Page 63 - The Complete Cat Breed Book (DK)

SHOR THAIRS 61

AMERICAN SHORTHAIR

A ROBUST, EASY-CARE CAT THAT IS RECOGNIZED IN A HUGE RANGE OF COLORS

Place of origin US The first domestic cats in the US are said to have arrived with
Date of origin 1890s the early pilgrims in the 1600s. Over the following centuries,
Breed registries CFA, TICA sturdy, workmanlike cats spread all over America, most of them
Weight range 8–15lb (3.5–7kg) kept as efficient mousers rather than as house pets. But by
Grooming
the beginning of the 20th century, a more refined form of the
barnyard hunter, known as the Domestic Shorthair, began to
Colors and patterns emerge. Careful breeding further improved the Domestic, and
Most solid colors and shades; by the 1960s—now renamed the American Shorthair—it was
patterns include bicolor, tabby,
and tortoiseshell. attracting attention at pedigree cat shows. Healthy and hardy,
American Shorthairs are perfect
family cats that fit in with almost
any type of household.
Broad,
rounded
head
Square muzzle Large head
and strong jaws with full face

Ears slightly
rounded at tips

Short, thick,
resilient coat
Round paws
with heavy pads
Classic silver
tabby coat

Well-developed,
powerful body

Tail tapers
to blunt end
Straight,
muscular legs