The classic, perfected.
American Shorthair
Felis catus
Also called Domestic Shorthair (former breed name), ASH
From United States, developed from European shorthaired cats brought over by early settlers12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Males are clearly larger than females. Hill's gives about 3.6-5.4 kg (8-12 lb) for females and over 5.4 kg (12 lb) for males; PetMD gives 2.7-6.8 kg (6-15 lb) overall.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, dense, hard-textured coat
A sturdy, well-muscled cat with heavy bone, a fairly large rounded head, wide-set eyes and medium ears. The coat lies close, feels firm to the touch and has a healthy shine. It grows thicker in the colder months, a leftover from the breed's days as an outdoor farm cat.2531
Personality what they are like
A calm, steady companion that likes being near its people without demanding constant attention. It is clever and curious, keeps a good dose of hunting instinct for toy chasing, and is usually relaxed around children, dogs and other pets. Many settle into affectionate lap cats as they mature.254
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate. Happy to play when invited and to entertain itself when alone. Daily interactive play sessions keep it fit, and many enjoy fetch or can learn to walk on a harness.354
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Easy coat care. A weekly comb is enough most of the year, with more frequent brushing during seasonal shedding. Baths are rarely needed unless the cat is being shown.523
Home where they are happiest
Adapts well to both flats and houses. Provide a cat tree, scratching posts, toys and a window perch for climbing and watching the world.54
Food basics what goes in the bowl
No special diet is needed. A complete, good-quality commercial cat food split into two or three meals a day works well, with portions watched so the cat keeps a trim, muscular shape.43
Company who they like around
Enjoys family life and company but is not clingy, so it copes well with ordinary working-household routines. Usually mixes well with children and other animals.543
The story where it all began
The breed's ancestors were ordinary shorthaired cats that sailed from Europe with early settlers, kept aboard to guard ship stores from rats and mice. Once ashore they spread with the pioneers, earning their place on farms and in homes as mousers, and centuries of this work shaped a hardy, strong cat. Breeders began selective breeding in the early 1900s, and the first recorded breeding dates to around 1904. The cats appeared at the first major US cat show in 1895 and were among the first five breeds the CFA recognised at its founding in 1906, then under the name Domestic Shorthair. In the 1960s (CFA gives 1965, other sources 1966) the name was changed to American Shorthair to honour its American roots and set it apart from random-bred cats, after which the breed grew steadily in the show world.2513
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Cats of this type are said to have crossed the Atlantic on the Mayflower with the Pilgrims, working as ship mousers.1
- 2
More than 50 of them were entered at the first US cat show in 1895.2
- 3
Some greet their people with a 'silent meow', opening the mouth with no sound coming out.2
- 4
They take their time growing up and are not fully mature until about three or four years old.5
- 5
India, an all-black American Shorthair, was the White House cat during George W. Bush's presidency and lived to 18.4
- 6
The CFA counts well over 100 colour and pattern combinations, with the silver classic tabby being the best-known look.2
Recognised by the official bits
- CFA
- One of the first five breeds recognised when the CFA was founded in 1906; shown as the Domestic Shorthair until renamed American Shorthair in the 1960s2
- TICA
- Recognised breed with a TICA breed profile5
Popularity 8th most popular pedigreed cat breed in the CFA's rankings1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a American Shorthair. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Nail trimevery 3 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- Litter scoopevery day
- Litter changeevery week
- PlayAbout 30 minutes of play a dayevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my American Shorthair, and at what times?
Feed your American Shorthair two or three meals a day at consistent times. A complete, good-quality commercial cat food works well, and portion control keeps them trim. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.43
What should an American Shorthair eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Stick to a complete, good-quality commercial cat food for balanced nutrition. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and many others listed by the ASPCA. Always avoid these and consult your vet if you have concerns.436
Does an American Shorthair need baths?
Baths are rarely needed unless your cat is being shown or gets very dirty. Their short, dense coat stays clean with regular brushing. If a bath is necessary, use a cat-safe shampoo and keep it gentle.523
How often does an American Shorthair need brushing?
A weekly combing is enough most of the year, with more frequent brushing during seasonal shedding. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every seven days. This keeps their coat shiny and reduces loose hair.523 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim an American Shorthair's claws, and how often?
Trim claws carefully, avoiding the quick, and do just a few claws per session at first. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests every 21 days, while general guidance recommends every ten days to two weeks. Watch for a scratching post to help naturally wear them down.7 Furry Diary plan
How much play does an American Shorthair need?
They need about 30 minutes of interactive play daily, which keeps them fit and happy. They also enjoy entertaining themselves with toys and may learn fetch or walk on a harness. Moderate activity suits their calm, curious nature.354 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after an American Shorthair's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth every two days, ideally daily, using a cat-safe toothpaste. For ears, check them regularly and ask your vet for cleaning advice if needed. Good dental care helps prevent issues later in life. Furry Diary plan
How long does an American Shorthair live?
American Shorthairs typically live 15 to 20 years, often enjoying a long, healthy life. With good care, regular vet visits, and a loving home, they can be your companion for many years.34
Is an American Shorthair good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are usually relaxed and gentle with children, dogs, and other pets. Their calm, steady temperament makes them a wonderful family companion. They enjoy being near people without demanding constant attention.2543
Can an American Shorthair be left alone?
Yes, they cope well with being alone during a normal workday. They are not clingy and can entertain themselves with toys and a window perch. Just provide plenty of enrichment and a safe environment.543
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia: American Shorthair en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, weights, rename year, colours, popularity, Mayflower
- CFA: American Shorthair cfa.orgused for history, recognition, temperament, coat, colours, grooming, fun facts
- Hill's Pet: American Shorthair hillspet.comused for lifespan, weights, coat, grooming, activity, diet, history
- PetMD: American Shorthair petmd.comused for lifespan, weight, temperament, diet, habitat, India the White House cat
- TICA: American Shorthair tica.orgused for history, temperament, coat, grooming, activity, habitat, maturity
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.