About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 30-38 cm

Height range  : 20-25cm

Weight range : 4.5-6.8kg

Coat : Shorthair , short , thick , dense , hard-textured , straight , lustrous protective coat.

Life expectancy years : 15-20 (depends on health situation)

Colors: white, black, blue, red, cream, silver, golden, brown, cameo, bluecream, tortoiseshell, tabby, bi-color, tri-color, shaded, calico, smoke.

Activitity Level : Moderate

Origin: USA

Similar Breeds : British Shorthair, American Wirehair, Domestic Shorthair

 

History

Short-haired cats came to North America with early settlers and seafarers to control rodents on ships , farms , and in homes. The breed was shown in early US cat shows , was among the first five breeds recognized by CFA in 1906 , was originally shown as Domestic Shorthair , and was renamed American Shorthair in 1965 after selective breeding developed the modern type.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

Gentle

Personality

easy-going, affectionate, gentle, placid, adaptable, playful, independent, intelligent, loving, calm, devoted, curious, low-maintenance

Needs

Moderate activity , interactive hunting play , weight management , companionship , scratching posts , fresh water , indoor or mixed home life with enrichment.

Social Needs

The breed appreciates human company and interactive play but can also amuse itself and tolerate some time alone. It is usually good with children , other cats , and dogs , and is known as a quiet companion.

Grooming 

The short coat is easy to care for and usually needs only weekly combing or brushing though some sources recommend more frequent brushing during seasonal shedding. Nails , ears , and teeth should be maintained regularly. Baths are usually unnecessary unless needed.

Nutrition

Fresh clean water should be available daily. Nutrition should support weight control because this breed can gain weight easily. Several sources mention consistent feeding , avoiding excess calories , and using balanced cat food with attention to urinary and dental health.

 

Breed Standard

The breed standard calls for a medium to large true working cat that is strongly built , balanced , symmetrical , and powerful with endurance and agility. It has a large full-cheeked head , strong jaws , muscular body , medium-long tail , and a short thick dense coat. Females are generally less massive than males.

Did you know?

The American Shorthair was originally shown as the Domestic Shorthair and renamed in the early 1960s. It is one of the first five breeds recognized by CFA and is famous for its working-cat history controlling rodents on ships and in homes.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Obesity , Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy , Dental disease , Feline lower urinary tract disease , Diabetes mellitus

 

Symtoms

1. Loss of waistline , fat pad , ribs hard to feel 2. Reduced activity , less jumping 3. Difficulty grooming , matted or flaky coat

1. Often no early signs 2. Lethargy , rapid breathing , panting , open-mouth breathing 3. Decreased appetite , sudden hind limb pain or paralysis from saddle thrombus

1. Halitosis 2. Red , swollen , bleeding gums 3. Tartar , drooling , dropping food , chewing on one side , reluctance to eat hard food

1. Straining to urinate with little output 2. Frequent litter box trips , inappropriate urination 3. Pain , blood in urine , possible blockage emergency

1. Increased thirst and urination 2. Increased appetite with weight loss 3. Lethargy , weakness , dull coat , plantigrade stance

Onset of symptoms

 

Obesity

1. Can begin at 1 to 2 years after spay or neuter 2. Often becomes more obvious at 4 to 8 years

Probability Of Onset:

 Very high, this is the most common preventable condition in the breed

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

1. Can be diagnosed at 1 to 2 years 2. Clinical signs often appear at 5 to 10+ years

Probability Of Onset:

Low to moderate, CFA indicates it largely disappeared from the breed with preventive testing and selective breeding while external text notes some lines may carry a mutation

Dental disease

1. Mild gingivitis may start around 1 year 2. By age 3 many cats have some disease 3. Cornell notes many cats older than 4 years are affected

Probability Of Onset:

Very high, 50 to 90 percent of cats older than four years have some dental disease

Feline lower urinary tract disease

1. Often occurs at 2 to 6 years 2. Can occur at any age

Probability Of Onset:

Moderate. Risk may be higher in overweight indoor male cats and with dry-food-only patterns

Diabetes mellitus

1. Typically middle-aged to older cats 2. Often 8+ years especially with obesity

Probability Of Onset:

Moderate to high with obesity, about 1/100 to 1/500 cats may be diagnosed during life

Reasons

Obesity       

1. The text indicates this is caused by excess calories and insufficient activity rather than deficiency

2. Caloric control is the main missing factor in daily life

 

Obesity       

1. The text indicates this is caused by excess calories and insufficient activity rather than deficiency

2. Caloric control is the main missing factor in daily life

 

Dental disease:

1. Plaque and oral bacteria are the main cause

2. Mechanical abrasion and tartar-control additives may be lacking in some routines

Dental disease:

1. Plaque and oral bacteria are the main cause

2. Mechanical abrasion and tartar-control additives may be lacking in some routines

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

caused by genetic disorder. Also, taurine deficiency is linked to a different cardiomyopathy

Feline lower urinary tract disease

Water intake may be lacking and concentrated urine may increase risk

Diabetes mellitus

this is metabolic dysfunction tied to excess calories and carbohydrates rather than a simple deficiency

Normally Treament Methods

Obesity:

  1.  Dietary management with precise calorie control may be the cornerstone
  2.  Portion control , scheduled meals , and increased play and enrichment may be used

 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy deficiency :

  1.  Echocardiography may be used for diagnosis
  2.  Medications may be used to relax the heart muscle , manage lung fluid , and reduce clot risk
  3. The text indicates there is no cure but management may help for years

 

Dental disease

  1. Daily tooth brushing may help prevent disease
  2.  Professional dental cleaning under anesthesia may be needed
  3.  Extractions may be needed for severe periodontitis

 

Feline lower urinary tract disease:

  1. Increasing water intake and canned food may help
  2.  Pain relief , prescription urinary diets , and stress reduction may be used
  3.  Urethral blockage is not recommended to manage at home and may require emergency catheter care

 

Diabetes mellitus:

  1.  Insulin and dietary therapy may be used
  2.  Low-carbohydrate diet , weight management , and blood glucose monitoring may help
  3.  Some cats may enter remission with early management. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Obesity :

  •  L-carnitine can,might be helpful for fat metabolism and lean mass support.
  •  Omega-3 fatty acids EPA,DHA can,might be helpful for joints stressed by excess weight
recommend product

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

  •  Taurine and L-carnitine can,might be helpful for heart muscle metabolism if a veterinarian recommends them.
  •  Coenzyme Q10 can,might be helpful for cellular energy support.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids EPA,DHA can,might be helpful for inflammation or arrhythmia support
recommend product

Dental disease

  • Seaweed extract Ascophyllum nodosum can,might be helpful for plaque and tartar support.
  • Water additives can,might be helpful for plaque control. 3. VOHC-accepted dental treats can,might be helpful for plaque and tartar control
recommend product

Feline lower urinary tract disease

  •  Glucosamine and chondroitin can,might be helpful for supporting the bladder lining.
  •  L-theanine , tryptophan , or milk protein derivatives can,might be helpful when stress support is needed
recommend product

Diabetes mellitus

  • Chromium can,might be helpful for insulin sensitivity support. 
  • B-vitamins especially methyl-B12 can,might be helpful for nerve support
recommend product