American Shorthair Breeder Directory

More Breed Information

The American Shorthair, our native shorthair breed, is one of the most adaptable breeds for any type of household; for a single person living alone, the American is an excellent companion; for a senior citizen the American is a calm, devoted pet; for a family with children, the good natured, playful American, known to be excellent with children, fits right in; for a busy household, the non-demanding American keeps itself entertained, ready for the time they have for relaxation. Apartment living suits them as well as a house. One of the natural breeds, the American Shorthair is a medium size cat, muscular with a firm, well-balanced body. They have easy care short, lustrous coat in a range of colors and patterns.

Temperament

Americans are good-natured, easy-going cats, popular with families, as they are known to be very tolerant of children. They can be calm but are also playful even into old age. Female cats tend to be busier than the males; males are more easygoing. In general they are intelligent cats and quite interested in everything around them. Many Americans retain their hunting instincts with any insects that should venture into the house. They also like to watch birds and other activity from a windowsill. They enjoy the company of their people but retain their independence. Many are lap cats, while some prefer just to be nearby.

Health

Americans do not really mature until they are around three or four years old. The features of the breed are then at their best. A life span of between 15 to 20 years is not unusual, because typically they are very healthy.