American Shorthair
Discover the American Shorthair's history as a working cat, its robust health profile, and the specific traits that define this popular American breed.
The American Shorthair is a medium-to-large breed weighing 5 to 7 kg for males and 2.5 to 5.5 kg for females, known for its robust health and historical role as a working cat. While it is the eighth-most-popular pedigreed cat in the world, it is distinct from the random-bred Domestic Shorthair despite sharing a common ancestry.
It is a working cat with a specific history
The breed descends from European cats brought to North America by early settlers to protect cargo from mice and rats, including the famous ship's cats that sailed on the Mayflower. These cats interbred in the New World, developing traits to survive the local climate and work on farms and ships. The breed was originally registered as the Domestic Shorthair, but in 1966 it was renamed the American Shorthair to emphasize its "all-American" origins and to distinguish the pedigreed line from random-bred cats that might look similar.
Conformation follows a strict standard
The American Shorthair has a large, oblong head that is longer than it is wide, with medium-sized ears that are slightly rounded at the tips. Its eyes are large and wide, set on a medium-length, well-muscled neck, with legs and a tail that are proportionate and muscular. The breed is recognized in more than eighty colors and patterns, ranging from brown-patched tabbies to silvers and blue-eyed whites, though cats showing signs of crossbreeding with chocolate, sable, lilac, or Siamese point-restricted patterns are disqualified from shows.
Health risks are surprisingly specific
While generally a healthy breed, the American Shorthair carries a significant genetic risk for feline polycystic kidney disease (PKD). A study in Japan found that 47% of tested American Shorthairs carried the PKD1 mutation responsible for this condition. Conversely, the breed shows a protective factor against urinary issues; a review of over 5,000 cases of urate urolithiasis found that American Shorthairs had significantly lower odds of developing these stones compared to mixed-breed cats.
It is often confused with other breeds
The American Shorthair is frequently mistaken for the Exotic Shorthair, which was developed in the late 1950s by crossing American Shorthairs with Persians to create a short-haired version of the Persian. The Exotic Shorthair is brachycephalic, meaning it has a pushed-in face that causes airway and dental issues, a trait the American Shorthair does not possess. The Colorpoint Shorthair is another related variety, established in 1948 by crossing American Shorthairs with Siamese to create new point colors, but it retains the slender, wedge-shaped head of the Siamese rather than the American Shorthair's robust build.
It remains a top choice for owners
The breed's popularity is driven by its adaptability and longevity, having been one of the first five breeds registered by the Cat Fanciers' Association in 1906. Its status as a working cat means it retains a strong prey drive and physical stamina, but its stable temperament makes it a reliable companion. The strict conformation standards ensure that show cats maintain the breed's distinctive "all-American" look, separate from the general population of short-haired cats in North America.