American Shorthair Cat – Character and Care

Have you ever wondered why the American Shorthair cat is so popular?
Many cat lovers are looking for a breed that is not only pretty, but also easy to care for and healthy.

The American Shorthair cat, known for its thick coat and robust nature, meets all of these criteria.
In this blog you will learn everything about the character, care and special features of the American Shorthair cat, from its history to tips for proper nutrition and care.

History of the American Shorthair Cat

The American Shorthair cat has a fascinating history that dates back to the first English settlers who brought cats on their ships to protect their supplies from rodents. In the new world, these cats had to adapt to different living conditions, resulting in a robust and hardy breed.

Over the years, the American Shorthair cat evolved and became valued for its excellent hunting skills. Here are some interesting points:

• Above-average hunting instinct : Originally kept for hunting rats and mice.
• Adaptability : It constantly evolved to cope with new environments.
• Popularity : Their skills and pleasant nature quickly made them a popular choice for pet owners.

In 1966, the breed was officially given the name "American Shorthair" to emphasize its American roots and to distinguish it from other short-haired breeds. This was an important step in establishing the breed in breeding and cat shows. Its popularity has remained unbroken to this day, making it one of the most popular cat breeds in the world.

Appearance and characteristics of the American Shorthair cat

The American Shorthair cat is characterized by its athletic and muscular build , which makes it instantly recognizable. It is medium-sized, although the males are often a little stronger than the females. Its medium-length legs and medium-length tail , which tapers slightly, give it a balanced and powerful appearance. The breed is known for its great adaptability and robustness, which makes it an ideal pet for many families.

In terms of coat color, the American Shorthair cat offers an impressive variety, ranging from solid colors to multi-colored patterns. Particularly popular are the pretty spots of the tabby pattern, which come in various shades such as silver, brown and red. Their short, dense coat is not only beautiful to look at, but also offers protection from various weather conditions, making them easier to care for. These features make the American Shorthair cat a both pretty and practical choice for cat lovers.

Character and Behavior of the American Shorthair Cat

The American Shorthair cat is characterized by a particularly gentle nature . It is known for its calm and serene nature, which makes it an ideal pet for families. Despite its calm nature, it has a playful side that is particularly evident when it is busy with its favorite toys or exploring its surroundings.

Their behavior also shows great adaptability and intelligence. American Shorthair cats are known for learning quickly and enjoying interacting with their humans. They are:

• sociable and get along well with other pets and children
• intelligent , which means they learn quickly and can adapt well to new situations
• independent , which allows them to be alone sometimes without becoming destructive

Health and Life Expectancy of the American Shorthair Cat

The American Shorthair cat is known for its hardiness and good health , making it a popular choice for cat lovers. Its average life expectancy is between 12 and 15 years , but this depends greatly on care, diet and regular vet visits. It is important to have your cat regularly checked to ensure that it stays healthy.

Despite their generally good health, there are some diseases that can be more common in the American Shorthair cat. These include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy , a heart disease that thickens the heart muscle. It is important to pay attention to the early signs of this disease, such as:

• breathing difficulties
• Reduced activity
• Rapid fatigue

To promote the health of your American Shorthair cat, make sure that he maintains a healthy weight . Being overweight can lead to other health problems such as diabetes and joint problems. A balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial to keeping your cat fit and healthy.

Nutritional Tips for the American Shorthair Cat

Proper nutrition is crucial for the health of your American Shorthair cat. High-quality cat food that is rich in protein will help build muscle and keep your cat's coat shiny. Make sure the food contains all the necessary nutrients to keep your cat fit and active.

It is also important to keep an eye on portion sizes to avoid becoming overweight. Here are a few tips:

• Feed your cat regularly at the same time to encourage regular eating habits.
• Avoid giving your cat too many treats, as they can often contain a lot of sugar and fat.
• Always provide fresh water to ensure good hydration.

Care tips for the American Shorthair cat

Grooming the American Shorthair cat is not particularly complicated, but it does require regular attention. A weekly brushing is usually sufficient to remove loose hair and dirt. During the shedding seasons in spring and autumn, you should intensify this routine a little to prevent hairballs. An occasional bath can also be useful, especially if your cat has access to the outdoors. Always use a mild shampoo suitable for cats.

In addition to coat care, other care aspects are also important for the well-being of your American Shorthair:

* regular checking and cleaning of the ears to avoid infections,
* Checking the claws and, if necessary, gently trimming them,

* Dental check-ups and, if necessary, tooth brushing to prevent dental problems.
These simple steps will help keep your cat healthy and happy.

How to Buy an American Shorthair Cat

If you are planning to purchase an American Shorthair cat, it is important that you choose a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder will not only ensure the health of the cats, but will also provide important information about the breed and the specific cat. The cost of an American Shorthair cat can range from 600 to 1,100 euros, depending on the breeder and pedigree.

There are a few important points you should consider when buying an American Shorthair cat:

• Make sure the breeder is a member of a recognized cat breeding association.
• Check that the cats are well socialized and healthy.
• Make sure the cat is microchipped and vaccinated before you take it home.

Keep your home clean with Flappie

Flappie offers an innovative solution for cat owners who want to keep their home clean. The smart cat flap prevents your American Shorthair cat from bringing prey such as mice or birds into the house. This is especially important because this breed has a strong hunting instinct and loves to hunt.

The advantages of Flappie are clear and varied:

• Selective access control prevents cats from entering with prey.
• Prey detection by camera with AI technology.
• An app that allows you to control the cat flap and informs you about your cat's behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old do American Shorthairs get?

The average life expectancy of the American Shorthair cat is between 12 and 15 years. However, this depends largely on care, nutrition and regular veterinary visits.

How much does an American Shorthair cat cost?

The cost of an American Shorthair cat can range between 600 and 1,100 euros, depending on the breeder and pedigree.