American Shorthair
American Shorthair: even temperament. Stocky working breed in many colors and patterns.
Updated October 15, 2026 · 7 sources · see sources
| Weight | 6–15 lb (males heavier) [1] |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | About 15–20+ years [1] |
| Coat | Shorthair [2] |
| Look | Stocky working breed in many colors and patterns [2] |
| Personality | Even temperament [2] |
Activity and exercise
CFA says they love interactive hunting games but are independent enough to amuse themselves while you're at work. [2]
Grooming
CFA says they don't need much grooming but shed the undercoat in spring; it recommends daily brushing with a slicker brush or grooming mitt. [2]
Health issues to budget for
PetMD's vet-reviewed breed guide lists these conditions to know about: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), Dental disease. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Routine vet visit, any cat (owner bills) | $190–$525 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a cat, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,149 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, cat (US 2025) | $435/year | [5] |
| Cat dental cleaning (owner bills) | $350–$1,450 | [6] |
| Cat heart disease treatment (owner bills) | $525–$1,250 | [7] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for cats in general or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- Their ancestors were short-haired ship cats that came to North America with early settlers to control rodents. [2]
- More than 50 were shown at the first US cat show in 1895. [2]
- They were one of the first five breeds recognized by CFA at its founding in 1906, and were shown as “Domestic Shorthairs” until 1965. [2]
- CFA says they can be taught to stay off counters, use scratching posts and even retrieve toys. [2]
Good fit for
- ✅ Working households: independent enough to be alone during the day (CFA)
- ✅ First-time cat owners who want an easygoing breed
Common questions
How long do American Shorthair cats live?
PetMD's vet-reviewed guide gives a lifespan of about 15–20 years.
How big does a American Shorthair get?
PetMD lists a weight of 6–15 lb (males heavier).
More cat breeds
Sources
- PetMD – American Shorthair cat breed health and care (vet-reviewed)
- CFA – American Shorthair breed profile
- 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)
- VetReceipt – Cat Dental Cleaning Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Cat Heart Disease Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)