Cat Breeds

American Shorthair

The American Shorthair is a gentle cat, perfect for homes seeking a loving companion.

American Shorthair

Cat Breeds

American Shorthair

The American Shorthair is a gentle cat, perfect for homes seeking a loving companion.

American Shorthair

Cat Breeds

American Shorthair

The American Shorthair is a gentle cat, perfect for homes seeking a loving companion.

American Shorthair

Cat Breeds

American Shorthair

The American Shorthair is a gentle cat, perfect for homes seeking a loving companion.

American Shorthair

Other Names

Domestic Shorthair

Other Names

Domestic Shorthair

Other Names

Domestic Shorthair

Weight

3.6-6.8 kg (8-15 lbs)

Weight

3.6-6.8 kg (8-15 lbs)

Weight

3.6-6.8 kg (8-15 lbs)

Coat Length

Short hair

Coat Length

Short hair

Coat Length

Short hair

Coat Patterns

Solid, bicolor, chinchilla, tabby, calico, tortoiseshell

Coat Patterns

Solid, bicolor, chinchilla, tabby, calico, tortoiseshell

Coat Patterns

Solid, bicolor, chinchilla, tabby, calico, tortoiseshell

Lifespan

15 to 20 years

Lifespan

15 to 20 years

Lifespan

15 to 20 years

Personality

Affectionate, sweet, easygoing, friendly, curious

Personality

Affectionate, sweet, easygoing, friendly, curious

Personality

Affectionate, sweet, easygoing, friendly, curious

Length

30-38 cm (11.8-15 inches)

Length

30-38 cm (11.8-15 inches)

Length

30-38 cm (11.8-15 inches)

Coat colors

White, black, blue, red, cream, blue-cream

Coat colors

White, black, blue, red, cream, blue-cream

Coat colors

White, black, blue, red, cream, blue-cream

Eye Color

Green, blue, copper, gold, hazel, heterochromia

Eye Color

Green, blue, copper, gold, hazel, heterochromia

Eye Color

Green, blue, copper, gold, hazel, heterochromia

Hypoallergenic

No

Hypoallergenic

No

Hypoallergenic

No

American Shorthair

American Shorthair

American Shorthair

Breed History

The American Shorthair descends from European cats brought to North America by early settlers in the 1600s. Back then, cats were widely used to chase rats and mice, protecting precious cargo in ships and homes. 

Because of the American Shorthair’s popularity in these tasks, they became domestic animals and a part of several homes. Later on, the popularity of show cats surged, leading to the designation of the name “Domestic Shorthair” for this breed. The cat breed was later renamed to the American Shorthair.

Today, this cat continues to become a loving part of homes, protecting families from rats and loneliness. 

American Shorthair Breed History
American Shorthair Breed History
American Shorthair Breed History

Health and Medical Concerns

Cancerology

Cardiology

Dermatology

Endocrinology

Gastroenterology

Hematology & Immune System

Infectious Diseases

Neurology

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Pulmonology

Reproduction

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

SCCs are a cancer that develops in the squamous cells, which are flat cells that line on the outer layer of the skin. It’s often triggered by UV exposure from the sun. Common signs include scabs, sores, itching, and visible lumps. (Sequeira et al., 2022)

Lymphoma

A cancer that originates in the lymphocytes, which can potentially affect other parts of the body, like the spleen, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. Affected American Shorthairs can experience signs like diarrhea, weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes. Lymphomas are generally caused by genetics and environmental factors. (Versteegh et al., 2023)

Mammary Tumors 

Mammary tumors are firm and raised lumps that manifest on the mammary chain of cats. If left untreated, these can spread to other body parts. Common signs include visible lumps, discharge, and weight loss. (mammary tumors in cats)

Just brought home a American Shorthair?
Just brought home a American Shorthair?
Just brought home a American Shorthair?

Schedule their wellness check today!

Temperament and Lifestyle Fit

American Shorthair Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

American Shorthairs adapt well to various climates, including warmer ones. However, prolonged exposure to heat should always be avoided. 

