House Cats Central  

Complete Domestic House Cat Encyclopedia

 House Cats Central was created for the domestic house cat owner

American Shorthair Cat Breed

Originally known as the Domestic Shorthair, the breed was renamed "American Shorthair" in 1966 to better represent its "All American" character and to differentiate it from any other shorthaired breed. The name "American Shorthair" also reinforces the idea that our native North American shorthaired cat is distinctly different from what may be found in streets, neighborhoods and barnyards. The American Shorthair has made steady progress in the show ring. There have been dozens of American Shorthairs achieving recognition at the national level, including two CFA "Cats of the Year" and one CFA "Kitten of the Year." American Shorthairs are often selected as "Best Cat in Show."

American Shorthair domestic cats are low-maintenance cats. These beautiful cats are not only lovely to look at, but healthy, easy-going and affectionate. 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, requiring only annual vaccinations, veterinary checkups, a quality diet and plenty of tender loving care. The American Shorthair is recognized in more than eighty different colors and patterns.