American Shorthair cat breed: facts, temperament and care
A sturdy, easygoing working cat of North American descent, known for its durable build, many colours and calm family temperament.
Also known as American Shorthair cat, American Domestic Shorthair, Domestic Shorthair, ASH
Quick facts
| Origin | North America, from European cats brought by settlers |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-15 lb (2.7-6.8 kg); males are larger |
| Coat length | Short |
| Coat | Short, dense, hard-textured coat that protects against cold and scratches |
| Colours and patterns | Over 80 colours and patterns recognised, including silver, shaded, smoke, calico and many tabbies |
Recognition
| How common | Common |
|---|
Temperament and care (1 low, 5 high)
| Affection | 3 |
|---|---|
| Energy | 3 |
| Playfulness | 3 |
| Talkativeness | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 2 |
| Shedding | 3 |
| Good with children | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 4 |
| Happy alone | 4 |
| Trainability | 3 |
| Suits a small home | 4 |
Allergies and health
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The dense coat sheds steadily, and people who react to cats are likely to react to this breed. |
|---|
Best suited to
| Suits | A family or first-time owner that wants a calm, durable, low-maintenance cat that copes with busy homes. |
|---|---|
| Less suited to | Anyone looking for a very talkative, clingy or highly acrobatic cat. |
Registries that recognise it
- CFA
- TICA
- CCA
Health conditions to watch
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
About the American Shorthair
The American Shorthair descends from the European cats that travelled to North America with settlers and worked on ships and farms, keeping rats and mice under control. Careful breeding began early in the twentieth century. The cats were first called Domestic Shorthairs and were among the first five breeds registered by the CFA in 1906. The name American Shorthair was adopted in 1966, to separate the pedigree breed from ordinary house cats.
It is a solid, medium to large cat with a broad chest, strong legs and a round, full-cheeked face. The coat is short, thick and slightly hard to the touch. More than 80 colours and patterns are accepted, including the famous silver tabby. Eyes are usually green, gold or copper, though white cats may have blue or odd eyes. Males commonly weigh 11 to 15 pounds and females 6 to 12.
Many shelter cats look similar, but only registered cats from selective lines count as the breed.
Temperament and living with one
The breed is calm, adaptable and generally good natured. American Shorthairs enjoy company without demanding it, and most are content to watch the household from a nearby perch. They play happily and stay active into middle age, and the hunting instinct remains strong, so wand toys and feather play suit them.
They get along well with children and usually tolerate dogs and other cats. They are quiet, with a modest voice, and they tolerate being alone for a working day better than many breeds. They are less demanding than the more intelligent, active breeds, which makes them a good first purebred.
Care: coat, food and play
Brush once or twice a week, and more in spring and autumn when the coat sheds more heavily. Short hair is easy to keep clean. Trim nails and check the teeth and ears regularly.
The breed enjoys food and can become overweight, especially when neutered and kept indoors. Measure meals, avoid free feeding, and use puzzle feeders to slow eating. Provide a scratching post, a cat tree and short daily play sessions. A lean American Shorthair stays agile and healthy into old age.
Health
The American Shorthair is generally a healthy, hardy breed. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a thickening of the heart muscle, is the heart disease vets watch for most, and the breed is among those in which it is seen. A vet can advise on screening, especially for breeding cats. Polycystic kidney disease has also been found in the breed. Responsible breeders test for it. Obesity is a risk to joints and metabolism, so keep the cat lean. Ask your vet about dental care and yearly checkups, and report changes in thirst, breathing or energy.
Is it right for you?
Choose an American Shorthair if you want a solid, undemanding cat with a friendly nature and an easy coat. It suits families, first-time owners and homes with other pets. If you want a rounder face and a plusher coat, see the British Shorthair. For a cat of similar ancestry with a different coat, look at the American Wirehair.
Profile last reviewed November 7, 2026