The American Shorthair is the most popular and most prevalent breed of American cat. American Shorthairs are medium to large sized cats, with powerful legs and strong paws. Their muzzle is squarish. Their coat is short, with the fur being thick, dense, and stiff to protect them from cold, moisture, and superficial skin injuries. Their coat thickens up in the winter and sheds in the spring but still remains lighter and slimmer than its close cousin, the British Shorthair
American Shorthairs come in over a 100 different varieties of colors (blacks, whites, silvers, creams, reds, browns, blues, bicolors, tabby or solid), but their eyes, pad color, and nose will always match their coloring. Their tail tapers to a blunt tip and has no kinks
The first domesticated cats in America came over with the early European explorers and settlers. There is definite proof that several Shorthair cats were brought to America on the Mayflower.7 CFA Allbreed judge and American Shorthair breeder, Mrs. Kay McQuillen informed the author that her family bible shows an entry by her great-great-grandmother, Mrs. Heaney, that a
"three-colored Shorthair female" (calico) accompanied her on the Mayflower and produced a litter of kittens soon after arriving at Plymouth Rock.
American Shorthairs are very affectionate, long-living, and disinclined to behavioral problems; they get along well with other family members, including dogs. The American Shorthair is also an excellent hunter, but its sunny and gentle disposition make it ideal for families with small children. Shorthairs tend to get overweight very easily.
