The Robust and Long-Lived "American Cat"

The American Shorthair is one of the most common cats in America, less known in Italy. It descends from the pioneer cats of the Mayflower that protected the bread from rodents on ships.

Characteristics:

  • Robust.
  • Long-lived (15-20 years).
  • Balanced.
  • Suitable for families.

Let's see why it deserves more attention.

The History: From the Mayflower

Origin: United States, 17th-18th centuries.

History:

  • European cats brought on colonists' ships to the New World.
  • Mayflower (1620) and subsequent ships.
  • They hunted mice on ships and in the colonies.

Selection:

  • Natural for centuries.
  • Strong, surviving cats.
  • Adaptable.

Official Recognition:

  • 1906: CFA in the USA.
  • "Shorthair" to distinguish from "Longhair" (Maine Coon).

Distribution:

  • USA: top 10 breeds.
  • Europe: relatively rare.

Physical Characteristics

Size: medium-large.

Weight:

  • Males: 5-7 kg.
  • Females: 3.5-5 kg.

Body:

  • Cobby (compact).
  • Muscular.
  • Robust.

Head:

  • Round.
  • Full cheeks.

Eyes:

  • Large, round.
  • Color: gold, green, copper.

Coat:

  • Short, dense, slightly "plush."
  • Variability of colors.

Colors:

  • Silver tabby: the most popular and iconic.
  • Brown tabby.
  • Solid colors (black, white, red).
  • Bi-color, tri-color.
  • Practically all colors.

Life Expectancy: 15-20 years (among the longest-lived breeds).

The Temperament

Typical Traits

Balanced:

  • Not hyperactive.
  • Not overly lazy.
  • Perfect middle ground.

Social:

  • Suitable for families with children.
  • Good with other animals.

Independent but Affectionate:

  • Chooses when to cuddle.
  • Not insistent.

Hunter:

  • Inherited "working" life.
  • Still hunts mice today.

Moderate vocalization.

Calm:

  • Adaptable to apartment living.
  • Suitable for active families as well.

Unique Positive Traits

Robust Health:

  • Natural selection for centuries.
  • Few genetic issues.

Stable Temperament:

  • Adaptable.
  • Resilient.

Care

Coat

Very easy care:

  • Weekly brushing.
  • Rare baths.

Nutrition

  • Quality food.
  • High protein.
  • 2 meals a day.
  • Adequate portions.

Tendency to overweight:

  • Monitor portions.

Exercise

Moderate:

  • 20-30 minutes of play per day.
  • Scratching post.
  • Mental stimulation.

Health

Among the healthiest breeds:

Rare predispositions:

  • HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy): low incidence.
  • Hip dysplasia: rare.

Life expectancy: 15-20 years with proper care.

The Cost

Purchase:

  • CFA/registered breeder: €1,000-2,000.
  • In Italy: less common breed, may cost more.
  • Adoption: rare.

Year 1:

  • Vaccinations, neutering, kit: €500-700.

Annual:

  • Quality food: €300-500.
  • Veterinarian: €150-300.
  • Total: €450-800.

Total lifetime (15-20 years): €9,000-20,000.

Relationships with Others

With other cats:

  • Tolerant.
  • Suitable for multi-cat households.

With dogs:

  • Good if the dog is balanced.

With children:

  • Excellent.
  • Patient.

With visitors:

  • Generally social.

The American Shorthair vs British Shorthair

Frequent comparison:

Aspect American British
Origin USA UK
Body Cobby but more athletic Cobby rounder
Character More active Calmer
Iconic color Silver tabby Blue
Health Robust Robust

Key difference:

  • British is rounder and calmer.
  • American is more athletic and active.

The Breed in Italy

Availability:

  • Few breeders in Italy.
  • Rare breed.
  • Frequent waiting lists.

Local alternatives:

  • European Shorthair: similar, more common.
  • British Shorthair: similar character.

A Typical Day

Morning:

  • Greeting to the owner.
  • Meal.
  • Exploration.

Afternoon:

  • Rest.
  • Possible play.

Evening:

  • Play with owner.
  • Cuddles.

Night:

  • Rest.

Style: balanced, predictable.

The Perfect American Shorthair for Who Is...

Suitable for:

  • Families with children.
  • Singles who work moderately.
  • Couples with a normal lifestyle.
  • Seniors.
  • Those seeking a long-lived and robust cat.
  • Those wanting an "easy" cat without being dull.

Not suitable for:

  • Those looking for an "exotic" breed.
  • Those wanting a super-affectionate cat like a Burmese.

Typical Stories

Positive story:

  • Family adopts an American Shorthair.
  • Ordinary life.
  • Result: 18 years of balanced companionship, never significant medical issues.

Positive story 2:

  • Single adopts at a young age.
  • 20 years of serene life.

Myths to Dispel

Myth 1: "American Shorthair = common cat". False: specific breed with defined characteristics.

Myth 2: "Only silver tabby is the 'real' American". False: various recognized colors.

Myth 3: "They are lazy". False: active when they want to be.

Myth 4: "They are not affectionate". False: in their own way, deeply.

Myth 5: "They are hard to find in Italy". True: rare breed in our country.

The Truth

The American Shorthair is one of the most balanced cats there are:

✅ Robust (excellent health).

✅ Long-lived (15-20 years).

✅ Adaptable.

✅ Social.

✅ Minimal maintenance.

✅ Suitable for almost everyone.

Investment: €1,000-2,000.

Benefit: 15-20 years of stable, healthy companionship without drama.

If you're looking for a cat:

  • Without predictable health issues.
  • Suitable for a normal life.
  • Resilient.
  • Balanced.

The American Shorthair is an extraordinary choice.

The problem: few know it in Italy. If you find a breeder, consider it seriously.

And remember: it descends from the cats that helped the pioneers survive in the New World. Centuries of natural selection have produced a robustly balanced cat.

Not spectacular. Not "fashionable". Just extraordinarily reliable.

The perfect definition of a "family cat."