American Shorthair

The calm American Shorthair has an easygoing personality and is deeply attached to its owner. This natural hunter enjoys being outdoors, so if kept as an indoor cat, it needs plenty of stimulation. The American Shorthair’s thick coat requires regular grooming

Characteristics

Country of origin: United States

Body build: Medium to large, longer than tall

Weight: 3.5 - 7 kg

Temperament

The American Shorthair is a calm and well-balanced cat with a friendly nature. It is very fond of its owner. Outdoors, it proves to be an excellent hunter, although it can also thrive as an indoor cat if given enough mental and physical stimulation. The playful American Shorthair should be brushed weekly and daily during the moulting period. This breed is rare in Europe.

Physical characteristics

Colour

All colours are permitted except lilac, chocolate, and colourpoint.

Body, legs, and tail

The American Shorthair has a medium to large body that is slightly longer than it is tall. The chest is broad, especially in adult males. The shoulders are well-developed. The bone structure is medium, with a strong build. The medium-length legs are well-muscled. The feet are medium-sized and round. The American Shorthair has a medium-length tail that is thick at the base and tapers to a rounded tip. The tail is carried almost in line with the back.

Head, ears, and eyes

The head of the American Shorthair is medium-sized, broad, and rounded. A slight concave curve can be seen from the forehead to the nose. Males have well-developed cheeks. The muzzle is square and should not be too short. The nose is of medium length. The chin is square and strong, with powerful jaws. American Shorthairs have medium-sized ears set well apart, with rounded tips. The medium to large eyes are round and set fairly wide apart, slightly slanted. The eye colour should harmonise with the coat colour.