The rest is basic care: aside from regular ear cleaning, trim his nails as needed, usually every 10 days to two weeks. The Basics of American Shorthair Groomingīrush the American Shorthair weekly with a stainless steel comb or a rubber curry brush to keep his thick coat shiny and healthy. Do not buy a kitten whose parents have not been tested for this disease. American Shorthairs that will be bred should be screened for HCM, and cats identified with HCM should be removed from breeding programs. No one can guarantee that their cats will never develop HCM. Avoid breeders who claim to have HCM-free lines.
An echocardiogram can confirm whether a cat has HCM. It causes thickening (hypertrophy) of the heart muscle. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common form of heart disease in cats. The American Shorthair is generally healthy, but one health issue that can affect the breed is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). What You Need to Know About American Shorthair Health Perhaps their best attribute: Patience - which no doubt contributes to their success as hunters. But they’re not terribly talkative their expressions communicate their needs instead. Since they are social cats, American Shorthairs also enjoy the company of other animals, including dogs. They’re smart, trainable, and willing to learn things - like using a scratching post in place of your couch.
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When he does want attention, he’ll give you a little “Hey, look at me!” love bite.Īmerican Shorthairs are good at entertaining themselves, but they also appreciate interactive play that involves “hunting” the lure at the end of a fishing-pole toy, batting at a big peacock feather or figuring out how to release treats from a puzzle toy. Although he doesn’t demand constant affection, the American Shorthair is content to spend time with you and loves being held - just be sure to support his back feet to help him feel comfortable. The affectionate and friendly American Shorthair is adaptable to the needs of his family, making him an excellent companion for everyone from singles to seniors. They are now the eighth most popular breed registered by the Cat Fanciers Association.Īmerican Shorthair Temperament and Personality In 1966, the cats were given the name American Shorthair to differentiate them from random-bred felines.
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Breeders eventually began to select for the specific traits that now define the American Shorthair: a large head, a face with full cheeks and a sweet expression, a wide muzzle, a powerful jaw, and that coat of many colors. There’s no doubt that they came over on the Mayflower, and it’s likely that earlier settlers, such as those at Jamestown, also brought cats with them to the New World.ĭuring the 19th century, cat shows became popular and domestic shorthairs - as they were originally called - were exhibited alongside pedigreed cats. They had one job to do once they disembarked: Rid homes, farms, and businesses of mice and other small vermin. Like so many other immigrants to the United States, the ancestors of the American Shorthair arrived by ship. This is a medium-sized, muscular cat: American Shorthairs weigh between six and 15 pounds - and females tend to be on the smaller side.Īmerican Shorthairs are friendly, adaptable family companions who can live up to 20 years. The American Shorthair’s easy-care coat comes in more than 80 colors and patterns. If he’s well socialized as a kitten, he’ll happily interact with guests - toddlers should be supervised, so they don’t tug on his whiskers or tail - as well as cat-friendly canine companions. The American Shorthair is an easygoing and tolerant cat who takes life as it comes - preferably while perched on a sunny windowsill where he can indulge in his favorite hobby of bird-watching. The one difference between the two breeds: Unlike domestic shorthairs, which come in a variety of looks, the American Shorthair produces kittens with the same distinct appearance. Most of us have either lived with or come across a domestic shorthair, a cat that closely resembles the pedigreed American Shorthair. This versatile cat can be bred for any number of colors and patterns, including the popular silver tabby. The American Shorthair is the pedigreed version of the well-known and beloved domestic shorthair.
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