American Shorthair
Size: 8-10 inches
Weight: 11-15 pounds
Hypoallergenic: No
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Behavior
The affectionate and friendly American Shorthair Cat is able to adapt to the requirements of his family, making him an ideal companion for singles and seniors alike. These cats are not very energetic, but they also are not completely lazy. You can easily train American Shorthairs - they will quickly learn what’s right and wrong. An independent cat, the American Shorthair might continue to do some naughty things behind your back. But, they will listen when told not to jump on counters or scratch the couch. This breed is often opposed to rough handling, so children should be gentle. The American Shorthair cat has the perfect, balanced temperament.
Although American Shorthairs are adept at entertaining themselves, they also enjoy engaging in interactive play, such as "hunting" the lure at the end of a fishing-pole toy, batting at a large peacock feather, or figuring out how to release treats from a puzzle toy. They are intelligent, able to be trained, and willing to learn new things, like how to use a scratching post instead of your couch. American Shorthairs are social cats who also enjoy being around other cats and dogs. However, they are not very talkative; Instead, their expressions convey their requirements. Perhaps their finest quality is: patience, which undoubtedly aids in their hunting success.
This is a social cat that loves being around its family but might not enjoy being snuggled or picked up. Instead, they will crawl onto your lap for a relaxing hangout. This is not a cat that will get in your face or ever demand attention. Instead, the quiet-voiced American Shorthair will hang out when the time seems right. If you are too busy, this cat will find ways to amuse themselves. American shorthair overnight stays are quite easy too when you are off for vacations!
History
The American Shorthair's ancestors arrived in the United States via ship, as did a great number of other immigrants. In the 1500s, European settlers brought "working cats," which were prized for their ability to catch rats, to North America. Before that, there were no domestic cats in America and no native species from which they could evolve. When they got off the ship, they only had one task: eliminate mice and other small vermin from homes, farms, and businesses. They arrived in the New World without a shadow of a doubt on the Mayflower, and it is highly likely that earlier settlers, such as those at Jamestown, also brought cats with them.
The American Shorthair's beauty was unquestionable, despite the fact that the earliest settlers in the United States were drawn to their hunting abilities. A group of cat breeders liked this tough, calm cat at the beginning of the 1900s. They attempted to transform the American Shorthair's image from that of a prized purebred to that of a feral rat catcher. American Shorthair breeders began combining Persian cats with American Shorthairs in the 1950s.
Consequently, American Shorthairs developed distinct features and body types. The cat was huge, with big eyes and a wide, flattened face. The hybrid variants of the American Shorthair were quickly disqualified from cat shows due to the disapproval of early breeders of the breed. The distinctive cat was given the abbreviated name "American Shorthair" in 1965. The cat gained even more respect with this title. The Cat Fanciers' Association honored a silver tabby male as the Best Cat in Show in the same year. The "All American" cat breed received even more respect with this award.
Looks & Health
The American Shorthair can be found in Tuxedo color pattern and tabby pattern with white color. No color is specified, but the American Shorthair cat should have “bright, clear, and alert” eyes. The color of the cat’s eyes is determined by their coat color, which are most often gold or green.
With a wide head and round body, the American Shorthair has remained popular for its working cat appearance and beautiful coat. They are solidly built, with powerful, muscular bodies. Their shoulders, chest, and hindquarters are well-developed, giving them a broad and level appearance. The American Shorthair’s tail is heavy at the base and medium in length with muscular, medium length legs.
The American Shorthair’s coat is short, thick, and dense. Their thick fur helped protect them from moisture and cold in their hunting days. Remember to provide a ton of toys for your American Shorthair - this will allow them to still enjoy a good hunt without damaging the neighborhood’s animal population. The American Shorthair is easy to care for! Their short coat never mats or tangles. Simply brush them once a week to remove excess dead fur. This will cut down on shedding and hairballs. Check your baby’s ears for wax and dirt buildup. Look between their toes for dirt, and clip their claws if they get too long. Brush your cat’s teeth every day to keep them healthy and avoid dental complications.
Food & Nutrition
It is known that the American Shorthair breed of domestic cat gains weight more quickly than other breeds. Hence, note to never give your American Shorthair an excessive amount of food to prevent weight gain. Make sure you give them exactly how much food is listed on the bag's side. Using an automatic feeder is best for spreading meals out over the course of the day. Wheat and corn-based cat food, both of which are high in carbohydrates, should be avoided.
The diet of the American Shorthair cat breed must be balanced. Nevertheless, your American Shorthair will require high-quality fat and protein. They also require amino acids like taurine, which are not found in human or dog food. Additionally, there are a lot of cat specialty diets that are made specifically for certain medical conditions like obesity, kidney disease, or a disorder of the urinary tract. As an ingredient, protein must come first in your cat’s diet. Dry cat food is a popular option because it helps keep teeth and gums healthy. However, because wet food provides cats with more moisture, veterinarians frequently recommend it. Look for cat treats with more moisture than usual. Cats rarely consume water and frequently become dehydrated.
Additionally, wet cat food has advantages. As a cat parent, you can rest assured for the well being of your furry baby when you provide them a diet that is well-balanced. Go on to select a well-known brand of cat food that has been subjected to quality control and has scientific backing.
Ending Note
Adoption of the American Shorthair is wonderful! Give your cat some time to get used to their new environment. Make sure you have the time and resources to properly care for your American Shorthair, just like you would with any other cat you adopt. A veterinarian should be consulted as soon as possible for sick kittens that have dull coats, foul odors, a lot of stains from diarrhea, and other unpleasant symptoms. When ill, kittens' health can rapidly decline. However, with prompt access to quality veterinary care, adopting a sick animal and taking care of it can reap enormous rewards. Remember that parasite control and vaccinations are important aspects of feline health care. On your time away from your furry baby, you can avail our overnight pet care services at Pawnanny.com.
