Buyer question
How long does an American Shorthair live?
Our Animal Library gives the American Shorthair a lifespan of 15–20 years.
Source: the American Shorthair page in the Everybarn Animal Library. American Shorthair in the Animal Library
The detail
A sturdy, moderate cat descended from the working mousers that came to North America with early settlers. It is balanced in almost every way: friendly without being clingy, playful without being frantic, and easy to keep.
- Origin
- United States
- Best fit
- Families, first-time owners
- Temperament
- Even, friendly, adaptable
What to weigh
An American Shorthair is prone to weight gain and heavier seasonal shedding than its short coat suggests. Beyond that, it is one of the easier pedigree cats to live with.