This type of cat dates back more than 400 years. Its appearance in America is associated with the arrival of the first settlers to the continent. On the ships of that time, cats were the only remedy against rats, which were found in abundance on ships and thoroughly spoiled the provisions. Therefore, sailors took unpretentious, strong and large cats capable of exterminating an army of rodents.
The functionality of these cats turned out to be indispensable on land, for fighting rodents in barns, houses and fields.
These cats are unpretentious and friendly in everyday life, they are distinguished by a strong body and powerful paws suitable for real hunting. It is best to look at a photo of an American Shorthair cat to get an idea of its appearance.
Currently, shorthaired pointers in America stand alongside national symbols such as the Christmas duck, baseball or apple pie.
History of the origin of the American Shorthair cat breed
American shorthair cats came to the United States from European territory, because neither in South nor North America did there exist such species of cats that could be their ancestors.
Perhaps these animals arrived on the American coast at the same time as Christopher Columbus himself? What is certain is that they already took place in Jamestown, the very first English settlement in the New World.
This is known from journal entries from 1609.
At that time, there was a strict rule: there must be cats on board the ship. It is believed that the American Shorthair arrived in the New World on the Mayflower, carrying pilgrims to explore new territories.
The function was practical in nature - the destruction of rodents that spoil food supplies.
Over time, these cats were repeatedly bred with other breeds: Persians, British, Burmese, which is why they acquired their current appearance.
It is not so important from what part of the world and when they appeared, because these animals finally joined society, protecting houses, barns and fields from whole crowds of mice and rats that also arrived on ships.
From this position, the functionality of cats was much more important than their appearance, so the colonists paid practically no attention to the color, body shape and shades of the coat of the American Shorthair.
Natural selection spares neither people nor cats, but these animals still managed to adapt and develop powerful muscles, jaws and almost instantaneous reactions.
However, the breed became popular only in the 1960s, when it began to take part in exhibitions and receive prizes.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, American Shorthairs were bred with Persians in order to improve the conformation and make the animals' hair silver.
The result was their transformation and the acquisition of features of Persian cats. Due to the fact that the Persians were extremely popular, hybrids also enjoyed success. However, over time, the breed began to be forgotten and replaced by others, newer and more widespread.
Several enthusiasts, delighted with the appearance of the American Shorthair, launched a program to preserve the breed, but the silver shade of the coat was left because buyers liked it.
Initially, things almost didn’t work out, because no one supported the breeders. At that time, they were not only unable to win in the show rings, but even get there without a clear breed standard. This remained the case until the 1940s, when popularity gradually began to increase.
In 1965, breeders decided to give the breed a different name. Today they are called American Shorthairs or Shorthaired Pointers.
Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is one of the most popular American cat breeds, due to its spectacular appearance and docile nature.
The brutal beauty of the Maine Coon has long conquered many hearts of cat lovers. Oh, this noble face, the tufts on the ears, the attentive, understanding look from under his brows... Once you see a Maine Coon, it’s almost impossible to get him out of your head.
The name of the breed comes from the name of the supposed homeland of the Maine Coon - Maine, and the ending "coon" got to the breed from the word racoon (English raccoon), probably for its similar striped color. Some external resemblance to the Norwegian forest cat has given rise to the opinion that Maine Coons are the ancestors of those same Norwegian cats that the Vikings brought to the United States a long time ago, although there is no direct confirmation of this. However, Maine Coons are considered an indigenous American cat breed, which was formed naturally in the difficult continental climate of Maine. Traditionally, the Maine Coon breed is considered the largest cat breed (the weight of adult cats reaches 15 kg).
The raccoon cat breed was first officially registered by the CFA at the beginning of the 20th century, and the modern standard was adopted in 1967.
Description of American Shorthair cats
According to the breed standard, the animal is considered heavy. These cats have a very clear sexual type, that is, the weight of the male and female differs significantly. Males are large and can weigh almost nine kilograms, while females can weigh between four and five kilograms.
Large, elongated, somewhat square head. The forehead line is slightly sloping. There is no bump between the ears, like many other cats. The cheeks are large. The ears are small and widely spaced. Large eyes.
Wide chest, strong limbs of medium length. Round and strong paws. Large tail with a blunt tip.
Soft and silky coat. The shade of the coat is not limited by the breed standard.
Eye color most often matches the color of the coat. American Shorthairs with silver coats have green eyes; white cats may have heterochromia.
Upon careful examination, such a cat can greatly amaze with its developed muscles and decent power. The animal has a very proportional body.
Even if you know nothing about its long and full of trials history, you can say that this is not a lapdog, but a strong and energetic hunter.
