American Shorthair

Health

Health is a very strong trait in American Shorthair cats. They are hardy cats that rarely get sick. They have few genetic problems, requiring only basic care to keep them healthy. This set of genes that are currently present in the American Shorthair help keep the breed healthy and vital. Despite this, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was observed with some frequency in the breed. It is a common problem in cats and usually affects them when they are older. This disease has no cure, but treatments can be performed to improve the kitten's quality of life. The most common symptoms of this disease are lack of appetite, reluctance to move, fainting, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat and lack of motor activity in the hind legs. The diagnosis is made with a combination of clinical symptoms and an echocardiogram.

Curiosities

The American Shorthair was the 7th most popular breed in the United States in 2012, according to the Cat Fancier’s Association. In 1966, the breed's name was Domestic Shorthair, to express how quiet they were. The change was made to represent its origin and to differentiate it from other domestic cats that also had short fur.

Intelligence

Because their ancestors were used to hunt mice on ships and in barns when Europeans arrived in America, American Shorthair cats are very active and curious. Although they no longer need to hunt, the hunter instinct they have inherited makes them still like to explore the place where they are and therefore it is highly recommended that they have access to toys to deposit such energy. They are considered very intelligent and patient cats, and can get along well with children and other domestic cats - the sooner you can get them used to other pets, the better. Because of their high energy, it is possible to teach American Shorthair cats tricks. They learn commands related mainly to toys quite easily, but other games can also be taught quite easily.

Temperament

They are very active cats, who love to run and jump. They like high places and play. One of the characteristics most mentioned by the owners of the American Shorthair cat is its affection. This is considered a docile cat breed, which clings to the family and gets along very well with children.

Lifetime

The American Shorthair cat's long lifespan is also an important characteristic of the breed. Because of their iron health, they usually live for a long time. Generally, the life expectancy of the breed is around 15 to 20 years. However, you need to pay attention to the risk of heart problems.