American Shorthair

Key Visual Markers

• Dense, short coat that lies flat against the body — each hair tapers to a fine point, giving the coat a hard protective texture developed for outdoor working life; the CFA calls it a "layer-like" coat that repels light moisture and dirt
• Round, full face with a short muzzle, well-developed whisker pads, and a gentle curving profile with a visible stop — the head is large and broad, wider than it is long, with no flat planes
• Large, round wide-set eyes in copper, gold, green, hazel, or blue-white odd eyes in whites — brows are prominent, giving the face an open, friendly expression described as "alert and smiling" in the CFA standard
• Medium-sized ears with rounded tips, set wide apart and blending into the round head contour — minimal tufting, with the inner ear open and well-furnished
• Strongly built, rectangular body with a broad chest, medium-boned legs, and large round paws — the CFA describes the body as "powerful and well-knit, showing no extremes in any direction"
• Medium-length tail tapering from a medium-thick base to a blunt rounded tip — carried in line with the back, never kinked or overly long

Temperament & Traits

• Even-tempered and easygoing — adapts well to changes in routine, travel, and new household members
• Independent but affectionate — enjoys lap time on their own terms and follows owners quietly, but does not demand constant attention
• Excellent with children and other pets — the breed's working-cat heritage developed a calm, tolerant temperament that rarely startles or scratches
• Moderate activity level — enjoys play sessions but settles easily into lounging; not as high-energy as Abyssinians or Bengals
• Quiet communicator — uses soft meows and trills, rarely loud or demanding
• Good mouser — retains strong hunting instincts from its working breed origin

Health Notes

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — the most common heart disease in American Shorthairs; regular cardiac screening recommended
• Obesity — the breed's moderate activity level and adaptable nature mean weight management is a priority throughout life
• Hip dysplasia — seen more often in the larger-boned lines; maintaining lean body condition reduces symptoms
• Dental disease — compact muzzle structure contributes to tooth crowding and gingivitis; regular dental care recommended
• Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) — some lines show predisposition; high-moisture diet helpful as a preventive measure

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a veterinarian for health advice specific to your cat.