American Shorthair Cat 

While the American shorthair cat is a well known breed today they probably came to America in the 1600s on the Mayflower.

In Britain the American shorthairs were bred from the same stock as the British shorthair which in turn was developed from cats taken to Britain by the Romans. The first American shorthair registered as a pedigree by the CFA (cat fanciers association) was in fact a British shorthair which was a male pedigree tabby called Belle. The first home bred American Shorthair was named  Buster Brown and was registered in 1904 and this male of unknown parents opened the way for the american stock called domestic shorthair until 1966. By the 1950s the CFA listed over 50 domestic shorthairs.

Non-pedigree cats are called domestics and until January 19985 were accepted by the CFA as a foundation stock. To strengthen its roots as a natural American breed associations began allowing the registration of non-pedigree cats and in 1971 one of these was honoured as the "Best American Shorthair of the Year" by the CFA. Almost any colour and coat combination are permitted for this breed except for chocolate and lavender and Himalayan patterns are not allowed.

Attributes of a American Shorthair Cat

Varieties include white, black, blue, red, cream, bicolour, shaded silver, chinchilla, tortoiseshesll and calico as well as tabby. Males generally weigh about 6.5kg (14 pounds) whiel females weigh 4.5kg (10 pounds) and they have muscular bodies and well developed shoulders and chests. Their legs are firm and strong and they have oblong heads and large ears. Common faults for the american shorthair breed include thinness or heaviness, too long or lightweight hair, a short tail and random white spots.

American shorthair cats are tough and hardy having surviced the new life and climate when their ancestors were moved from britain to the New World. They are intelligent, affectionate, home loving and they like children. They are still considered working cats as they make excellent mousers and enjoy being outdoors; particularly on and around a farm.