Precautions

Limit exercise hours to early mornings and evenings. Make sure to have fresh water ready in the areas frequented by the cat. 

American Shorthair Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

American Shorthairs adapt well to various climates, including warmer ones. However, prolonged exposure to heat should always be avoided. 

Precautions

Limit exercise hours to early mornings and evenings. Make sure to have fresh water ready in the areas frequented by the cat. 

American Shorthair Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

American Shorthairs adapt well to various climates, including warmer ones. However, prolonged exposure to heat should always be avoided. 

Precautions

Limit exercise hours to early mornings and evenings. Make sure to have fresh water ready in the areas frequented by the cat. 

Diet and Nutrition

Dietary Needs

A balanced diet rich in high-quality animal proteins is essential. This can include chicken, beef, and lean meats.

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

Dietary Needs

A balanced diet rich in high-quality animal proteins is essential. This can include chicken, beef, and lean meats.

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

Dietary Needs

A balanced diet rich in high-quality animal proteins is essential. This can include chicken, beef, and lean meats.

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

American Shorthair Diet and Nutrition
American Shorthair Diet and Nutrition
American Shorthair Diet and Nutrition

American Shorthair Grooming Guide

American Shorthair Grooming Guide
American Shorthair Grooming Guide
American Shorthair Grooming Guide

Coat Maintenance

Brush the coat once a week using a slicker or bristle brush, whichever is available. This helps remove loose hair and debris.

Skin Health

While American Shorthairs generally have healthy skin, making use of vet-approved moisturizers and shampoos can be beneficial. 

Bathing

American Shorthairs should be bathed every 4 to 6 weeks. Use a gentle, hypoallergenic cat shampoo and make sure the coat is dried thoroughly. 

Nail Trimming

Trim their nails every 2 to 3 weeks, or until they get too long, using a cat-specific clipper. 

Ear Care

Their ears should be checked at least once a week and cleaned for any visible debris. Use a pet-safe ear cleaning solution and cotton balls.

Eye Care

These cats don’t need frequent eye cleaning, only when they get dirty. Use a soft, damp cloth and wipe outward. 

Teeth Care

Dental brushing is recommended daily for American Shorthairs. Use a pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrush.

Physical Characteristics

Head

The American Shorthair has a broad, slightly rounded head with full cheeks and a pronounced jawline. 

Eyes

Their eyes are large, wide-set, and slightly rounded, forming an almond-shaped appearance. The colors can be green, blue, copper, gold, hazel, or heterochromia.

Ears

They have medium-sized ears that are set wide apart and rounded at the tips.

Body

The body is muscular, solid, and well-proportioned. They have a sturdy build with a broad chest. 

Limbs

American Shorthairs have strong and stocky legs that look a bit short. Their paws are firm and round.

Tail

The tail is medium in length, thick at the base, and tapers to a rounded tip.

Coat

American Shorthairs have a short but dense coat with a straight texture. It comes in colors like white, black, blue, red, cream, and blue-cream.

Size

Male and Female: 20-26 cm (7.9-10.2 inches).

Weight

Male: 5-6.8 kg (11-15 lbs); Female: 3.6-5.4 kg (8-12 lbs).

American Shorthair Physical Characteristics
American Shorthair Physical Characteristics
American Shorthair Physical Characteristics

Wellness & Emergency Care

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We’re here for urgent care, wellness checks, or anything in between. 

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Get the best Vet care for your pet

Book Appointment

Worried about your pet?

We’re here for urgent care, wellness checks, or anything in between. 

Get the best Vet care for your pet

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

Policies

Contact Us

DIP - 8am to 9pm
JLT - 10am to 7pm

Jumeirah -

Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm

Sat-Sun: 9am to 6pm

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

Policies

Contact Us

DIP - 8am to 9pm
JLT - 10am to 7pm

Jumeirah -

Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm

Sat-Sun: 9am to 6pm

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics

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