American Shorthair Cat: Breed Profile
Easy-going, healthy and adaptable — a classic, low-drama family cat.
- Origin
- United States
- Size
- Medium
- Typical weight
- 3.5–7 kg (8–15 lb)
- Life expectancy
- 15–20 years
- Coat
- Short coat
- Best for
- First-time owners, families
Temperament and personality
American Shorthairs are good-natured, moderately playful and adaptable. They like their people but are content to entertain themselves, which makes them a sensible choice for families and working owners.
They often keep a strong hunting instinct — wand toys are a hit.
Size and appearance
Sturdy, medium-large and muscular with a round face and a dense short coat. The silver classic tabby is the best-known look.
Activity and enrichment
Moderate. Daily play and a cat tree; they gain weight easily if under-exercised.
Coat care and grooming
Easy — weekly brushing, more in shedding season.
Typical health concerns
Every cat is an individual, and most cats of any breed live long, healthy lives with good preventive care. These are the conditions most often discussed for this breed — ask a breeder for health-testing results and discuss screening with your vet.
- Generally robust.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) occurs in the breed.
- Obesity if overfed.
Who is the American Shorthair right for?
A good match if you…
- are a first-time owner
- have kids
- want a low-maintenance, adaptable cat
Think twice if you…
- want a very cuddly lap cat
- want a hypoallergenic cat (no cat is)
Featured in: Best Cat Breeds for Apartments, Best Cat Breeds for Families With Children.