Colors of American Shorthair cats:
The CFA, which controls all issues related to domestic cats and their breeds, has developed more than eighty coat colors for shorthaired pointers. This includes classic colors for many breeds - white and black.
Among others are blue, red, cream, chinchilla, ginger and so on. Silver shaded or red chinchilla looks great. There are smoky colors or those that include two shades.
Many varieties of tabby: classic, tiger, patched and so on. There is a large percentage of silver tabbies in the entire breed - almost 80%.
Characteristics of American Shorthair cats
If you need to describe the character of American Shorthair cats, then the best option is everything in moderation. This cat won’t lie on the sofa all day, but it won’t run around the apartment endlessly either.
It is suitable for those people who want their pet to lie on their laps and not on their head, and if they are left alone at home, then all things will remain intact.
The American loves to remain independent, she took this trait from the first colonists, no less. She likes to stand firmly on the ground and walk on her own paws, so she won't be handled unless she wants to. In all other respects, it is a gentle, intelligent and people-loving pet.
They like to play, even if the pet is already quite old. In addition, the instinct of a true hunter never leaves them.
If there are no rodents in the house, which is most likely, the cat will begin to catch flies and other insects, realizing instinct. They like to watch birds and other things that happen outside the window.
If your cat walks outside, you need to prepare for the fact that she will periodically bring “gifts” into the house. In your apartment, you should keep parrots, hamsters and other small pets away from your cat. Shorthaired pointers also love conquering heights, for example, high shelves or treetops.
American Shorthair cats have a calm disposition and good nature; they are popular in large families, as they have patience in dealing with children. These are wise and inquisitive animals that are interested in everything that happens around them.
They enjoy human company, but are also independent; many of these cats are tame, but others just like to be around. It is better not to bother your pet, giving him time to be alone and calm.
If you need a quiet and peaceful pet waiting for you after a long day of work, this breed is right for you. He won't insistently demand anything unless you forget to feed him on time.
Caring for American Shorthair cats
In American nurseries, where American shorthair cats are bred, the climate makes it possible to keep animals outside, in spacious enclosures. The cats lie lazily on their personal beds and watch what is happening around them.
Later, the kittens disperse to various states and continents, where nature is not always favorable to them. At home, a comfortable bed should always be prepared for them, as well as attention and care.
In addition to lying down, the life of such pets should also have a place for physical activity. They don't like to learn different commands and perform tricks, so training an adult will most likely be wasted.
Breeders advise training pets from early childhood, in the form of play and with serious motivation.
The coat of shorthaired pointers must be systematically, but not very often, combed with a brush.
It is important to perform this procedure during the molting period, which usually occurs in the spring season, and then you have to pick up the tool every day.
The next point is to examine the ears and eyes, which, if necessary, are wiped with a moistened swab or a special damp cloth.
If the animal is walking outside, inspection is carried out every day. At the same time, not only the eyes and ears are checked, but also the mouth and coat. It’s easy to care for your teeth: if plaque appears on them, it is removed with a brush.
How to choose a kitten
Where's my food?
The following rules will help you get a healthy and cheerful pet.
- There are many places where you can buy a cat: bird markets, pet stores, message boards and nurseries. In the first three cases, there is a high risk of getting an ordinary yard Murzik instead of a purebred “American,” so it is recommended to find an official nursery that breeds the breed. Breeders monitor the health of producers and do not allow animals with hereditary defects to be bred.
- The optimal age for a kitten is three months. From this moment on, the baby no longer needs breast milk and is characterized by balanced mental and physical health. In addition, by the age of three months, kittens have already been vaccinated against dangerous viral diseases.
- Pay attention to the baby's behavior. A healthy animal is playful and curious, not afraid of strangers and does not hide in a corner. If an American Shorthair cat responds to your affectionate touch with a plaintive meow, this is an indirect sign of a painful condition.
- Examine the kitten carefully. He should be moderately well-fed; excessive thinness is an alarm bell for a future buyer. In a healthy pet, the fur looks silky and shines in the light, the eyes and ears are free of painful discharge, and the area under the tail is dry and clean.
A strong and charming baby is immediately visible, but it still wouldn’t hurt to conduct an additional examination. Ask the breeder to provide you with the necessary documents: pedigree diploma, veterinary passport and other certificates. Now all that’s left to do is buy a kitten and make every effort so that when it grows up, it remains just as playful and healthy!
Reviews of American Shorthair cats
- Natalia.
From my own experience, I can say that American Shorthairs are excellent pets for families with small children.
This is a very gentle pet that loves to play. My children gain a love of cleanliness from him. I read somewhere that shorthaired pointers can be trained, and this is absolutely true. Our cat already knows how to give his paw when asked.
