Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 13 and 15 years.
Build
A robust breed?
Its solid build and protective coat allow it to cope well with an active outdoor life and bad weather.
Watch points
What to watch 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
Cold and heat tolerance
Its coat, short but thick, even and dense, gives it good resistance to cold and bad weather.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
As this breed is prone to obesity, its portions must be monitored and daily physical activity must be maintained.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it 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 vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a American Shorthair? Like all dogs, the American Shorthair receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for American Shorthair is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult American Shorthair vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
Which boosters for your American Shorthair?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting 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 provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
