American Shorthair

These cats are very special. Long ago, people brought cats on big ships. The cats helped catch mice and rats. This kept the food safe.

These cats grew strong in their new home. They have large heads and wide eyes.

Many people love these cats today. They are a very popular kind of cat.

The American Shorthair is a special kind of cat. Long ago, settlers sailed from Europe to North America. They brought cats on their ships. These cats were called ship's cats. Their job was to hunt rats and mice. This kept the food on the ships safe.

These cats lived in a new land. They changed to fit the new climate. In 1966, people gave them their name. This name shows their American roots. They are also known as working cats. This is because they worked on farms and ships.

These cats are medium to large in size. They have large heads and wide eyes. Their ears are slightly rounded at the tips. They can be many colors and patterns. There are more than eighty kinds. Some look like brown blotched tabbies. Others are white with blue eyes.

In 2020, they were a very popular breed. They were the eighth most popular in the world. They are also a strong breed. One study shows they have lower odds of some kidney issues than mixed cats.

The American Shorthair is a special breed of domestic cat. These cats are very popular around the world. In 2020, they were the eighth-most-popular pedigreed cat. A pedigreed cat is a cat with a recorded history. These cats are also known as working cats. They used to have very important jobs. They helped people by controlling mice and rats.

These cats have a very interesting way it works. Long ago, settlers sailed from Europe to North America. They brought cats on their ships to protect food. Some of these cats traveled on the Mayflower. Once they landed, the cats lived in a new land. They interbred and changed to fit the new climate. This helped them cope with their new life. They developed special traits to survive well.

People began a breeding program in the early 20th century. They wanted to develop the best qualities in these cats. Before 1966, they were called the Domestic Shorthair. The name changed to the American Shorthair in 1966. This new name shows their "all-American" origins. It also helps tell them apart from other cats. It shows they are a distinct pedigreed breed. They are accepted by all North American cat registries.

These cats come in many different looks. They can have more than eighty colors and patterns. You might see a brown blotched tabby. You might see a white cat with blue eyes. Some are called silvers or calico cats. They have large, oblong heads and wide eyes. Their ears are medium-sized and slightly rounded. Their legs and necks are very muscular. This makes them strong and sturdy animals.

Scientists also study the health of these cats. A study in Japan looked at kidney health. It found that 47% of certain cats had a mutation. This mutation can cause feline polycystic kidney disease. This is a type of kidney problem. However, these cats are often very healthy. A review of 5,000 cases was done in the United States. It found these cats have lower odds of some kidney stones. They are quite different from mixed-breed cats.

The American Shorthair is a distinct breed of domestic cat. This breed is recognized for its sturdy build and varied appearance. It is a pedigreed breed, which means it has a recorded history and follows strict standards. These standards are set by organizations like the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA). The CFA also includes The International Cat Association (TICA). In 2020, the American Shorthair was the eighth-most-popular pedigreed cat globally. This popularity shows how much people value the breed today.

The history of this cat begins with travelers from Europe. When settlers sailed to North America, they brought cats on their ships. These animals were known as ship's cats. Their primary job was to protect valuable cargo from mice and rats. For example, cats traveled on the Mayflower with the Pilgrims. These cats hunted rodents on the ships and in the new colonies. Over time, these cats landed in the New World and interbred. This process helped them develop special traits to survive the new climate. They changed to cope with their new environment and lifestyle.

In the early 20th century, people started a selective breeding program. This program aimed to develop the best qualities of these cats. Originally, the breed was known as the Domestic Shorthair. In 1966, the name was changed to the American Shorthair. This change highlighted their "all-American" origins. It also helped distinguish them from other short-haired cats. The new name emphasizes their status as a specific pedigreed breed. This separates them from random-bred domestic cats that might look similar. Both the breed and its ancestors are often called working cats because of their rodent-control roles on farms and ships.

The physical appearance of the American Shorthair is very consistent. They are medium- to large-sized cats. Their heads are large and oblong, meaning they are longer than they are wide. The ears are medium-sized and have slightly rounded tips. Their eyes are notably large and wide. The neck and legs are both medium in length and very muscular. This musculature contributes to their strong, sturdy build. Even their tails are described as being of medium length.

One of the most striking features is the variety of coat colors. The breed is recognized in more than eighty different colors and patterns. You might see a brown-patched tabby or a white cat with blue eyes. There are also silvers, such as shaded, smoke, or cameo patterns. Some cats are Van-patterned calicos. Other cats show deep tones of black or brown. However, there are rules for cat shows. Cats showing colors from crossbreeding are often disqualified. These include chocolate, sable, or lilac colors. The point-restricted pattern of the Siamese family is also a disqualifying trait.

Health is an important part of studying this breed. Scientists have looked closely at specific medical conditions. A study in Japan examined cats suspected of having kidney issues. Researchers found that 47% of the tested American Shorthair cats had the PKD1 mutation. This mutation is responsible for feline polycystic kidney disease (PKD). This is a condition where cysts form in the kidneys. On a more positive note, the breed shows strength in other areas. A review of over 5,000 cases of urate urolithiasis occurred in the United States. Urolithiasis refers to the formation of stones in the urinary tract. This review found that American Shorthairs had significantly lower odds of developing these stones than mixed-breed cats.

The American Shorthair connects to many different ideas in history and biology. They represent the way animals adapt to new lands and climates. Their journey from European ships to North American farms is a clear example of environmental change. They also show how humans can use selective breeding to create specific types of animals. Today, they remain a major part of the cat fancy world. They are accepted by all North American cat registries. This ensures their history and traits are preserved for the future.