Physical Description

• Recognized in more than 80 colors and patterns
• Most popular color is silver tabby with black markings
• Weight: 8-15 pounds
• Average lifespan: 15-20 years

Temperament

• Gentle, affectionate, playful, quiet, easy-going
• Good companion cat
• Good with other pets, dogs and children
• Needs lots of love

At Home

• Does best indoors
• Needs sufficient scratching device
• Declawing is not recommended
• Kittens are available after 12-16 weeks
• Low maintenance

Brief History

• Originated in the United States
• Descended from cats brought from Europe on the Mayflower
• Used for ratting
• Some were bred with foreign breeds, such as the Siamese, in the early 1900s
• Recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 1906

Grooming

• Trim nails regularly

Fun Facts

• Name was changed from Domestic Shorthair to American Shorthair in 1966
• Two have been named Cat Fanciers’ Association Cats of the Year and one Kitten of the Year
• One of the top-ten most popular breeds
• In 1896, one sold for $2,500 at the Second Annual Cat Show in Madison Square Garden