History of the American Shorthair Cat
The first American Shorthair cats came to American with early pioneers from Europe in the old pioneering days. In ships headed for the new world, the shot-hair earned to keep by catching rats keeping food supplies safe and deterring the spread of disease.  Once called a "domestic shorthair", the American Shorthair cat breed owes its heritage to the British shorthair.  The first shorthair placed in the registry in 1901 was a British shorthair cat. Contemporary American shorthair cats are now rather larger with less rounded faces and longer legs and tails than their British counterparts.

Appearance of the American Shorthair Cat
The American shorthair cat is a working cat with a strong, athletic, well-proportioned body.  These cats don't reach full adulthood until about 3-4 years of age.  The coat of the American shorthair cat is short, thick and even but coarse in texture.  Its coat thickens up in the winter and helps protect it from cold and injuries. There are more than 100 varieties of American Shorthair Cats.

Personality of the American Shorthair Cat
The personality of the American Shorthair cat can be described as versatile with an even temperament and can be either an indoor or outdoor cat.  This cat enjoys being outdoors and is a good hunter but also has gentle and playful nature making it an ideal household pet.

American Shorthair Cat Pictures