American Shorthair Cat Behavior, Facts and Health Care Problem

History
Recognized before the nineteen sixties as the Domestic Shorthair, this breed of cat has vastly become a favorite among families as well as a beloved show quality feline. Now classified in the Championship Class of the Cat Fancier’s Association, the pedigreed American Shorthair is still quite frequently mistaken as an average cat with an esteemed title. However, make no mistake, this breed is in fact a pedigree and is held to specific association standards.

Appearance
Being a direct descendant of the European Shorthair, the appearance and characteristics of these cats have developed over the years in order to adapt to their arrival in the United States. Prominent features different from their ancestors include, a heavier more rugged coat to protect against the harsh, frigid winters in America.

In addition, their bodies are quite large and powerful, weighing in at around eight to fifteen pounds. The American Shorthair’s body is an excellent display of muscular definition. Their heads are substantially rounded with the Shorthair’s face being wide, which in turn creates its more prominent cheeks. The eyes of a Shorthair are opulent often displaying a keen sense of alertness. The tail of an American Shorthair is uniquely different from other breeds in that it is much shorter than its body length and is predominantly thicker at the base than at the tip.

American Shorthair Cat Behavior and Characteristics
Along with the Shorthairs endearing features, it is its disposition of a mild mannered, quiet cat that rates it a plus for any family looking for a loveable cat. Shorthairs are tolerant of children and other pets making them the perfect candidate for apartment, house or condominium living. These cavalier felines are content to snuggle the day away enjoying a restful cat nap, but rest assured, this breed is known for earning its keep as their size and speed make them a formidable hunter of mice and other small rodents.

As with any other breed of cat, the American Shorthair has a variety of colors and patterns to fit anyone’s cat fancy. The traditional tabbies are the most common Shorthair patterns, with self, tortoise, smoke, and bi-color patterns also becoming widely popular. After winning the nineteen sixty five United States Cat of the Year Award, the elegant silver tabby became one of the most sought after American Shorthairs. More recently, the Calico or white and tortoiseshell patterns have moved up in demand as well.

American Shorthair Cat Health Problems
The American Shorthair is a healthy breed of cat. This is a result of the specific standards set forth regarding the approval for registration as a pedigree American Shorthair. No longer were unpedigreed cats resembling the Shorthair allowed to register based on appearance. This ensured a pure, healthy breed, without any of the health related conditions and flaws created by inbreeding.

As with any breed of feline: the larger the appetite, the bigger the body, the more risk of weight complications. As this breed tends to be a little on the couch potato side, it is best if choosing the American Shorthair as a pet, to visit a veterinarian who can recommend a daily diet, exercise and food supplement plan that best fits your particular cats needs.

Grooming
While American Shorthair cats generally don’t require grooming based on the possibility of a matted coat, it is still essential to introduce this regiment into your cat’s routine. The results are a smoother shinier coat with a decrease in the amount of shedding that can occur.

Not many people are aware that dental cleaning is also another form of essential grooming. As cats age, their teeth become more susceptible to serious dental complications. In order to decrease this risk, a daily routine of brushing your cat’s teeth with feline specific toothpaste is a step in the right direction. The best way to introduce this to your American Shorthair is to start when they are mere kittens. This process allows the Shorthairs time to become accustomed to the process and eventually more comfortable with it.

The American Shorthair is the perfect addition to any family. It’s charming; light- hearted character can bring years of love and happiness to both cat and owner.

         

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