American Shorthair cats have been around for centuries, but many people don’t know a lot about them. These cats are full of surprises and have some amazing facts that might leave you in awe. Everything from their ancestry to their unique personalities makes American Shorthair one of the most intriguing cat breeds around. Let’s look at some of the interesting facts about these cats.
The 8 Facts About American Shorthair Cats
1. They Were Domesticated in Egypt
Domestic shorthair cats, in general, are believed to have been domesticated around Egypt in 2000 BC. During this time, they traveled around the world with breeders and hunters and arrived in North America in the 1600s. Since that time these cats have sort of been a staple in our culture and a favorite amongst cat lovers.
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2. They Are Average-Sized Cats
American Shorthair cats can grow until the age of 3 to 4 years. On average, females can weigh anywhere between 6 and 12 pounds while males can average 11 to 15 pounds.
3. They Require Very Little Maintenance
Because of their short- to medium-length fur, these cats are fairly low-maintenance. Regular brushing is important for all cats to reduce hairballs and minimize shedding, but their short fur doesn’t require much grooming compared to many other breeds.
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4. They’re One of the Most Common Cats in the World
American Shorthair cats are one of the most common cat breeds in America and in the rest of the world. In fact, in 2020, they were the 8th most popular cat breed in the world.
5. American Shorthairs Are Hardworking & Friendly
American Shorthair cats are known for their easygoing and friendly personalities. They are usually very calm and quiet and are not very demanding. But they’re also very social and may be a good choice for a multi-pet home. These cats are hardworking and have been purchased for their hunting skills throughout history. They are great for hunting down small pests like rodents and spiders.
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6. They’re Really Smart
American Shorthairs are extremely intelligent and can be trained to do tricks, so they’re great for anyone who likes to train felines. These cats are also very athletic, making them great outdoor cats for farmers and large landowners. Shorthair cats have also evolved a lot and can be very affectionate with their people. They’re often described as loving and loyal cats that love to explore their surroundings.
7. They’re Very Healthy
American Shorthair cats are very healthy, which makes them a great choice for anyone who is looking for a long-lived pet that won’t require much other than annual vet checkups. American Shorthair cats are very resistant to most diseases and can be kept inside or outside. They have an average lifespan of around 12-15 years, which is very long for a cat.
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8. They’re Great for Families
American Shorthair cats are very social and love people, making them a good choice for a multi-pet home. They are also very good with children, so you don’t have to worry about them bothering the children.
Conclusion
American Shorthair cats are full of surprises and have some amazing facts that might leave you in awe. They’re cute, very friendly, and also very long-lived, making them a great choice for anyone seeking a long-lived pet.
Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe....Read more
