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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+14
Cats
# The American Shorthair: temperament, price, health, and breeders
United States
A medium-sized cat, hunter, independent and affectionate, as comfortable with a family as outdoors.
Size MediumLife expectancy 13–15 yearsBudget ≈ €56/monthKitten €800 – €1,500
[Find a breeder 2](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-shorthair) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-cat-breeds?races=american-shorthair)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Which cat is right for you?](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-cat)
Families and children Very good
Daily exercise needs High
Apartment living Good
First-time owners Very good
Other pets Very good
Tolerance of being alone Fair
Vocalization Quiet
Strengths and weaknesses
- Affectionate and loyal: He enjoys the company of his owner and cuddles.
- Sociable: He generally gets along well with children, other cats, and dogs.
- Robust: His build and coat protect him well during outdoor life.
- Easy care: Weekly brushing is generally sufficient outside the shedding period.
- Needs space: He prefers to have access to the outdoors to hunt and burn off energy.
- Risk of obesity: His portions and physical activity must be monitored.
- External parasites: His outings require regular inspection of his coat.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Families with children: Its affectionate and playful temperament encourages interaction with children.
- Households with pets: It readily shares its space with cats or dogs.
- Home with outdoor access: An outdoor space meets its hunting and activity needs.
Not recommended for
- Households without the possibility of sufficient activity: Lack of space and exercise can harm its well-being and encourage weight gain.
- People often absent: Although independent, it appreciates the presence of its family and gets bored if interactions and play are lacking on a daily basis.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
33 cmAmerican Shorthair
- Height at the withers
- 30–35 cm
- Weight
- 4–8 kg
- Coat
- Short, thick and even
- Origin
- United States
- Grooming
- Easy to care for
## Photos and videos
See the American Shorthair in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The American Shorthair has its origins in Europe, notably in Great Britain. Imported to the American continent by European settlers several centuries ago, it descends from the European alley cat. Its primary mission was to protect the cereals of American farmers against rodents. At the beginning of the 20th century, breeders launched a targeted breeding program. The breed, previously called "Domestic Shorthair", then took the name "American Shorthair". After difficult beginnings, it gradually established itself in many homes and today enjoys strong popularity in the United States and Japan.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The American Shorthair has a medium-sized body, muscular and slender. Its head is round, with developed cheeks and a square muzzle. Its ears, medium and slightly spaced, are rounded at the tip. Its round, well-spaced eyes often show a color harmonized with the coat. Its tail, rather long and thick at the base, tapers to a rounded tip. Its short, thick, even and dense coat offers it good protection against the cold. Many colors are accepted (except chocolate, lilac and colourpoint, excluded from the standard), but the silver classic tabby coat, with a bright silvery background and contrasting black markings, is the most emblematic.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
Calm, independent and affectionate, the American Shorthair is also described as intelligent, skillful, agile and loyal. He enjoys the company of his owner and cuddles while maintaining his autonomy.
Affectionate Intelligent Sociable
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
He likes to play with his owner and children, and willingly shares his space with other cats or dogs. A gifted hunter, he enjoys outings, meetings with his fellow cats and spaces where he can expend energy. He can adapt to apartment living, but easy access to the outdoors remains preferable for his well-being.
Training
## Training and socialization
The American Shorthair is trained through consistency, play, and measured rewards. It easily learns the litter box, the scratching post, and a few routines if the environment is stable. Avoid constraint: a well-balanced cat responds better to calm interactions.
Budget
## Price and budget for the American Shorthair
The purchase price varies depending on the cat and its origin. You should also plan an annual budget for its routine maintenance.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/american-shorthair/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The American Shorthair has robust health inherited from its origins as an outdoor cat. It must nevertheless benefit from the usual veterinary prevention and monitoring adapted to its outings.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/american-shorthair/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
Depending on its body type and daily activity, the American Shorthair consumes on average 45 to 90 grams of kibble per day depending on its weight. The ration must be adjusted and monitored due to its predisposition to obesity.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/american-shorthair/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The American Shorthair is also called "American Shorthair". Particularly widespread in the United States, it also enjoys strong popularity in Japan.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the American Shorthair
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### What is the other name for the American Shorthair?
The American Shorthair is also called "American short-haired cat".
### Can the American Shorthair live in an apartment?
It can adapt to apartment living, but its hunting origins and need for space make easy access to the outdoors preferable.
## Find a American Shorthair breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most American Shorthair breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
### American Shorthair breeders by country
[2 breeders of American Shorthair in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-shorthair) [1 breeder of American Shorthair in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-shorthair/germany) [1 breeder of American Shorthair in the United Kingdom](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-shorthair/united-kingdom)
[All breeders of American Shorthair in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-shorthair)
## Ready to welcome a American Shorthair?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-shorthair)
## Discover other breeds
[American Wirehair
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/american-wirehair)
[American Curl
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/american-curl)
[American Bobtail
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/american-bobtail)
[British Shorthair
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/british-shorthair)
[Bombay
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/bombay)
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