American Shorthair Cat Breed

The oldest recognized American breed, the American Shorthairs are the descendants of the original breed of cats which was taken to North America by early English settlers. When the Cat Fancy started, most of the cats were unknown ancestry, and so it is difficult to trace any particular lines. Over the years, other imports followed and mating with the resident cats produced the variety which came to be known as the Domestic Shorthair, now called the American Shorthair. There are many outstanding examples of all colors, and they are frequent winners in Cat Fancy shows.

The American Shorthair is a very muscular cat with a large, full-cheeked head; the medium-sized ears have slightly rounded tips, and the round, wide-open eyes have a slight slant. The medium to large body is powerfully built with a well-developed chest; the legs are medium length on firm, rounded paws. The coat is not as plush as that of its British relative. In fact, it is hard and dense, making this cat as well equipped as the Maine Coon to withstand hard winters. It may vary throughout the year, becoming thicker and heavier in winter.

These cats require very little grooming, just brushing once a week to remove loose hair. They are true feline athletes, with their muscular bodies clearly outlined beneath the short fur.

While the temperament vary from one individual to another, these cats are healthy and playful and remain so until a fairly advanced age. The life expectancy is 14 years. Relaxed and friendly with people, they make ideal pets for a lively household with children. Althrough they are not usually demanding or destructive, most of them need space and large scratching posts. They get along with other cats and pets.

Fur Colors and Patterns

BLACK, ODD-EYED WHITE, BLACK SMOKE, RED CLASSIC TABBY, BROWN CLASSIC TABBY, BROWN PATCHED TABBY, RED AND WHITE VAN TABBY, CREAM MACKAREL TABBY, BLUE MACKAREL TABBY, BLUE-CREAM, DILUTE CALICO, CREAM CLASSIC TABBY, SILVER CLASSIC TABBY, CHOCOLATE SHADED, SHADED SILVER

The American Shorthair's coat comes in more than 30 colors and patterns. There are the self-colors which are black, white, red and cream, the last two being comparatively rare; and there arevthe tabbies, both classic and mackerel, which can be silver, red, brown, blue and cream. Other varieties are much-admired Calico (Tortoiseshell and White) and the Tortoiseshell, the Blue-Cream, with a patched rather than brindled coat, the Chinchilla, Shaded Silver, Smoke, Blue, and the still rare Cameos. The eye color varies according to the coat color, and should be copper or deep orange in all cases, except in the Chinchilla and Shaded Silver which should have green or blue-green eyes. The Silver Tabby should have green or hazel eyes. The eyes of the White, as with all white pedigree cats, whether long- or short-coated, may be deep blue, brilliant gold, or odd-eyed, having one eye of each color.

American Shorthair Breeders Silver Shorthairs (USA) www.silvershorthairs.com

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