American Shorthair
Updated June 5, 2026
American Shorthair
Updated June 5, 2026
American Shorthairs are easygoing and adaptable enough to fit into almost any home or family dynamic, so long as they get the daily attention they crave. With a lifespan that can stretch to 20 years, the American Shorthair is more than a pet—they'll be your long-term BFF.
Social Butterfly, Adaptable, Playful
6–15 pounds
15–20 years
The American Shorthair has an up-for-anything attitude, making them the perfect companion for pet parents who want a bit of everything in their feline friend.
Lap cat? No problem! Need to head out for the day? They’ll happily bird-watch from the window! Learning to sit like a pup? Not out of the question!
But what you won’t be spending tons of time on is grooming, since these low-maintenance felines only need routine nail trims and a quick weekly brush. Smart, sweet, and tons of fun, this breed can make the perfect family cat, as they’re happy to live with kids, pups, or other felines.
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American Shorthair Characteristics
American Shorthair Appearance
The American Shorthair is a solid cat—and we mean solid. In fact, new American Shorthair pet parents are often surprised by the heft of these muscular, chunky cats when they pick them up for the first time, says Linda Bartley, a Cat Fanciers Association (CFA)-recognized American Shorthair breeder at LynzKatz Cattery.
That sturdy build is topped off with a broad, round head and a coat texture you won’t find in many other breeds.
“You can feel each hair,” Bartley says. “It’s called a hard coat because it has texture, but they are soft and it’s pleasant to pet.”
- Ears
American Shorthairs have medium-sized ears with rounded tips.
- Eyes
Their eyes are wide, with an almond shape on top and a rounder curve on the bottom. Eye color varies and corresponds to the coat.
- Nose
Their nose color corresponds in color to the coat.
- Coat Length
As their name implies, the American Shorthair has a dense coat that’s short and even.
- Coat Color
American Shorthairs come in nearly every color and pattern, but brown and silver tabby American Shorthairs are among the most popular.
- Tail
They have a medium-length tail that tapers to a rounded tip.
American Shorthair Temperament
These lovable cats won’t just be your new best friend—they’ll buddy up with your kids, your dog, and pretty much anyone who walks through the door.
“If you want a pet who wants attention, will be underfoot, and wants to sit by you to be petted, you’d love an American Shorthair,” Bartley says.
That winning temperament starts with genetics. Reputable American Shorthair breeders are intentional about breeding friendly cats. “We require social, outgoing cats so their kittens make good pets and like going to shows,” Bartley says.
However, like any cat, an American Shorthair kitten growing up with plenty of socialization—meeting new people, being handled, and learning the world is safe and friendly—will be far more confident and adaptable as an adult. Teaching kids to respectfully interact with pets is important, too.
Social as they are, when it comes time for you to run errands or head to work, American Shorthairs are equally content watching birds from the window; they don’t typically experience separation anxiety like some other breeds. They aren’t big talkers and won’t be bouncing off the walls, but wiggle a wand teaser and they’re all in.
It’s that perfect middle ground that won over Milla Macias, a CFA-recognized American Shorthair breeder at Milla’s Kats, after nearly 30 years of breeding dogs.
“If you want a cat that is super affectionate, sociable, lives very well with other pets, is great with children, very healthy, lives up to 20 years, and requires very little grooming, the American Shorthair is the perfect cat, period,” Macias says.
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How to Care for a American Shorthair
Without the need to spend lots of time on grooming, you’ll have more time for other bonding experiences, like teaching your American Shorthair some party tricks.
Grooming
Diet
Exercise
Environment
American Shorthair Health
American Shorthairs are one of the healthiest cat breeds around, with lifespans that can reach 15–20 years. George W. Bush’s family cat, an all-black American Shorthair named India (“Willie”), is a testament to this: She lived in the White House for eight years and reached the great age of 18.
That said, like all cats, American Shorthairs can be susceptible to certain conditions:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common form of heart disease in cats. HCM causes the heart muscle to thicken over time. There’s no genetic test for American Shorthairs, and symptoms can be subtle or easy to miss, so your vet may recommend routine echocardiograms as your cat gets older.
- Obesity is common in cats who are overfed and live a sedentary lifestyle. During routine exams, your vet will perform a body condition score, feeling your cat’s ribs and examining them from above to determine if they’re at a healthy weight.
- Many senior cats experience arthritis. Keeping your cat at a healthy weight is the best way to prevent and manage arthritis. Joint supplements are also great for cats of all ages, if your vet recommends them.
- Dental disease is a risk for all cats, including American Shorthairs. Brushing your cat’s teeth every day and keeping up with veterinary dental cleanings is the best way to prevent this condition.
American Shorthair History
The American Shorthair was practically born for the show ring—and not just for their go-with-the-flow, endlessly sweet personalities.
They were among the original breeds recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association at its founding in 1906, and the breed was there at the inception of The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1979, making them one of the first cat breeds to be shown competitively.
At the first major U.S. cat show, held at Madison Square Garden in 1895, the breed was well represented: There were over 50 American Shorthairs in attendance, though under a different moniker. Back then, they were called domestic shorthairs—which today is the catch-all term for shorthaired cats of unknown lineage, rather than a recognized breed.
Before the show ring, though, these cats had a rather practical job description. The prevailing theory is that American Shorthairs made their way to North America aboard early settlers’ ships, where cats were kept to control rodents. It’s no wonder today’s American Shorthairs still have such a keen eye for a catnip mouse (or maybe a real one—they say you’re welcome)!