Size

The height of the American shorthair reaches 20-25 centimeters, and the length ranges from 30-38 centimeters.

Weight

An adult American Shorthair weighs from 4.5 kilograms to 6.8 kilograms. The weight of the American Shorthair varies in each case according to genetics, diet, and health status.

Lifespan

The lifespan of the American Shorthair ranges from 15 to 20 years. However, these indications are tentative and your beloved family member’s life expectancy significantly depends on their healthy lifestyle and stress-free living environment. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet will greatly improve the quality of life of your companion animal.

Fur 

The thick fur characteristic of the American Shorthair is soft and velvety to the touch. The fur is distinguished by a variety of colors, however, most often you will meet American Shorthairs with brown, black, white, gray, and cream shades. The fur coat of these companion animals requires minimal maintenance, nevertheless, regular brushing can help reduce shedding and keep the fur healthy.

The loving nature, independent personality, and distinctive physical characteristics make the American Shorthair a desirable companion animal not only for people who live alone but also for those who have other four-legged friends at home.

Representatives of this breed often demonstrate love for their family members and form a pleasant emotional bond with them. However, because of their independent nature, don’t be surprised if the American Shorthair sometimes prefers to be apart from you. Thanks to this nuance of character, these beloved family members don’t exhibit destructive behavior caused by boredom even when left alone at home.

A high level of intelligence, playful nature, and interest in fun games make these precious pets attractive companions for children as well. If you own an American Shorthair, you’ll find that observing its independent personality is a real adventure.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a heart disease that causes the heart muscle to thicken. This can lead to heart failure and cardiovascular problems. To prevent this genetic disease, breeders try to identify cats prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and prevent their reproduction. Regular cardiograms and continuous monitoring of heart health guarantee the well-being of important members of your family. However, cooperation with a nutritionist and adherence to a specialized diet based on specific recommendations is no less important for heart health.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by high blood sugar levels. In diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin which may cause damage to the kidneys, cardiovascular and vision systems. Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, sudden weight loss, and changes in appetite. A balanced diet can help regulate your companion animal’s blood sugar levels, however, insulin therapy may be necessary to manage the process.

Dental problems

Dental problems common to American Shorthairs often include periodontitis and tooth resorption. Periodontitis develops against the background of a decrease in the body’s immunity and causes damage to the tissues that fix the tooth in the socket. As for resorption, this disease often takes place secretly under the gums and causes the decay of the tooth root.

Be sure to follow your veterinarian’s advice to manage these dental problems. Without proper treatment, these diseases can cause pain and difficulty eating. For prevention, it is recommended to regularly take care of the oral health of your companion animal.

Urinary tract diseases

Urinary tract diseases include those problems that affect the health of the cat’s genitourinary system. These include infections, cystitis, and urethritis. Cystitis is an inflammatory process of the wall of the bladder, mainly its mucous membrane, which is caused by microbes that have entered the bladder. As for urethritis, it refers to acute inflammation of the duct leading out of the bladder. Like cystitis, urethritis is also caused by germs and bacteria.

Symptoms associated with urinary tract diseases may include bloody urination, urinary retention, or, conversely, incontinence. For prevention, we recommend making sure your companion animal’s body is properly hydrated. Follow a balanced diet and immediately consult a veterinarian if you notice the above-mentioned symptoms.

Respiratory Problems

Respiratory problems in companion animals can be caused by infection, allergies, or exposure to environmental factors. Upper respiratory tract infections often present with symptoms such as sneezing and coughing. Respiratory problems can be viral or bacterial, so carefully ventilate the living space and manage the treatment process according to the advice of the veterinarian. Correct diagnosis and competent care can greatly help prevent respiratory problems.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye caused by an allergy, infection, or virus. This problem may cause discomfort, eye redness, and tearing. The source of infection can be dirty paws, therefore, to prevent the disease, proper hygiene of the companion animal is of particular importance. Regular veterinary examinations focusing on eye health can help detect eye problems in the American Shorthair at an early stage and help manage the treatment process effectively.

Proper understanding of the nutritional needs of the companion animal and making informed choices regarding feeding are prerequisites for competent care.

Even considering that American Shorthair has modest dietary requirements, it is important to base its diet on a portion of balanced cat food. Look for high-quality commercial food that meet standards set by reputable organizations and contain essential nutrients such as protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. A consultation with a nutritionist can help determine the portion size required for your companion animal based on age, weight, and activity level.

Protein is an essential component for the overall health of companion animals, healthy fur growth, and strong muscle development, so make sure the cat food you choose contains the right amount of protein.

Competent care of a valued family member also incorporates monitoring their weight and encouraging healthy fat intake. Obesity in cats can cause joint problems along with diabetes. A balanced diet, proper portions, and regular exercise can help prevent this. While we focus on what to include in our companion animal’s diet, it is important to know what to avoid for our important family members. Human grubs such as chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, onions, and garlic are particularly toxic to cats.

If you want to treat your beloved friend with your food, you can choose a product that is safe for cats, for instance, cooked lean meat (beef, turkey, chicken). However, it is important to be careful and make sure that the meat is well cooked and the bones are removed along with the skin. Never feed raw meat to cats, it can make them sick.

Like other cats, the American Shorthair is known for its love of fish. Cooked flaked fish is beneficial for companion animals, as the healthy fatty acids from this food product can help prevent arthritis as well as kidney disease. You can also treat your companion to protein-rich oats, brown rice, and couscous.

To avoid health problems, be sure to consult a nutritionist before adding a new food product to your companion animal’s diet.

The history of the American Shorthair dates back to the early days of American colonization. Although the exact origins of this cat breed is somewhat shrouded in controversy, just like Moggie Cats, its origins may be traced back to the companion animals that accompanied European settlers to the Americas in the 17th century. Initially, these felines played a crucial role on ships and aimed to reduce the population of rodents.

With an excellent ability to adapt to new environments, these companion animals soon became the beloved four-legged friends of farmers, and along with the harvest, they began to protect houses from pests.

Over time, the charm and intelligence of the American Shorthair greatly increased the demand for the breed. This process was accompanied by the export of this species to other countries. The popularity of the breed increased especially in the middle of the 20th century. Appearances in Hollywood films and commercials further cemented the American Shorthair’s global reputation.

Today, the American Shorthair is one of the most famous and beloved cat breeds in the world.