Cats are popular pets, but with so many breeds to choose from, finding the one that is perfect for your home can be tough. You want a cat that is suitable for the environment you live in, the size of your home, and the people it will frequently interact with.
The American Shorthair is a cat breed that comes in different colour combinations. The cat is relatively affectionate and due to its short coat, you won't have to worry as much about shedding and grooming, compared to a longer-haired breed.
This cat breed does not have many health problems and can live for up to 20 years, making it an ideal long-term feline friend.
Here, we look at the behavioural traits of the American Shorthair, consider the kinds of households these cats are suited to, and discuss their grooming needs.
Owners of the American Shorthair cat breed generally find them to be ideal feline companions who are very pleasant to have in your home.
They are house cats, which means the breed is likely to remain indoors for the majority of the time. Still, they do enjoy exploring the outdoors from time to time, which is important for ensuring the cat gains enough exercise.
The American Shorthair is known as an easy-going breed and they quickly attach themselves to members of the family. This also makes it an affectionate cat that is likely to seek a lot of attention from the owners and its family. They have a loving nature and tend to be more child-friendly compared to some of the other cat breeds.
While the American Shorthair does not require consistent attention, the cat may get lonely and bored when left unattended to for too long.
These cats are playful and will generally take any opportunity to have fun and play. While the breed enjoys playing with the family, they are also capable of keeping themselves entertained given that they are provided with appropriate toys.
A major benefit of the American Shorthair breed is its flexibility, making the pet an ideal fit for more than just one type of cat owner. Families often find that this particular breed tends to be a great option when there are children at home. The cats are loving and are not usually quick to scratch, as long as the children are advised on how to handle the cat in a gentle manner. With this in mind, it should be noted that the American Shorthair can be a bit sensitive at times.
The cat is not only a good fit for families with kids. Many people find that this particular cat breed gets along with other pets as well. With this in mind, the American Shorthair could be an appropriate option for families looking to adopt a cat, when they already have another cat or dog.
In terms of grooming, the American Shorthair is not the easiest of all breeds, but it is definitely not one that demands a lot of effort. As the name suggests, this cat breed has short hair which experiences relatively less shedding when compared to a long hair breed, meaning there will be less car hair around your home.
Brushing the American Shorthair is important; the cats do need frequent brushing to help remove loose hair, which happens naturally with shedding. If however the loose hair they do have is not removed with a brush, there is a bigger chance that you may find your furniture and bedding coated with cat hair. These cats do not commonly suffer from skin diseases, which means you can brush them more frequently without concern. Still, be gentle when brushing, as the American Shorthair is known as a more sensitive cat breed. It is also important to ensure you build up toward brushing gradually and avoid forcing your cat to remain still for this grooming activity.