Cat breeds / American Shorthair
Photo: odin_aka_zero-one · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Cat breed
American Shorthair
The American Shorthair is an easygoing, adaptable cat that usually settles into a household without much fuss. Most are calm and sociable without being clingy, comfortable with visitors, and tolerant of children who are gentle with them. They tend to get along well with other cats and dogs, especially when introduced slowly.
Day to day, they need a steady routine of meals, fresh water, a clean litter box, and regular play sessions with wand toys or puzzle feeders to keep them active. They are generally hardy and low-maintenance, but they still benefit from scratching posts, a bit of daily attention, and a watchful eye on their weight.
Good for: Families, first-time owners, and quieter homes
| Size | small |
| Exercise | about 20 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | North America |
Plan for daily play and portion control, since this breed can gain weight easily if it becomes less active.
Living with a American Shorthair
Exercise
Aim for about 15 to 20 minutes of interactive play a day, split into short sessions. Wand toys and food puzzles work well for this breed.
Grooming
The short, dense coat needs a weekly brushing to limit loose hair and hairballs. Bathing is rarely necessary.
Health
American Shorthairs are generally healthy, but they can be prone to obesity and some heart conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Ask your vet about routine checkups and screening.
- Obesity
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Dental disease
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a American Shorthair
Weather
Watch above 80°F, stop at 90°F
Coat or short walks below 45°F. Indoor cats are fine year-round; for an outdoor cat, bring them in below about 45°F and give shade and water above 85°F.
Right now
Latest cat food recalls
Winfield's CWB Chocolate Bar, packed in clear cello bag with fabric bow on top. Manufactured by CBSL Commissary (DBA Winfield's Chocolate Bar) 9127 Stella Link Rd Houston Texas. Multiple product shapes/sizes: 1) Cat, Net wt. 8oz (226.8g), UPC: 00810079833030, Unit size 5 x 3 1/2 x 2. 2) Teddy Bear, Net wt. 8oz (226.8g), UPC: 00810079833405, Unit size 5 1/2 x 2 1/2 x 2. 3) Easter Bunny, Net wt. 16o
Chocolate Bar Holdings LLC · Apr 27 · Undeclared milk allergen.
Black Coffee Canned Beverage packaged under the following brands and sizes: 1. 41 & Change Coffee Co A Finca / Nicaragua Cold Coffee, 12 oz. UPC 1 97644-95863 4. 2. Alchemy Roast Elixir or Life (Gutemala/Huehuetenango Blend) 12 oz. UPC 8 10149-37056 4. 3. Amavida Coffe Roasters Guatemala Manos Campesinas, 12 oz. UPC 8 10149-37046 5. 4. Appalachia Coffee Nitro Cold Coffee Kentucky Black Gold, 12 oz
Snapchill, LLC · Jun 17 · Potential under-processing.
Fat Cat Purry-Purry Sauce, Net Weight: 5 oz (141g)
United Natural Foods, Inc. · May 25 · Undeclared allergen: Peanuts
Questions owners ask
How much do American Shorthairs shed?
They shed a moderate amount year-round, with heavier seasonal shedding. A weekly brushing keeps loose hair under control.
Do American Shorthairs do well in apartments?
Yes, they adapt well to apartments as long as they get daily play, vertical space, and scratching options. They are not especially demanding.
Are American Shorthairs noisy?
They are generally quiet cats and do not vocalize excessively. Most only meow to communicate needs like food or attention.
Good picks for a American Shorthair
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in the USA