American Shorthairs have an incredibly affectionate and caring personality. These breeds, who enjoy spending time with their families, also love to be cuddled. They possess both a calm and gentle nature and a curious disposition.
History of the American Shorthair
The shorthaired cat native to the United States is thought to be the American Shorthair. But the cats from which this breed was descended were most likely from Europe. Before the time of Columbus, cats that matched the description of the American Shorthair were most likely not native to the United States.
Approximately in 1904, the American Shorthair breed’s first breeding records were made. This breed, formerly known as the Domestic Shorthair, had the British Shorthair as one of its parents.
The American Shorthair was a working cat whose purpose was to manage the rodent population. This cat was bred to be robust, healthy, and hardy because it was designed to be used for work. The majority of them were outside dwellers, so having a thick coat helped keep the cold out and the cat warm.
Color patterns of the American Shorthair cat
While American Shorthairs are known to have 80 different coat patterns, the solid, tortoiseshell, and calico colors are the most popular.
The American Shorthair is a mellow, yet sociable breed. They have strong hunting instincts because they were bred from working cats whose duties included controlling rodents in agricultural settings and aboard ships. Although American Shorthairs are independent, they get along well with people. They are frequently found encamped on the laps of their idols. They’re moderately affectionate and not overly needy for attention. Being a laid-back breed, they get along well with kids, the elderly, and other animals, especially when they are first brought as kittens.
Plays well with others?
The American Shorthair breed is amiable, energetic, and tolerant of other animals as well as people, including small children and the elderly. Despite being a calm and relaxed breed, this one likes to play because of its “working cat” heritage.
Being a playful breed, American Shorthairs need moderate exercise to be happy and healthy. American shorthair kittens are lively and joyful creatures that maintain their playful nature well into old age. Play with toys to capitalize on their chasing instinct; you can even teach them how to fetch!
Originating from working cats, the modern American Shorthair can be independent and affectionate with their guardians, though not excessively so. Enrichment that promotes engagement is necessary to keep kittens entertained and to maintain the health of their brains as they get older. Hunting activities (i. e. giving these kittens prey-like toys) enables adult cats to exhibit predatory instincts and abilities, such as locating “prey” objects and determining how to catch them; wand toys with prey-like lures and puzzle feeders are ideal for this.
There are few genetic defects and no known genetically predisposed behavioral issues that are common in this breed because of its relatively large gene pool.
FAQ
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