One of the oldest cat breeds in the United States, the American shorthair cat is a favorite to cat lovers across the country, and it is easy to see why!
From their easy-going personalities to their captivating eyes there are endless reasons to love this chill cat breed. They are very adaptable meaning they can get along with any type of cat person. They are independent and don’t require a ton of attention as long as you leave out some of the best cat toys to keep them busy.
If you’re looking for reasons to adopt a cat, this list may just sway you into bringing an American shorthair cat into your home. Now, let’s get into it.
32 fun facts about American shorthair cats
1. Easy-going personality
American shorthairs are known for their laidback personalities. They are happy playing around by themselves or with their pet parent. This makes them well-suited for first-time cat owners or owners looking for no-fuss pets.
2. Powerful bodies
This is a cat breed you certainly wouldn’t want to mess with. Their strong muscled bodies pack a lot of power. They will require the best cat food with quality ingredients to keep them growing strong.
3. Loving and social cats
American shorthair cats are very social felines indeed. They love spending time with their families and while most cats attach strongly to one family member, this cat doesn’t discriminate and is equally loving to all members of the house.
That isn’t to say they can’t be bribed with some of the best cat treats for extra snuggles.
4. Very independent
You definitely get the best of both worlds with this cat. While they are very social felines, they are also just as happy to play around on their own.
5. A presidential cat
An American shorthair cat lived in the White House with former president, George Bush. Her name was India and we’re sure she loved roaming around the presidential gardens.
6. Come in over 80 color combinations
It is quite possible never to see the same colored American shorthair twice. With over 80 possible color variations it’s safe to say no two cats look alike.
7. Very intelligent
The American shorthair is one smart cat, making them one of the easiest cat breeds to train. This also means that they can get bored easily, so having some of the best interactive cat toys is a must with this breed.
8. Easy to train
There are endless tips for training your cat, but you likely will only need a few with this breed. As they are so smart and always up for a challenge, training an American shorthair cat will be a breeze.
9. Sharp hunters
As they were originally bred to kill mice and rats, it makes sense that the American shorthair is an excellent hunter.
10. Bred from British shorthair cats
One of the fun facts about British shorthair cats is that they were used to breed American shorthair cats. The first record of breeding was in 1904.
11. Bred for farm work
When you think of farm animals, cats may not be the first animal that comes to mind. However, the American shorthair was originally bred to protect crops from vermin.
12. Can live in various climates
Whether you’re after one of the best cat breeds for cold climates or the best cat breeds for hot climates, the American shorthair will thrive in both. They are super versatile and so are happy anywhere you live.
13. Need lots of exercise
The American shorthair cats are definitely one of the high energy cat breeds that will want to play with you. Packed with loads of energy, they will require plenty of exercise to keep them feeling their best. Regular exercise is also just one of the ways to destress your cat.
14. Doesn’t love to be held
While these cats do love snuggling up with their humans, they don’t always want to be held. Instead, they prefer to walk on their own. It is important to know your cat’s body language for signs they may not want to be held.
15. Require weekly brushing
American shorthairs sport a short, dense coat that requires regular grooming. We recommend investing in one of the best cat brushes and a weekly brushing session to keep your feline looking their best.
16. Loved by the Beatles
Perhaps, one of our favorite facts on this list. John Lennon of the Beatles had an American shorthair named, Pepper.
17. Great choice for first time owners
Due to their easy-going nature and independent streak, the American shorthair is a great option for first-time cat owners.
18. Healthy breed
While it’s always good to have some general knowledge of the most common illnesses cats get, you don’t have to worry so much about this breed. They are generally robust and healthy.
19. Live up to 20 years
If you choose the American shorthair as your feline friend, you’ll be happy to know that this is a breed that will be around for a long time. American shorthairs can live up to 15-20 years.
20. Prone to obesity
Due to their stature, this breed is prone to obesity. It is super important that your cat gets plenty of exercise each day to stay in shape. This is also just one of the many reasons to train your cat, the exercise from training counts as physical activity.
21. Arrived in America on the Mayflower
It is said that the American shorthair arrived in North America abroad the Mayflower ship. They were brought over from Britain to protect the crops on the farms from mice.
22. Great at problem solving
American shorthairs are very intelligent and so, are great at problem solving. It is well worth having some of the best cat puzzle feeders to keep their minds busy.
23. Love the outdoors
Definitely one of the cat breeds that prefer being outdoors, the American shorthair will be up for an outdoor adventure with you. It may also be worth purchasing one of the best outdoor cat houses so your kitty can safely spend time outside.
24. Excellent family cats
This social kitty loves spending time with their family members. They are also good with children, making them great additions to homes with multiple family members.
25. Popular US breed
It may come as no surprise that the American shorthair is a favorite cat breed across the country. This cat is adaptable and pretty chill, making it easy for them to get along with many different types of personalities.
26. Enjoys heights
The American shorthair loves to be up high. Having one of the best cat trees is a must with this breed. Otherwise, they will find their own heights to concur, like the top of your fridge!
27. A friend to the camera
Maybe it’s their laidback demeanor or independent manner, but American shorthairs are frequently used in movies and TV shows, such as Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
28. Often used as emotional support animal
The American shorthair could certainly sit on the list of the best emotional support animals. They are happy to provide comfort sitting in your lap or playing around with anyone in need.
29. Can be prone to separation anxiety
While American shorthairs are known for being independent cats, they are still considered to be one of the cat breeds most likely to suffer from separation anxiety. They love spending time with their owners and while they can be left alone, we would not recommend leaving them alone for too long to cause them distress.
30. Drawn to water
They might not be the first cat that comes to mind when you think of cat breeds that like water. However, the American shorthair never passes up on the chance to get their paws wet.
31. Great match for seniors
As American shorthairs are pretty low maintenance they make great companions for seniors.
32. Jewel colored eyes
American shorthair eye color can range from gold to green. Most commonly though, you will see this breed with gold or copper eyes.
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