The American Shorthair- The Colonial Mouser

The American Shorthair Cat Breed in Brief:

Origin: United States

Weight: 9-12 pounds

Average Litter Size: 4-6

Grooming Needs: Low

Life Expectancy: 15+ years

Good With Kids: Yes

Good With Other Animals: Yes

Known as “America’s Cat,” the American Shorthair is a cat which developed from European stock that was brought over from England by the early colonists. In fact, records indicate that, when the Mayflower made her famous trip across the seas, there were several cats that made the trip to the new world with her. One of the most popular breeds of cat in the world, the American Shorthair is a beautiful feline with personality plus.

The History of the American Shorthair

According to records, the famous ship, the “Mayflower,” carried several European cats with her, when she first journeyed to the new world. Not the pampered pets that we know and love today, these were hardy working animals who had been used for centuries, to rid European farms and homes of mice, rats and other vermin. These early colonial cats also had to be hardy enough to survive the harsh winters in America and so, through a process of natural selection, the American cats became stronger, more robust, and better able to survive the hardships that they were faced with. At this time, little concern was given to how these cats looked - they served their purpose and were respected for their ability to do so.

As life grew easier for those who were busy settling America, people began to look upon the cat as a pet, as well as a capable mouse-catcher. These hardy little cats would be one of the first breeds accepted into the newly-created American cat fancy of the late 1800’s and, in 1896, it is said that there was one brown tabby of the American Shorthair breed, who was offered for sale at the Second Annual Cat Show at Madison Square Garden. The price tag on this beautiful feline was $2,500.00 - an unheard of amount at the time and still considered a great deal of money, centuries later.

As more people journeyed to the new world, they brought with them various breeds of cats from far-off and exotic lands. Interbreeding with the native shorthair cats, kittens would be produced of various coat lengths, temperaments, body styles and colors. It was quickly made apparent that, if they were to preserve this beautiful breed of colonial cat, that the cat fanciers would have to hurry. The first American Shorthair would be registered in 1904; named Buster Brown, this beautiful cat was first listed simply as the “Shorthair,” though the breed would later be renamed to the “Domestic Shorthair.” In an effort to preserve the breed, cat fanciers gathered up what they felt to be the best examples of the breed and began to selectively breed them to produce the desired colors, temperament, body type and coat of the American Shorthair which we know and love today. The Cat Fancier’s Association, otherwise known as the CFA, recognizes the American Shorthair as one of its first five registered breeds of cat.

It was still a battle for this beautiful breed of cat, however. With the arrival of new and more exotic breeds, the Shorthaired breed was often ignored, if not treated with outright contempt at the cat shows. Far too often, they not only failed to win against their foreign competitors but, in many cases, they were not supplied with their own cages at the shows, nor were they awarded trophies or rosettes. It wasn’t until the 1940’s that the breed began to gain any kind of recognition or respect.

And then, during the late 1950’s, many breeders of the Domestic Shorthair began to secretly cross-breed Persians into their line, hoping to improve body type in the cats, and also in the hopes of creating a cat that had the Persian’s beautiful silver coat. True breeders of the Domestic Shorthair were in a panic - the hybrid cats did better in the show ring and the body type of the Domestic Shorthair became thicker and more cobbier, like that of a Persian. The breed standard was changed, revised to state that any cat showing any evidence of hybridization was to be disqualified. For some reason, however, they did allow the cats with the beautiful silver coloring to remain with the breed.

In 1965, the Domestic Shorthair was renamed the American Shorthair in order to differentiate it from other shorthaired breeds, as well as stressing the fact that the American Shorthaired Cat is a different animal than the mixed-breed offspring that can be found in the barns and roaming the streets of modern America.

The American Shorthair Appearance

The American Shorthair, often known as ASH, is a muscular and well-built little cat. Often referred to as “robust,” he is a semi-cobby little breed, with rounded and polished edges but a very square and compact body type. The head is fairly round and wide on this breed, dominated by vivid and large eyes that vary with the cat’s coat color. A term that best-describes this fascinating feline is balanced - he is well balanced and well-adapted to his various lifestyles throughout the United States and other parts of the world.

The American Shorthair comes in a wide variety of colors and can be found in numerous coat patterns: smoke, shaded, solid, tabby, parti-color and bicolor. Perhaps the most popular and most striking shade of the American Shorthair would be the classic silver tabby. Possessing strikingly beautiful black markings against a background of clear, pure silver, it is a sight that can only be seen to be appreciated. In fact, it is said that over one third of all American Shorthairs in the world come in this beautiful color.

The American Shorthair Temperament

These beautiful shorthaired cats are known for their wonderful temperaments. A good all-around family cat, they usually get along with children, as well as with other cats and animals (though you may have to watch scrapping in same-sex cats, designed to establish dominance). Quick to enjoy a scratch and content to lay upon your lap for hours, purring away, they are very personable and friendly little individuals.

Surprisingly, however, the American Shorthair is not a cat to be pampered or babied. Perfectly content to amuse himself when you’re busy, they enjoy the company of their human companions but do not demand it, like many other breeds might do. Instead, the American Shorthair prefers to stay close enough so that he can watch you and become involved if he needs to, but he won’t bet underfoot unless it’s dinner time for him. In this case, all bets are off and he’ll happily wind around your legs in an effort to make you move faster.

American Shorthair Grooming Requirements

Due to the short, no-nonsense coat of this breed, the American Shorthair cat doesn’t require much brushing to keep him looking beautiful. Nevertheless, it‘s still a good idea to spend time with your feline friend and give him a brushing at least once a week; not only will this help to put a real gleam on his coat, but it also provides you with some quality hands-on time with your cat and helps you to take note of various problems that may occur with your cat. Your cat will enjoy the time, if done properly, and will look forward to his weekly grooming session.

Grooming your American Shorthair is very easy. First, you will always want to check the nails and clip them as necessary. The ears of your feline friend should also be cleaned with a cotton swab, but just as if you were cleaning human ears, be sure to only clean the outside and never stick anything down into the ear canal. A buildup of dark matter in the ears or a foul odor can be signs of a serious problem - regular cleaning will allow you to nip any potential problems in the bud.

Using a solid rubber curry, lay the brush in the palm of your hand with the curved side facing out. Then, using a gentle stroking motion, brush your Shorthair as if you were petting him, using long sweeping strokes. Always be sure to go with the grain of the hair and you will find this an excellent method of removing dead hair and dander from your cat’s coat. Your hands or a natural chamois cloth are excellent for smoothing away the last of those dead hairs and adding a brilliant shine to kitty’s coat.

American Shorthair Health Concerns

The ASH is generally a very robust and healthy breed of cat though some lines have been known to suffer a couple of genetic problems. Possibly developed from the other breeds that were at one time crossed with the American Shorthair, breeders continue to attempt to weed them out and breed the strongest and most genetically-sound lines possible. Problems that can effect the American Shorthair include:

• Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
• Hip dysplasia

Is the American Shorthair the Right Breed For You?

If you’re looking for an all-around, all-American cat, the American Shorthair may be just the cat you had in mind. Low maintenance, personable and well-known for his compatibility with children and other household pets, he is a delight to know and a wonderful companion. Few people who meet this wonderful little feline have any complaints about him.

Shawna L. Krautheim

2007