American Shorthair
The all-American working cat — hardy, friendly, and easy to live with.
American Shorthairs are descended from working cats brought to North America by early European settlers. They are healthy, even-tempered, and adaptable — neither demanding nor aloof. Their dense coat comes in a wide variety of colors, with classic silver tabby being iconic.
Key facts
| Origin | United States |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 8–15 lbs |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years |
| Energy | Medium |
| Vocality | Low |
| Grooming | Brush weekly |
| Shedding | Medium |
| With children | ●●●●● |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●●● |
| For beginners | ●●●●● |
| Apartment life | ●●●●● |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Excellent first cat
- Hardy and long-lived
- Adapts to almost any home
- Beautiful tabby patterns
✗ Things to know
- Easily confused with non-pedigree shorthairs
- Can become overweight without portion control
- Less distinctive than rarer breeds
Ideal owner
A American Shorthair may suit you well if you:
- Are a first-time cat owner looking for a forgiving, adaptable breed
- Have children or a busy, sociable household
- Already have dogs or other cats at home
- Live in an apartment or smaller home
A American Shorthair may not suit you if you:
- Have significant cat allergies
Health considerations
American Shorthairs are generally considered a robust, healthy breed with no well-documented breed-specific conditions at this time. As with all cats, annual vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and keeping them up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention are the best health investments you can make.
Is a American Shorthair right for you?
The best way to find out if a American Shorthair suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a American Shorthair a good cat for first-time owners?
Yes — American Shorthairs are an excellent choice for first-time cat owners. They are adaptable and forgiving, with a temperament described as: easygoing, sociable, and tolerant of all kinds of households.
Are American Shorthairs good for apartments?
Yes — American Shorthairs adapt well to apartment living. They don't require a large territory and are content indoors provided they have adequate enrichment and attention.
Are American Shorthairs good with children?
American Shorthairs are generally excellent with children. They are patient, tolerant of handling, and social enough to enjoy the energy of family life including young children.
Are American Shorthairs hypoallergenic?
American Shorthairs are not specifically hypoallergenic and produce standard levels of Fel d 1, the main cat allergen. If allergies are a concern, consider breeds like the Siberian, Balinese, or Devon Rex.
Does a American Shorthair suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: American Shorthair on Wikipedia