American Shorthair Cat: Temperament, Health and Care

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

The American Shorthair is the cat many people picture when they think of a classic family cat: sturdy, calm and quietly affectionate, with the silver tabby the most famous coat. It is a breed with working roots and a temperament that fits just about any home.

Origins

Cats arrived in North America with European settlers, valued on ships and farms for controlling rodents. Over generations, the best working cats were selected for strength, health and hunting skill. In the early 1900s, breeders began to refine them, and the breed was initially called the Domestic Shorthair before being renamed American Shorthair to separate it from mixed-breed cats. Selective breeding maintained the sturdy build and good nature.

Appearance

American Shorthairs are medium to large, muscular and well balanced, with a broad chest, strong legs and a medium-length tail. The head is large with full cheeks, and the eyes are wide and round. The coat is short, thick and hard in texture, to protect against cold and scratches. More than 80 colors and patterns are recognized, with silver classic tabby the best known.

Temperament

The breed is calm, adaptable and sociable. American Shorthairs enjoy attention but are not demanding, and many entertain themselves while keeping an eye on the family. They play in bursts and often retain hunting instincts, with a fondness for chasing toys and anything that moves.

They are patient and good with children and other pets, including cat-friendly dogs. They are also content in apartments if given climbing space and play. Because they are easygoing, they often adjust well to changes.

Grooming

Weekly brushing with a rubber brush or comb removes loose hair and keeps the coat healthy. Expect heavier shedding in spring and fall. Trim nails every few weeks, check ears and brush teeth. See how to brush a cat for technique.

Weight and diet

American Shorthairs are hearty eaters, and indoor life makes weight gain easy. Weigh your cat monthly, use measured meals and consider puzzle feeders. Obesity raises the risk of diabetes, arthritis and urinary problems. Our cat food amount calculator and the guide to how much should I feed my cat can help.

Health

The breed has a reputation for hardiness, with many cats living well into their late teens. Topics to know include:

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Reported in the breed, so breeders may screen with echocardiograms.
• Obesity. The most common preventable problem.
• Dental disease. Common in all cats.
• Hip dysplasia. Reported occasionally.
• Urinary problems. Related to diet, weight and hydration.

See cat health guides and the emergency warning signs guide.

Living with an American Shorthair

Provide scratching posts, a sturdy cat tree, window perches and daily play. Offer several play sessions with wands and balls, and rotate toys. Keep the litter box clean and in a quiet spot. Check out our indoor cat enrichment ideas for ways to keep the cat active.

Is an American Shorthair right for you?

An American Shorthair suits families, first-time owners and anyone who wants a dependable, moderately active cat. It is less suited to someone who wants a very vocal or lap-bound cat. For a similar, stockier look, consider the British Shorthair. The cat breed finder can help you compare.

Finding one

Look for breeders who screen for HCM and raise kittens in the home. Shelters often have shorthaired tabbies that look similar but are domestic shorthairs, and they make wonderful pets too. Our guide to cat vet visit costs can help plan a budget.

Coat colors and patterns

The breed standard recognizes dozens of colors, and the silver classic tabby with a swirled pattern on the sides is the best known. Others include brown tabby, black, white, blue, cream, calico and bicolor. Color does not predict temperament or health, so choose based on the individual cat.

Seasonal shedding

The dense coat sheds more in spring, when the winter coat falls out, and again in autumn. Brush more often at those times, and consider a rubber grooming glove, which many cats enjoy. Regular brushing also reduces hairballs. Keep fresh water available, and talk to your vet if your cat has a dull coat, bald patches or constant scratching, since those can signal skin or health problems.

Cats in a busy household

Because of its calm, adaptable nature, the breed handles children, visitors and routine changes well. Even so, give any cat a retreat, such as a high shelf or a quiet room, and teach children to let the cat approach them.

Common mistakes

• Overfeeding an indoor cat that seems relaxed.
• Skipping play because the cat is easygoing.
• Assuming a hardy breed does not need regular vet checkups.