---
title: "American Shorthair - Health and diseases | Pedibase"
description: "Lifespan (13-15 years), common diseases, vaccines and vaccination schedule, and prevention tips for the American Shorthair: the complete health guide."
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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+14
Health
# The American Shorthair's health
United States
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.
Longevity
## Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 13 and 15 years.
Constitution
## Is this a robust breed?
Its solid build and protective coat allow it to cope well with an active outdoor life and bad weather.
Things to watch for
## What to look out for
Particular attention must be paid to hereditary conditions reported in certain individuals, as well as to parasites likely to be brought back after outings.
- Polycystic kidney disease: Severe and irreversible genetic disorder that affects the kidneys and can be fatal.
- Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Syndrome characterized by an increase in the volume of the myocardium.
Climate
## Tolerance to cold and heat
Its coat, short but thick, even and dense, gives it good resistance to cold and bad weather.
Weight
## Prone to weight gain
As this breed is prone to obesity, its portions must be monitored and daily physical activity must be maintained.
Everyday care
## Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Keep vaccinations against rabies, panleukopenia, feline leukemia and cat flu up to date according to veterinary recommendations
- Deworm the cat regularly
- Inspect the coat after outings to spot any parasites
- Regularly monitor the condition of the ears
Vaccination
## American Shorthair vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a American Shorthair need? Like all cats, American Shorthairs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. Kittens receive their initial American Shorthair vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if they live indoors. Depending on their lifestyle (outdoor access, living with other cats, shows, travel), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
| CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
| Feline leukemia (FeLV)Depending on lifestyle Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
| RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
| ChlamydiosisDepending on lifestyle Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult American Shorthair booster shots are given annually for feline herpesvirus and feline leukemia if your cat goes outdoors. For feline panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your cat's lifestyle.
Which boosters does your American Shorthair need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
[Plan booster shots](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-and-cat-vaccination-schedule?breed=american-shorthair)
Choosing well
## Adopting a healthy American Shorthair
Ask for information about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and, depending on the line, polycystic kidney disease. An annual examination with cardiac auscultation, weight check and mouth check is recommended.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
## The best prevention starts with a good breeder
Choose a breeder who screens their breeding animals for inherited conditions. We'll help you find one.
[Find a breeder](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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