The American Shorthair is the 8th most popular breed of cat in the United States according the Cat Fancier's Association for 2006-2007. The breed is believed to be descended from English cats (the forebears of today's British Shorthairs) brought to North America by early British settlers to protect valuable cargo from mice and rats.

American shorthair can overeat, so owners must be careful to give them plenty of opportunity for exercise and play. Although this breed is accepted in a wide variety of colors and patterns, the silver classic tabby is perhaps the best known.

History and Origin of American Shorthair Cat

The American Shortahir  breed started in 1620 when the first domesticated cats reached North America aboard the Mayflower. As pioneer families trekked inland, their cats accompanied them as part of their stock, and in this way the domestic cat gradually spread across the whole continent. The tough conditions under which the cats lived, resulted in equally tough cats. This was the beginning of the American Shorthair. As a result, the American is exceptionally strong and hardy. 

The breed was originally called the Shorthair, then Domestic Shorthair, and later, in 1965,  renamed to American Shorthair. The domestic shorthair was upgraded by the infusion of pedigree shorthair blood from animals imported from Britain at Early 1900s. Early this century a selective breeding program was established to develop the best qualities of these cats. Today, the term domestic shorthair is used to describe cats of unknown parentage or origin, and American Shorthair is the title given to the true pedigreed variety. .

The first registered American Shorthair came from Great Britain in the Early 1900s. The cat was a red tabby named  Champion Bell of Bradford. An orange tabby, Belle was imported by Jane Cathcart. In 1904, the first home-bred, truly American domestic shorthair to be registered was a male smoke named Buster Brown, which also belonged to Miss Cathcart.

A longtime passed before the breed "originally called Shorthair and then Domestic Shorthair before finally receiving the name American Shorthair in 1965" gained any recognition at cat shows.

In 1963 Kay McQuillen, an all breed judge with the Cat Fanciers' Association and a longtime breeder, wrote: "I can recall not too many years ago that when we Domestic breeders paid our entry fees and arrived at a show, we often found no cages available and no trophies or rosettes offered in the Domestic classes. The Domestics were tolerated only as extra points for the other cats."

Once discussion about a new name began, the Breed's image started to Improve. A definite correlation exists between the change in name to American Shorthair and the change in the breed's fortune in the show ring. Thanks to many years of dedication and hard work by breeders who believed in the beauty and uniqueness of the American Shorthair, you now can go to a cat show and see Americans compete and win their fair share of prizes and admiration.

Physical Characteristic of American Shorthair Cat

The American Shorthair was developed from native American working cats. American Shorthairs are true working cats: stocky, muscular, and powerful in build. A very athletic cat, American Shorthair has a larger, leaner, and more powerfully built body than its relation, the British Shorthair.

The physical aspects of the American Shorthair should compliment each other to present a perfect picture. The breed ranges in size from medium to large. The overall body is well knit and powerful with a hard, short coat. The American is less square in shape than the British Shorthair. It also has an oblong rather than round head, larger ears and longer legs. American Shorthairs are a pedigreed cat with strict standards and a distinctive appearance as set by the various Cat Fanciers Associations worldwide.

The American Shorthairr represent its All American character and to differentiate it from other shorthaired breeds. The name American Shorthair also reinforces the notion that the American shorthair is distinct from non-pedigreed, short-haired cats in the United States.

According to the CFA, American Shorthairs are low-maintenance cats that are generally healthy, easy-going, affectionate with owners and social with strangers. Males are significantly larger than females, weighing eleven to fifteen pounds when fully grown. Mature females weigh eight to twelve pounds when they achieve full growth at three to four years of age. American Shorthairs can live fifteen to twenty years, like most felines, and often only requiring only annual vaccinations, veterinary checkups, a quality diet and plenty of tender loving care. These cats have long tails and usually slender bodies.

The American Shorthair is recognized in more than eighty different colors and patterns (except the Siamese pointed pattern)  ranging from the striking brown patched tabby to the glistening blue-eyed white, the beautiful shaded silvers, smokes and cameos to the flashy calico van, and many colors in between. The most well-known American Shorthair color today is the silver tabby, with dense black markings set on a sterling silver background.


In the American Shorthair and other breeds of cats, heart disease can be inherited. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy(HCM) has been confirmed as an autosomal dominant inherited trait.  While there is no cure for HCM, early diagnosis and medication can help significantly prolong an affected cat's life.

Personality of American Shorthair Cat

This breed has no extremes in either conformation or temperament. Apart from their renowned hardiness, American Shorthairs are noted for their good disposition, intelligence and hunting ability. Its placid nature makes it an ideal pet and companion for small children and dogs. This is a very adaptable breed. The American is always one of the top recommendations for todays' busy households.

Registered American Shorthair Cat

The American Shorthair is accepted in many club from Europe and America:

• American Shorthair standard  from CFA
• American Shorthair standard  from TICA
• American Shorthair standard  from AACE 
• American Shorthair standard  from ACFA 
• American Shorthair standard  from CCA

Books about American Shorthair Cat