Although she loves attention from her people, including children, the American Shorthair does not like being carried and is fairly independent. She may curl up in your lap on occasion, but she may prefer to sit alongside you instead.
American Shorthair Characteristics
The strikingly beautiful American shorthair cat is often silver with black tabby markings. Their round faces give them a charming appearance that accurately describes their personalities. But don’t let that fool you—these are playful, inquisitive cats that enjoy exploring or batting around a crinkle ball or catnip mouse. American shorthairs are descended from hardworking micers.
These cats are known for their easygoing, amiable personalities. They don’t require constant care, but they get along well in homes with kids, other cats, or dogs who get along with cats. When they’re not spending time cuddling or interacting with you, your American shorthair can amuse themselves with toys, gaze out the window, climb up and down a cat tree, or enjoy a good catnap.
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | High |
| Kid-Friendly | High |
| Pet-Friendly | High |
| Exercise Needs | Medium |
| Playfulness | Medium |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Intelligence | Medium |
| Tendency to Vocalize | Medium |
| Amount of Shedding | Medium |
History of the American Shorthair
European settlers to North America brought a lot with them, including the ancestors of what we now refer to as the American shorthair. This breed’s European forebears snagged a trip to the New World thanks to their affinity for hunting and catching rodents—a quality that was as prized on rat- and mice-laden shipping vessels as it was in the homes and barns of the country’s newest residents. It is believed that the ancestors of the American shorthair came over on the Mayflower, and that they may have made the trip even earlier than that.
Once in America, these cats began to multiply, over time developing the traits that distinguish them as a unique breed. Due to their prized personality, American shorthairs were (and continue to be) selectively bred in an effort to maintain and propagate their many likable qualities. Many of their physical traits can be traced to their early days in the country, including a dense coat that was ideal for withstanding cold winters while working and hunting outdoors, a moderately large size, and a muscular body.
The breed was dubbed American shorthair in 1966 to set it apart from the domestic shorthair, which is bred at random and lacks these particular features. The Cat Fanciers’ Association lists the American shorthair as one of the top 10 most popular pedigreed cat breeds.
American Shorthair Care
The American shorthair cat is easy to care for. The breed isn’t very high-maintenance in terms of exercise and grooming needs, but they do need your time and attention because they want to feel loved and included in the family.
FAQ
Do American Shorthairs like to cuddle?
Are American Shorthair cats clingy?
What do American Shorthair cats like to do?
Are Shorthair cats cuddly?