- Eugene.
This is a wonderful breed of cat. My wife is allergic to cats, but she loves them madly.
Once at a cat show we saw such a cat, became interested in it, and then we were told that such animals do not provoke an allergic reaction in either adults or small children.
The wife sat the kitten on her lap, stroked it, and indeed showed no signs or symptoms of an allergy.
After that exhibition, an American shorthair cat appeared in our house. Now we want to breed kittens. Look at the photo of our American Shorthair cat.
Lifespan
The average life span of American Shorthair cats is 12-20 years. Their good health contributes to this. To ensure your pet lives as long as possible, take proper care of it:
- proper diet;
- regular physical activity (only in moderation);
- carry out disease prevention;
- takes care of the psychological state of the pet;
- If suspicious symptoms occur, contact your veterinarian promptly.
Read also about the American Curl and American Wirehair breeds
American Shorthair catteries
It is impossible to reliably say how much an American shorthair kitten will cost. The price can range from two hundred to six hundred dollars.
The cost may be affected by the gender of the animal: a male will cost less. The price also depends on the respectability of the nursery, as well as the pedigree of the individual.
You can buy a pet from your hands for an amount of five to seven thousand rubles.
It must be remembered that in this case you are purchasing a pig in a poke that does not have a pedigree, which means that it will have absolutely no prospects in terms of participation in exhibitions or breeding in the future.
In specialized nurseries, an American shorthair cat can be bought for a price of twenty thousand rubles.
Nurseries:
- Don Leon;
- Anna's Pride;
- Solid Fold;
Mating
Only representatives of this breed are used for breeding. Mating cats is acceptable with other species to improve their appearance. But the resulting offspring will not be considered an American Shorthair and will not be able to participate in exhibitions. To obtain show-class offspring, only animals that have participated and won in exhibitions are bred.
It is better to breed cats after the third heat, when their body is ready for pregnancy. No more than one or two matings are allowed within 12 months.
Owners should not interfere in the process; it is better to leave the animals alone. Pregnancy in cats occurs without complications. During this period, the cat is fed three times a day. The serving size can be increased slightly. It is better if the cat gives birth in the presence of a veterinarian.
Health and feeding of American Shorthair cats
Feed your pet high-quality dry or wet food or natural food. You must always remember that your cat must have clean drinking water.
Natural food is definitely not food from the human table. A well-designed cat menu should include meat, offal, sea fish and vegetables, as well as dairy products.
Hardy and strong shorthaired pointers live up to fifteen years. Some may suffer from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart disease that can be fatal.
Signs of the disease are subtle, so the pet may die suddenly. This disease cannot be completely cured, but treatment prolongs the cat's life.
Another disease that significantly affects the life of a pet is hip dysplasia. If the disease is mild, it has practically no symptoms, but in a critical situation the consequences are arthritis, severe pain and stiffness of the paws.
However, Shorthaired Pointers suffer from the listed diseases much less frequently than other cats.
Please remember that each pet is an individual and therefore the description provided may vary depending on the individual. The most important thing is that every pet needs a lot of protection, tenderness and love.
Wild Lifestyle and Nutrition
The animal prefers remote habitats where no human foot can set foot. Most often, such representatives of the feline genus can be found in deciduous mixed forests, in reed thickets near rivers or on rocky areas of the mountains. Cats rarely settle in places where the snow lies in a thick layer, since in such conditions it is difficult for them to get food.
The cat leads a secluded life. It hunts for potential food mainly in the dark. The main diet of wild animals consists of small rodents and birds. The prey of the furry representative may also include ducks, partridges, pheasants and hares. Smart animals living in wild environmental conditions have even become adept at catching fish and crayfish in rivers.
The hunt for potential food begins from a hiding place, where a smart cat patiently waits for the next victim, and then makes a deft leap and firmly digs its claws in. The neutralized prey is appetizingly consumed by the small predator. The daily diet for such cats can reach 0.5 kg of meat.
Forest representatives have well-developed hearing and vision. They have special skills that allow them to deftly hide from their pursuers. Tenacious claws make it possible to artistically climb trees at any height.
Such cats are by no means shy, but still try to avoid places where people live. There are cases in history when people tried to feed and domesticate forest predators with wonderful hunting skills.
With their help, the population was able to protect barns and grain storage facilities from insatiable rodents that devoured all food supplies. Forest wild cats acted as reliable guards.
This breed is characterized by silence. The voice of forest predators is calm and quiet; hissing and a characteristic whistle can only be heard during the attack on the prey. Loud meowing is observed during mating games. With this call, females attract males.
American shorthair cat. Photo
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