American Shorthair

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Lore & Background

When settlers sailed from Europe to North America, they carried cats on board (ship's cats) to protect the stores from mice—for instance, the cats that came over on the Mayflower with the Pilgrims to hunt rats on the ship and in the colony. Many of these cats landed in the New World, interbred, and developed special characteristics to help them cope with their new life and climate. Early in the 20th century, a selective breeding program was established to develop the best qualities of these cats. The American Shorthair is a pedigree cat breed, with a strict conformation standard, as set by cat fanciers of the breed and North American cat fancier associations such as The International Cat Association (TICA) and the CFA. The breed is accepted by all North American cat registries. Originally known as the Domestic Shorthair, in 1966 the breed was renamed the American Shorthair to better represent its 'all-American' origins and to differentiate it from other short-haired breeds. The name American Shorthair also reinforces the breed's pedigreed status as distinct from the random-bred non-pedigreed domestic short-haired cats in North America, which may nevertheless resemble the American Shorthair. Both the American Shorthair breed and the random-bred cats from which the breed is derived are sometimes called working cats because they were used for controlling rodent populations, on ships and farms. The American Shorthair (then referred to as the Domestic Shorthair) was among the first five breeds that were registered by the CFA in 1906.

Reader's Guide

The American Shorthair is a medium- to large-sized cat breed, with males weighing 5–7 kg (11–15 lb) and females weighing 2.5–5.5 kg (6–12 lb). The head is large and oblong, with more length than width. The ears are medium-sized and slightly rounded at the tips. The eyes are large and wide. The neck is medium in length and well muscled. The legs are medium in length and muscular. The tail is of medium length and well proportioned to the body. The American Shorthair is recognized in more than eighty different colors and patterns, ranging from the brown-patched tabby to the blue-eyed white, the silvers (tabbies, shaded, smokes, and cameos) to the Van-patterned calico, and many colors in between. Some even come in deep tones of black, brown, or other blends and combinations. Generally, only cats showing evidence of crossbreeding resulting in the colors chocolate, sable, lilac (lavender), or the point-restricted pattern of the Siamese family are disqualified from being shown in cat shows. A study conducted in Japan of cats suspected to have kidney problems found that 47% of tested American Shorthair cats had the PKD1 mutation, which is responsible for feline polycystic kidney disease (PKD). A review of over 5,000 cases of urate urolithiasis in the United States found that the American Shorthair had significantly lower odds of developing urate uroliths than mixed-breed cats.

Did You Know?

• The American Shorthair was originally known as the Domestic Shorthair until it was renamed in 1966.
• It was among the first five breeds registered by the CFA in 1906.
• A study in Japan found that 47% of tested American Shorthair cats had the PKD1 mutation for polycystic kidney disease.
• A U.S. review of over 5,000 cases found the American Shorthair had significantly lower odds of developing urate uroliths than mixed-breed cats.
• Cats that came over on the Mayflower with the Pilgrims are part of the breed's ancestry.

Common Misconceptions (Editorial)

- Some people assume the American Shorthair is the same as any short-haired domestic cat. In fact, the American Shorthair is a specific pedigreed breed with a strict conformation standard, distinct from random-bred domestic shorthairs. - It is a common error to think the breed originated entirely in North America. The American Shorthair actually descends from European ship cats brought over by early settlers, including those on the Mayflower.

Why It Matters (Editorial)

The American Shorthair endures as a living link to the settlers who crossed the Atlantic, carrying cats that protected vital cargo and later thrived in a new land. Beyond its historical significance, the breed’s popularity—ranking eighth worldwide in 2020—shows that its combination of resilience, varied beauty, and working-cat heritage still resonates with modern owners seeking a pedigreed companion with roots in American history.