American Shorthair(cat)
July 19th, 2008 | by admin |
The American shorthair is a made-in-America breed that has been in this country for hundreds of years. A popular breed, the American shorthair - or ASH - looks comfortably familiar to the average cat lover with his sturdy body style and good looks. Of all the purebreds, the ASH looks the most like the random-bred domestics that can be found on almost any American street. However, the ASH is a pedigree with as long a history of selective breeding as any of the cat fancy’s exclusive purebreds.
Description
The American shorthair was developed from native American working cats. American shorthairs are true working cats: stocky, muscular, and powerful in build.
The breed was originally called the “Shorthair”, then “Domestic Shorthair”, and later, in 1965, the “American shorthair“. Today, the term “domestic shorthair” is used to describe cats of unknown parentage or origin, and American shorthair is the title given to the true pedigreed variety. They were among the first breeds recognized in the United States; 71 “Shorthair” cats and kittens were displayed at the very first U.S. cat show in 1895.
Americans can overeat, so owners must be careful to give them plenty of opportunity for exercise and play.
Although this breed is accepted in a wide variety of colors and patterns, the silver classic tabby is perhaps the best known.
Appearance
In the almost four centuries that cats have inhabited this continent, the environment – and, more recently, human-controlled breeding – have shaped them into their present form. As befits a breed that developed on the farms of early America, the American shorthair is a powerful, solidly built, muscular cat with well-developed shoulders, chest, hindquarters and jaws. A true breed of working cat, the ASH exudes power, endurance and agility and is at home both in the barn and curled up in the fanciest cat condo.
The breed comes in a plethora of colors and patterns. Almost any color or pattern is allowed except those indicating hybridization, such as the Siamese pointed pattern and colors and Abyssinian agouti ticking. The most striking and best known color and pattern combination is the silver tabby, particularly memorable because of his distinct black markings set off on a vivid silver background. More than one-third of all American shorthairs possess this color and pattern. Next in popularity is the brown tabby, with black tabby markings on a rich brown background.
Personality
The expression “happy medium” comes to mind. Easygoing, laid-back cats, American shorthairs are perfect for those who want a feline companion that doesn’t need constant attention but is nevertheless affectionate and devoted. They enjoy being by your side but not in your face. ASHs are also known for their quiet voices and adaptable personalities; they are sociable, easily trained, and they get along well with other animals and children.
Like their pilgrim ancestors who left Europe to find independence, American shorthairs hold their freedom dear. Not your average lap cats, ASHs generally don’t like to be held and cuddled, preferring to be with you, not on you. But given room to be themselves, they are loyal, loving companions for life.
Grooming
Grooming is as easy as living with one of these good-natured cats. Close-lying with a lustrous look and feel, the fur is short, even and dense enough to protect against the elements. Usually, the fur needs only a weekly combing with a good steel comb. During the twice-yearly shedding seasons - fall and spring - additional combing is helpful in keeping cat hair off everything you own.
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