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American Shorthair cats are a beloved breed for many reasons. With an extensive history dating back to the founding of the United States, it is no wonder that they are so ingrained in the hearts of Americans everywhere (and beyond)! Though they are a fairly recognizable cat, there are many things that most people don’t know about the American Shorthair!
They have an extremely compelling history and endearing temperament, as you’ll soon find out! Now, here are 10 interesting facts about the American Shorthair that make them even more lovable and charming!
1. American Shorthairs Journeyed On The Mayflower
Truly enforcing their “all-American” status, American Shorthair cats have been making their mark in the United States since the country’s founding! They are originally thought to have made the journey across the Atlantic on the renowned ship, the Mayflower! It is fascinating to think that your American Shorthair’s ancestors were most likely around to witness the signing of the Declaration of Independence and every subsequent event in American history! In this way, American Shorthairs can be considered extremely loyal companions to humans.
It is no surprise that they have retained their prominence throughout generations of developing and changing Americans as they are incredibly adaptable cats! They undoubtedly have earned and represented their name over the centuries that they have inhabited the United States.
2. American Shorthairs Were Used For Pest Control
Speaking of their adaptability, American Shorthairs were incredibly useful to colonial-era settlers and shop owners by providing an early form of pest control. Because of their slender build and athletic nature, American Shorthairs are excellent hunters. They were originally highly popular among the new inhabitants of North America and widely bred to get rid of invasive vermin like rats and mice. Their sharp rat-catching abilities were highly valued as rats could easily spread diseases that, at the time, were most likely fatal.
They may have even aided the passengers of the Mayflower by keeping the ship free of any potential disease spread by rats. So, not only were American Shorthair cats around for the founding of the United States, they may have facilitated it! How fascinating is that?
3. American Shorthairs Have a Gentle Nature
American Shorthair Cats are known for valuing their independence (maybe something they picked up from the Founding Fathers)! As such, they strongly enjoy peace and quiet and often don’t like being picked up. That being said, American Shorthairs are still incredibly affectionate and loving cats. They enjoy living alongside their owners in a mutually respected relationship. They can be incredibly gentle and value companionship. American Shorthair cats are often considered the embodiment of adaptability.
Because of their generally kind and mellow nature, American Shorthairs are often considered to be great companions to children and other pets including dogs and cats. However, it is important to remember that every cat is different! If you are planning on introducing your American Shorthair to a new member of the family, do so thoughtfully and comfortably for every party involved.
4. American Shorthairs are Very Intelligent
These cats are incredibly intelligent and distinguished problem-solvers. They have a very keen sense of their surroundings, which is one of the factors that contributed to them being such excellent hunters! With this in mind, it’s important yo keep your American Shorthair actively engaged for their overall well-being and happiness. Interactive toys and treats are an excellent way to keep their minds at work. They may love toys that capture their “pest-control” ancestry like plush mice and feather toys.
Because of their intelligence, American Shorthairs make great companions. They can be trained easily and are often considered low-maintenance cats. They are very sociable, adaptable, and lively. Overall, they are definitely an excellent source of companionship as they have very well-regulated personalities and temperaments stemming from their unique intellect!
5. Mark Twain Likely Loved American Shorthairs
A little-known historical fact is that famed author and traveler Mark Twain was a self-proclaimed lover of cats! There are many quotes that can be attributed to Twain that affirm his love for domesticated felines. His love for cats went as far as for him to state, “If man could be crossed with the cat it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat.” He had many cats throughout his lifetime with some very unique, if not humorous, names including Satan, Pestilence, and Beelzebub.
There are many photo collections of Twain with his cats, and most of them look very similar to the American Shorthair. Though this is only speculation, it is likely that a cat lover like Twain would appreciate the American Shorthair’s gentle and sweet temperament.
6. American Shorthairs Were in the First National Cat Show
The first National Cat Show was held in 1895 in Madison Square Garden. At this event, there were many showcased shorthair cats including the Domestic (later to be American) shorthair! Since then, the American Shorthair has continually made its mark on cat shows both nationally and internationally. It is no surprise that the American Shorthair has placed in cat shows across the world as they are very versatile and intelligent!
