American Shorthair health problems and costs
The health issues a real source ties to the American Shorthair, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.
Last updated: October 2026 · 11 sources · see sources
Health problems linked to the American Shorthair
| Condition | What it is | Related costs |
|---|---|---|
| Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)Named by: PetMD vet-reviewed guide [1] | The heart muscle thickens and stiffens. It is the most common heart disease in cats and can cause heart failure or blood clots. [2] | Cat heart ultrasound (owner bills): $90–$400 [3] |
| Dental diseaseNamed by: PetMD vet-reviewed guide [1] | Plaque and tartar build up below the gumline and lead to infection and tooth loss. Small breeds and some cats are especially prone. [4] | Cat dental cleaning (owner bills): $350–$1,450 [5] |
Costs are national figures from our sourced cost guides, not breed-specific prices. Being on this list doesn't mean a pet will get the condition.
PetMD's vet-reviewed guide to the American Shorthair lists these conditions to know about: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), Dental disease. [1]
Health screening
The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory lists 3 DNA health tests for the American Shorthair, including Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA rdAc) (Abyssinian); Dilute; AB Blood Group in Domestic Cat Breeds. [6] One health test costs $47 there. [7]
What to budget
Breed-specific cat bills aren't published, but a routine vet visit for any cat typically runs $190–$525. [8]
Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult American Shorthair at US-average prices, before insurance, is $800–$1,300. Multiply that by a life expectancy of about 15–20 years and you get roughly $12,000–$26,500 over a lifetime, before inflation and before any major illness. The low end is the ASPCA's yearly cost of care; the high end adds one typical vet bill a year. [8][9] It's simple math on sourced figures, not a quote.
Insurance and savings
The average accident and illness policy cost $435 a year for a cat in the US in 2025. [10] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [11]
Prefer saving instead? Putting money aside each month works too; see insurance vs a savings fund.
Common questions
What health problems are common in the American Shorthair?
Based on PetMD's vet-reviewed breed guide, the conditions to know about are hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and dental disease. That doesn't mean every American Shorthair will get them.
How much are vet bills for a American Shorthair?
Breed-specific cat bills aren't published. A routine vet visit for any cat typically runs $190–$525 (VetReceipt owner bills).
Should I get pet insurance for a American Shorthair?
It's a personal call. The average accident and illness policy was $435 a year in 2025 (NAPHIA). If you want it, enroll while your pet is young and healthy, because conditions found before enrollment are usually excluded.
How long does a American Shorthair live?
PetMD gives a life expectancy of About 15–20 years.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.
Sources (11) — tap to show
- PetMD – American Shorthair cat breed health and care (vet-reviewed)
- Cornell Feline Health Center – Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- VetReceipt – Cat Ultrasound Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VCA – Dental disease in cats
- VetReceipt – Cat Dental Cleaning Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – American Shorthair DNA tests
- UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Cat DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Cat Routine Vet Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
- NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
- RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost