What Is the Origin of the American Short Hair Cat?

According to the Cat Fanciers' Association, the American Shorthair is among the ten most popular cat breeds. These cats are known for their vitality, longevity and easygoing manner with both children and dogs.

  1. Description

    • The Cat Fanciers' Association recognizes American Shorthairs in over 80 different colors and patterns. The most well-known coloring is that of the silver tabby, with distinct black markings on a striking silver background.

    Wildcat Ancestor

    • American Shorthair breeder Valerie Anne Edwards writes that the appearance of the breed most closely resembles that of the nearly extinct Scottish wildcat.

    An American Breed

    • The American Shorthair is a truly American breed, descended from cats who traveled to the new world with the first European settlers. These cats were brought along on overseas journeys, where they were valued for their ability to hunt rats.

    Selection and Breeding

    • As these American cats became more numerous, people began selecting the most appealing among them for particularly beautiful colors and markings.

    Recognized in 1966

    • Originally known in cat breeding circles as the Domestic Shorthair, in 1966 the breed was renamed the American Shorthair, to better differentiate it as a distinctly American type.