Browsing the Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA), you can find an extensive history of American Shorthair Cats placing at National Cat Shows. Some highlights in recent years include the 6th Best Cat of Premiership in 2011-2012, 2nd Best of Breed in 2013-2014, and International Best of Breed, Best Kitten, and 3rd Best Cat in 2016-2017! Clearly, the American Shorthair is a widely treasured cat, consistently scoring among the highest-rated cat breeds worldwide.
7. American Shorthairs Are Different Than Domestic Shorthairs
Throughout the years, the American Shorthair has actually undergone a name change! Originally known as Domestic Shorthairs, they didn’t come to be known as “American Shorthairs” until 1966. This distinction was primarily pushed for by proponents of the American Shorthair’s natural and untampered beauty. As a result, American Shorthairs were distinguished as a “pedigreed” breed, meaning that all American Shorthairs descend from American Shorthairs – there is no mixing of breeds. Domestic Shorthairs vary from American Shorthairs because they are mixed cats that can have features and ancestry from many different breeds! American Shorthair cats are now recognized by all accredited cat fancier organizations.
There are some key differences between American Shorthairs and Domestic Shorthairs. One of the most noticeable of these differences is their builds. While American Shorthairs can easily be recognized by their muscular frame, Domestic Shorthairs tend to have more variation in their physical structure. Furthermore, since American Shorthairs are not a mixed cat breed like Domestic Shorthairs, their demeanor and temperament are generally considered to be more predictable than Domestics.
8. American Shorthairs Are Popular
In more recent times, American Shorthair Cats have continued to establish their popularity by constantly charting as one of the most popular cat breeds. In 2021, American Shorthairs ranked as the eighth most popular cat breed according to The Cat Fancier’s Association. Clearly, the American Shorthair has not lost any of its charms over the few centuries that they have been around. In the last few years, the American Shorthair has consistently charted in the top 10 according to the CFA.
There are many examples of the American Shorthair fortifying its reputation as a household name. In 1995, the American Shorthair Sol-Mer Sharif won the CFA’s Best of Show, beating out over 1300 other cats. In years since the American Shorthair won Best Kitten and Best Cat first in China in the 2015-2016 season before going on to win both those categories internationally! Overall, the American Shorthair has and will likely continue to win over the hearts of people around the world. It would not be surprising to see its name appear on Most Popular Cat Breed lists for years to come.
9. American Shorthairs Are Muscular
No wonder these cats were so useful to early settlers by being fast and effective hunters! American Shorthair cats are often distinguished by their muscular, toned form. They often have broad shoulders and powerful jaws. As previously mentioned, their build is one of their most distinctive features, differentiating them from Domestic Shorthairs.
Though, rather surprisingly, American Shorthair Cats are not extremely athletic, despite their physique. They may prefer to nap and stretch rather than run around. Their muscular frame can almost entirely be attributed to remnants of their ancestry as working cats. However, like most cats, they still enjoy climbing and playing, so it is important to keep them well entertained.
10. American Shorthairs Are Versatile In Appearance
Though you can typically recognize an American Shorthair Cat by their build, most of their other features are extremely variable. While silver fur with black markings is their most well-known color combination, they also come in white, gray, black, beige, brown, eggshell, cameo, and red. They can additionally be bi-colored, solid, patched, striped, calico, and many more color combinations!
Like their coats, American Shorthairs can also have a variety of eye colors. As humans, the most popular eye colors are brown, blue, and green. However, they can also have golden, hazel, gray, or even be heterochromatic with two different colors in each eye! It is thought that American Shorthair Cats can come in up to eighty different colors and patterns. With such variety, it is likely that your furry friend is not quite like any other!
Final Thoughts
Overall, the American Shorthair cat is an incredibly versatile and warm-hearted cat with a very interesting history. It is no wonder they are considered a loyal and treasured companion by people around the world. The American Shorthair is one of the most recognizable cats, and for good reason. With their unique ancestry, adaptable temperament, and impressive intellect, these cats continue to impress time and time again. The ten facts in this post are just the beginning of all the wonderful things there is to say about American Shorthairs.
Sources
https://www.catcarecenter.com/
https://www.thesprucepets.com/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/
https://www.showcatsonline.com/
Disclaimer: The Purring Journal is not in the medical field. This post is made for entertainment purposes only. Use the information presented in this article at your own risk. Always seek medical advice from licensed veterinarians.
