American Shorthair Cat
History
The American Shorthair
cat
is believed to be descended from British cats who began
emigrating to the New World with the early pioneers. They
were carried on board ship to kill the rats that were a
constant menace, eating the precious food supplies and spreading
disease. History records that cats even came along on the
Mayflower. They were kept and allowed to breed by the early
settlers for the same reason, to protect food supplies.
Originally they lived mostly as working farm cats, highly
valued for their hunting abilities.
In the early 20th century, other breeds
of cat began to be imported to the USA as pets. They mixed
with the working cats and so kittens were born with different
coat lengths and temperaments. At this time, breeders who
wished to preserve the original breed began to identify
fine examples of what was then called the Domestic Shorthair
and breed from them. These breeders have concentrated on
maintaining the beauty and affectionate nature of these
cats while perfecting their coat patterns and colors. The
name was changed to American Shorthair in the 1960s.
Appearance
The American Shorthair
is a medium sized to large cat, with strong hind legs and
paws. The muzzle is wider than many other breeds, giving
a square look to the face. Males have a pronounced jowl.
They are full grown at three or four years old. The coat
is thick although a little thinner than the coat of the
British shorthair. It thickens in winter and sheds in spring.
There are over 100 recognized varieties of color including
black, white, silver, cream, red, brown, blue, tabby, calico
or tortoiseshell, and bi-colored cats. Their eyes are round.
Eye color, nose and pad depend on the color of the coat.
Some varieties may have each eye a different color. The
silver tabby is the most popular.
The tail must taper to a blunt tip without
any kinks.
Temperament
The American Shorthair
is a gentle, affectionate cat that makes a marvelous pet.
They get on well with children and most other pets, being
even-tempered and quiet. For that reason they are always
one of the most popular breeds of cat. They are easy to
train and are also the most popular choice for film and
advertising directors when they need a feline star. American
Shorthairs are happy to be either an indoor or an outdoor
cat. If allowed outdoors they will indulge their hunting
instincts and often bring home their prey.
They are a healthy, long-lived breed with
an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. However, the American
Shorthair cat
easily gains weight and owners have to be careful not to
allow this to endanger their pet's health or happiness.
|
|
Popular
Breeds of Cats
