The American shorthair is a very popular cat and it is one that many people consider to have as a member of the family. They tend to be rather adaptable to almost any type of conditions within the household and when it comes to people, they are good to have around. Although they are an excellent house cat, they do still retain many of their skills in the form of hunting so there will not be a rodent that will escape their notice.
It is not fully known when the American shorthair got their foothold in the United States, but it is widely known that cats were part of many seafaring vessels. That was certainly the case with the Mayflower and other ships that came from the old country to the United States. Those ships brought people who were ready to make a new life but they also carried shorthaired cats, whose hunting ability was used in order to keep rodents to a minimum. It wasn’t until the late 1800s, however, that the short hairs began to really take hold as a distinct breed. Today, they are one of the best-known breeds.
Many of the shorthaired cats that may have gone into the American shorthair breed were likely good hunters and were used for that specific purpose. Today, they are still able to hunt quite readily but they are more often seen as a member of the family. They tend to be fairly active and enjoy some playtime with the family. They also enjoy sitting on your lap and socializing, which makes them a wonderful family pet for almost any household.
Like any breed of cat, the American shorthair may experience various health problems. One of the more common issues that they may experience, however, is heart disease, in particular, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This may be a problem with the breed but it may not be able to be traced easily down through the family line. Choosing a quality breeder and selecting the kitten carefully can help to reduce the likelihood that this will be a problem. When any serious health issues are recognized, it is always best to seek veterinary care immediately.
It is fairly easy to care for the coat of an American shorthair, as you can simply run a brush over it a few times a week. This will help to reduce problems with shedding and will distribute the skin oil to make the coat healthy. Your cat would also benefit from a regular ear checkup and you should brush their teeth for the prevention of gum disease.
Although there are many different breeds of cats to choose from, the American shorthair is one that certainly can be a part of any family. When you find that they are a part of your family, you will likely find the cat on your lap and rarely ever very far from your side.