The American Shorthair cat combines endurance, harmonious proportions and a calm, balanced character. Its history dates back to the time of the first settlers in North America, when cats were taken on ships as natural rodent hunters. It is thanks to these qualities that the American Shorthair has retained its strong backbone, well-developed musculature and remarkable hunting instincts.
Breed description and varieties
Adult American shorthair cats are medium to large in size. The average weight of females is 3.5-5 kg, males – 5-7 kg, although individual representatives can reach 8 kg without signs of obesity. The body is strong, with a broad chest, strong paws and harmonious proportions. The head is rounded, with well-developed cheeks, medium-sized ears, large, expressive eyes, the color of which depends on the color of the coat.
The coat of this breed is short, dense, with moderate luster and pleasant texture. One of the features is an extraordinary variety of colors: more than 80 officially recognized variants. The most famous is the silver-striped tabby, which is considered the “calling card” of the American Shorthair.
What is special about the breed
The American Shorthair differs from many ornamental cats in that its appearance is the result of natural selection, not selection experiments aimed only at beauty. It is a cat with a harmonious combination of strength and elegance, preserving the endurance and health inherent in wild relatives. It feels well both in a country house and in a city apartment, easily adapts to different conditions and has a strong immune system.
The character of the cat
The American Shorthair is poised and calm, but is not lacking in curiosity. This is a cat that likes to participate in the life of the family, but will not be intrusive. She easily finds a common language with children, tolerant of other animals, preserving dignity and independence. Playful in youth, with age becomes more judicious and leisurely, but is always ready for a little active games, especially if they involve an element of hunting. Its intelligence and natural ingenuity make training and obedience quite easy.
American Shorthair Cat Grooming
This is one of those breeds whose care does not require complicated procedures, but regularity is key. Its coat is short, dense and has an undercoat, which perfectly protects the animal from cold and overheating. However, it is because of the undercoat that shedding becomes more intense at certain times of the year, especially in spring and fall.
Combing is carried out 1-2 times a week, and every other day during the shedding season. For this purpose, medium-length metal-toothed combs or brushes with natural bristles are used to gently remove dead hair. This not only reduces the amount of hair in the house, but also stimulates the blood circulation of the skin, keeping it healthy. Bathing such a cat should only be done when necessary – for example, before an exhibition or if the coat is soiled. When bathing, be sure to use special shampoos for short-haired breeds, so as not to damage the natural protective layer of the skin.
It is equally important to monitor the condition of the eyes, ears and teeth. Eyes are wiped with a soft damp cloth, ears are cleaned with special lotions every 2-3 weeks, and teeth should be cleaned at least once a week to prevent the formation of plaque and calculus. Claws are trimmed as they grow, usually once a month.
For owners who want to see their Pet well-groomed, it is worth periodically visiting a professional grooming salon. In Kiev network V.O.G DOG SALON offers services for the care of cats, including American Shorthair. We use only premium products, and masters have experience working specifically with short-haired breeds, are able to delicately remove undercoat and give the coat a healthy shine. Owners receive comprehensive care – from combing to hygiene procedures – in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, which guarantees a stress-free and flawless result for the cat.
