American Shorthair

USA · 1900s

Easygoing, sturdy, all-American family cat

SizeMedium7–15 lb
Life span15–20 years
CoatShort
Typical price$800–$2,000

American Shorthairs are sturdy cats descended from the working cats that came over with settlers. The classic look is a silver tabby. They are adaptable, calm and good-natured.

At a glance

EnergyModerate
Cuddlylikes touch and being heldFriendly
TalkativeQuiet
GroomingEasy
SheddingAverage
With kidsGreat
With petsLoves company
Alone timehow long they’re happy aloneVery independent

Life with an American Shorthair

They are friendly but independent: happy to be near you, fine alone during the workday, and playful without being demanding. They get along with kids and other pets and are usually easy to live with.

Great for
  • Families with kids
  • Busy owners who work outside the home
  • First-time cat owners
Think twice if
  • You want a very cuddly or very chatty cat
  • Portion control is hard in your home — they love food
Care tips
  • Brush weekly.
  • Measure meals.
  • Interactive play keeps them fit.

Health

Generally healthy and long-lived. HCM occurs occasionally; obesity is the most common problem.

Ask the breeder for
  • Heart scan (echocardiogram) of the parents
  • Parents’ vet records
  • Registration papers (a ‘domestic shorthair’ is not this breed)
Typical US price$800–$2,000
RegistriesCFA · TICAAsk for both parents’ papers

Prices are rough ranges from registered breeders and vary by line, color and region. A much cheaper “purebred” kitten is a common scam sign.

See American Shorthair kittens

Similar breeds

British ShorthairCalm · IndependentAmerican BobtailCuddly · Great with kidsChartreuxQuiet
Compare with similar breeds

Sources: breed standards and profiles from CFA and TICA, DNA tests listed by the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, and veterinary breed profiles.