Other names: Domestic shorthair (although they are not the same)
Life expectancy: 15-20 years
Size: Between 6–15 lb in weight and up to 12–15 inches in length
Coat: Tabby, solid, or tortoiseshell, and comes in black, brown, red, cream or silver
Eye colour: Gold, green or hazel
Temperament: Gentle, companionable, robust, quiet and playful
Origin/native country: North America
American Shorthair cats are up there for being one of the oldest cat breeds in the United States. It’s believed that British Shorthairs were used to breed American Shorthair cats, with the first record of breeding dating back to 1904.
Fast forward more than a century later and these lovable cats are now considered to be one of the most popular felines in America, too. Easy-going, adaptable and independent, American Shorthairs won't require all of your time and energy. They’re also one of the longest living cat breeds and can live for up to 15–20 years.
As is the case with any other breed, no one American Shorthair is the same. But with more than 80 color combinations to choose from, these beauties really are one of a kind. Despite them being originally bred to protect crops from vermin, today, they are known as one of the most gentle cat companions to grace this earth.
Considering bringing one home? Dr Rebecca MacMillan shares everything you need to know about this much-loved breed.
What do American Shorthair cats eat?
Like all other cats, American Shorthairs are obligate carnivores.
“This means they need a diet that is rich in animal protein to get all the nutrients needed to maintain their health,” Dr Rebecca MacMillan explains.
“They don’t need anything particularly special compared to other cat breeds. Just make sure you feed your American Shorthair on a good quality complete diet that is appropriate for their life stage, such as kitten, adult or senior.”
For example, the best dry cat foods feature a high-quality protein source as the first ingredient and have nutritious recipes to keep your cat healthy. The same goes for the best cat food for senior cats that will keep your older feline happy and healthy.
Are American Shorthair cats hypoallergenic?
Despite the fact that American Shorthairs are short-haired cats, they have thick coats and tend to shed quite often throughout the year, especially in the spring and fall. Therefore, they are not considered to be hypoallergenic.
However, according to Dr MacMillan: “Regular grooming and a good quality diet can help to reduce the amount of hair shed in your home.”
If you’re looking for a fur friend who won’t shed too much, it’s worth reading up on the non-shedding cats and even the bald and beautiful hairless cat breeds that are practically void of hair.
If you suffer from allergies then hypoallergenic cat breeds, like a Devon Rex or Russian Blue, will ease your symptoms if you're reaching for the tissues every time you’re near a feline.
How much exercise does an American Shorthair cat need?
Primarily bred to keep pest numbers down, these keen hunters are excellent at catching mice and rats, and as such, this makes the American Shorthair a well-muscled and active cat.
“They will enjoy plenty of playtime to let them practice their natural hunting instincts,” Dr MacMillan says. Therefore, according to the expert, American Shorthairs need around 30 minutes of activity every day, which is similar to most other cat breeds.
“This can be broken down into a few shorter play sessions,” Dr MacMillan says. “Make sure that they have plenty of interactive cat toys, as these cats will entertain themselves as well as enjoy play sessions with you.”
For example, the best automated cat toys can give your feline something fun to play with, even when you're not around. While the best cat toys can help you bond with your kitty.
Are American Shorthair cats healthy?
If you’re thinking of adopting this breed, you’ll be pleased to know that the American Shorthair is generally healthy compared to many other pedigrees, especially those with more extreme features. Therefore, the conditions that commonly affect the American Shorthair, like obesity and dental disease, could also affect any other cat breed.
“In my experience, one of the most diagnosed issues is obesity,” Dr MacMillan says. “If your cat becomes overweight, it could be more at risk from other complaints, such as diabetes mellitus, arthritis, and cancer.”
According to Dr MacMillan, the American Shorthair can also suffer from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is an inherited heart condition that causes breathing issues and collapse.
“Sometimes a murmur is detected on a routine exam, but I have seen many affected cats go undiagnosed until they present in an emergency,” the vet says.
To keep your American Shorthair healthy, you should ensure they are on an appropriate diet.
“This means feeding them the correct amount of a good quality complete diet,” Dr MacMillan says. “Always check the manufacturer guidelines and make sure you weigh the food out accurately.”
While the best cat treats can brighten up your fur friend's day and help you train them, Dr MacMillan recommends avoiding giving your cat too many snacks or table scraps as these will lead to weight gain over time.
Do American Shorthair cats need much grooming?
American Shorthair cats are a low-maintenance breed. However, they will still need weekly grooming to keep their coat in pristine condition.
Dental hygiene is also really important for American Shorthairs.
“Try and introduce teeth brushing from an early age and make sure you attend regular checkups with your vet,” Dr MacMillan says. “Make sure your American Shorthair also has all of the recommended preventative care, such as vaccinations, neutering, and anti-parasite treatment, especially if they are an outdoor cat that hunts.”
How much does an American Shorthair cat cost?
In the US, an American Shorthair cat can cost anywhere between $500–1,500, depending on the state and breeder you go to. Cats with registered pedigrees will be towards the higher end of this scale, along with rarer colors and patterns.
Therefore, American Shorthairs are seen as mid-priced cats as they aren’t known as the most expensive cat breeds, but neither are they the most affordable.
Should I get an American Shorthair?
The great thing to note about American Shorthair cats is that they are brilliant all-rounders. They are mild-mannered, playful and great with children and even other pets you may have, like a dog.
They also thrive with any time spent with their human counterparts, whether this is playing with toys or snuggling up on the couch. But, perhaps, above all, they are easy-going cats which makes them one of the best breeds for first-time owners.
“The American Shorthair is not too demanding, though, and they will also happily amuse themselves,” notes Dr MacMillan. “They will slot in well to most homes and are generally good with children and other pets with the right socialization.”
Read next: American Shorthair cat facts
Having graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London as a veterinary surgeon, Rebecca is highly experienced in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. Rebecca recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation).
Rebecca writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
Recent updates
This feature was last updated in May 2025 by Becks Shepherd.
