Buyer question
Is an American Shorthair good for beginners?
Yes: our Animal Library rates the American Shorthair 5 out of 5 for beginners (low-maintenance all round).
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.
- Temperament
- Even, friendly, adaptable
- Best fit
- Families, first-time owners
- Energy
- 3 out of 5 (Moderate, loves chase toys)
- Grooming load
- 2 out of 5 (Weekly brush)
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.