Description
Size: 10-15lbs
The American Shorthair is a medium-sized cat. It has thick boning and a lot of muscle. The American Shorthair cat is strong. This cat should have well-developed features overall. It has an expanded chest, a muscular neck, powerful jaws, and a well-proportioned muzzle. Their legs are powerful and thick. She looks fat and rounded, which alerts you to the fact that it will weigh a lot when you pick her up. Males are usually larger than females.
The American Shorthair has a dense, thick coat. During the winter, its coat elongates and thickens considerably. Its coat is rather rough in texture. White, cream, black, red, blue, silver, golden, and cameo are some of the colors found in American shorthair. Depending on fur color, eyes can be any of the following: green, copper, blue, hazel, gold, or odd-eyed.
Behavior
Activity Level: Moderate
Social needs: Social, like the company of humans
An American Shorthair cat is a great choice if you want a cat that will follow you and assist you in all of your activities. They adore their families and get along well with other animals. American Shorthairs are social, readily trained, and adapt well to other animals and kids; they are recognized for their adaptive temperaments and low voices. They typically dislike being lifted.
They have a balanced demeanor that is peaceful but not unresponsive. The American Shorthair is a reasonably energetic cat who likes playing just as much as the other cats, but it isn’t excessively clingy.
Origin/History
When immigrants traveled from Europe to North America, they brought cats with them to keep the supplies free of mice—for example, the cats who traveled with the Colonists on the Mayflower to kill rats on board and in the settlement. A large number of these cats moved to the New World, interbred with local cats, and acquired unique traits that helped them adapt to their new environment and way of life. To breed these cats in a way that would enhance their best traits, a selective breeding program was started at the beginning of the 20th century.
Care as a Pet
When in the mood, the American Shorthair loves to play and will do so gladly. This breed enjoys interacting with their owners, but they also possess the independence to amuse themselves, so separation anxiety is typically not a problem. An American Shorthair will benefit from adequate exercise if interactive toys are left around the house and dedicated one-on-one playtime is scheduled. Having a feline companion is another method to keep your American Shorthair active because this breed gets along well with other cats.
Nutrition and Diet
American Shorthairs are strong cats who require strict nutritional supervision to prevent obesity, a condition to which this breed is predisposed. While they have a propensity for living a long life and can live up to 20 years in good health, this depends on a high-quality diet that supplies enough energy for their muscular build without causing them to gain too much weight. Consult your veterinarian about appropriate feeding recommendations if you have questions about how to feed your American Shorthair or if your American Shorthair is overweight.
Your cat should eat a diet that is moderate in fat, low in carbohydrates, and high in protein as a general rule. You can choose to feed your cat only kibble, only wet food, or a combination of the two. Just keep in mind that most cats, like most people, prefer some variation in their diets.
Grooming needs
The coat of the American Shorthair may be easily maintained by brushing or combing it a few times a week to get rid of dead hair and spread skin oils.
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