Active
Adaptability
Are Ragdoll cats adaptable?
American Shorthair cats adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Affection Level
Are American Shorthair cats more affectionate?
High: American Shorthair cats are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate cats toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy cats for those in need.
Child Friendly
Are American Shorthair cats good with kids?
The American Shorthair cat is a child-friendly breed. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Dog Friendly
Are American Shorthair cats good with dogs?
Very dog-friendly: American Shorthair owners often find that their cats get along very well with the family dog.
Intelligence
Are American Shorthair cats intelligent? Are American Shorthair cats smart?
Average: the American Shorthair cat has an average level of intelligence.
Social Needs
Are American Shorthair cats social?
Above-average: they need more social interaction than average cats.
Stranger Friendly
Are American Shorthair cats friendly to strangers?
Average: this cat breed gets on relatively well with strangers.
Vocalization
Do American Shorthair cats vocalize?
Low
Low vocalization cats are a category of cats that typically make less noise than other cats. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including genetic disposition, health, or even personality. While some low vocalization cats may simply be quiet by nature, others may only meow when they are distressed or in need of attention. Low vocalization cats can make excellent pets for those who are looking for a feline companion that is relatively low maintenance in terms of noise.

American Shorthair Grooming

Seasonal Shedding Moderate
Grooming Tools Needed BrushNail ClipperCombDeshedding Tool
Dental Care Low
Cats in the low dental care needs category, such as the American Shorthair breed, typically exhibit a reduced predisposition to oral health problems. These breeds generally possess a standard mouth and jaw structure, which minimizes the likelihood of dental issues like overcrowding, misaligned teeth, or other complications. Although these feline breeds require less intensive dental care, it remains crucial to establish a consistent dental care regimen, including regular teeth brushing, professional dental cleanings, and check-ups with a veterinarian to ensure optimal oral health and well-being.
Grooming
How to groom your American Shorthair cat?
Moderate Maintenance
Grooming your American Shorthair cat is an essential part of caring for their health and well-being. Regular brushing helps remove dirt, and dead hair from the surface to stimulate blood circulation which can lead to a better quality coat with a smoother texture!
Shedding
Do American Shorthair cats shed a lot?
High
If you're looking for a cat that won't leave a trail of fur everywhere they go, you might want to rethink your choice of pet. While there are some breeds that shed less than others, all cats will lose some hair throughout the year. And when they do, it can be a real pain to clean up. If you're not prepared to deal with regular grooming and vacuuming, a American Shorthair cat probably isn't the right pet for you.

American Shorthair Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Adaptability: American Shorthair cats adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Affection Level: High: American Shorthair cats are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate cats toward their handlers.
  • Child Friendly: The American Shorthair cat is a child-friendly breed.
  • Dog Friendly: Very dog-friendly: American Shorthair owners often find that their cats get along very well with the family dog.

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