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American Shorthair vs Siamese
The American Shorthair is a calm, quiet, independent cat; the Siamese is a talkative, devoted, clever one that needs constant company.
Verdict
The American Shorthair and the Siamese sit at opposite ends of the temperament scale. The American Shorthair is calm, quiet and independent, and it copes with a workday alone. The Siamese talks constantly, scores top marks for affection and intelligence, has high energy and the lowest independence score. It wants attention all day. Both have short coats that need little grooming. Choose the American Shorthair for an easygoing family cat and the Siamese for a vocal, devoted companion if someone is home.
Choose the American Shorthair if
- You are away for part of the day.
- You want a quiet cat.
- You have young children, as it scores top marks with them.
- You want a sturdy build and a wide choice of colours.
Choose the Siamese if
- You enjoy conversation with your cat.
- You want an affectionate, clever cat that follows you around.
- You like the slender pointed look and vivid blue eyes.
- Someone is home often.
Where they are alike
Both are common, medium-sized cats with short coats and light grooming needs. Both get on well with other pets.
Side by side
| American Shorthair | Siamese | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | North America, from European cats brought by settlers | Thailand (formerly Siam) |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-15 lb (2.7-6.8 kg); males are larger | 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | — | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Short, dense, hard-textured coat that protects against cold and scratches | Short, fine, glossy coat that lies close to the body, with no undercoat |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 1906 |
| How common | Common | Common |
| Affection | 3 | 5 |
| Energy | 3 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 3 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 5 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 1 |
| Shedding | 3 | 2 |
| Good with children | 5 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 4 | 1 |
| Trainability | 3 | 5 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The dense coat sheds steadily, and people who react to cats are likely to react to this breed. | — |
| Suits | A family or first-time owner that wants a calm, durable, low-maintenance cat that copes with busy homes. | A person or family at home often who enjoys a cat that talks, follows them about and wants to be involved in everything. |
| Less suited to | Anyone looking for a very talkative, clingy or highly acrobatic cat. | Anyone out all day, anyone who wants a quiet cat, or a household that cannot give a lot of attention. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026