This entry was posted on 2014-07-24 by Schalk.

Personality and Temperament

The adaptable nature and quite voice of this breed makes it an ideal house pet. It’s not like many other cats, as its not one to demand attention, neither too expressive nor too withdrawn. If you would like a cat that will sit quietly on your lap and one that will not dash and pounce too much around the house then this breed is for you. It's devoted to its owner, easy to train and does well with other pets, dogs and children.

Traits

•    Weight: 3.5-7 kg
•    Height: 25.4 – 35.56 cm
•    Coat: thick, hard and even texture
•    Colour: 8 different colours, over 60 kinds; brown, silver, white (with blue eyes), brown-patched tabby, cameo, smoke, black, calico, and everything in-between.
•    Litter size: About 6 kittens
•    Life span: 15-20 years

Physical Characteristics

The American Shorthair is a medium to large sized breed with a muscular body. Its classified as a working cat with regards to it endurance and stability. The most popular coat colour is sterling silver with black markings but also comes in 8 different colours ranging in 60 different colour combinations and patterns.

Care

This breed is very easy to care for as its one of the healthiest cats. Their isn’t much maintenance needed, just the general; yearly check ups, vaccinations and a balanced diet. You can groom your cat if you feel the need, but it isn’t required. This breed is very energetic but doesn’t need much exercise; you can meet its exercise requirements with a bit of light play.

Health

The American Shorthair’s life span is about 15-20 years. Descended from farm working cats and the fact that breeders put a lot of care into strengthening its gene pool makes the American Shorthair one of the healthiest breeds.

History and Background

The history of this breed dates back over 300 years. It begins in England, Britain where it was seen as a common house cat and was very well known for its expertise’s in catching rodents. As this skill was useful to humans the cats were brought along on ships from 1621-1639.

During the early stages of the Black Plague in Europe and Britain people blamed the cats for spreading the disease and they wiped them out. As there were no cats the rodents just kept on reproducing and the Plague got out of control. In the 1600s people figured out that it was actually the rodents that may be carrying the disease. Cats were brought in and the British Shorthair became well regarded once again. Today this cat is commonly seen in many British homes.

The circumstances of the new world caused the descendants of the British Shorthair's to evolve and adapt. They still remained organised and reliable farm workers and become the American Shorthair.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the shape and character of the American Shorthair. The main factors are environmental conditions and outcrossings, both inherently and through human design. In order for this breed to survive it needed to adapt environmentally to be able to work long hours, in harsh conditions and then at the end of the day be able to settle down as part of the family.

Amongst five other cats the American Shorthair was registered in the first Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) registry, in 1906. In 1965 a male cat named Shawnee Trademark was declared by the CFA as Best Cat of the Year (COTY). After this two more American Shorthair’s received the same awards in 1984 and 1996.

Nutrition

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