Preventative Care for American Shorthairs: Essential Tips for a Healthy Life

Short answer: the American Shorthair is described by Purina as a hearty, healthy breed with a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, and preventative care is mostly about a few things: weight control, mouth care, regular vet checks and vaccinations, and awareness of heart disease. Hill's Pet gives the same lifespan and stresses weight management.

What the sources say about health

• General health. Purina calls the breed hearty and healthy and says reputable breeders test thoroughly to avoid breeding cats with genetic diseases.
• Obesity. Purina says the breed's laid-back nature raises the risk. Hill's Pet says weight "must be closely monitored and managed".
• Mouth and gums. Purina says the breed is genetically predisposed to mouth and gum disease.
• Heart. Purina says some cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have been recorded, but it is unknown whether the condition is hereditary in the breed. The University of Illinois explains that HCM can be a silent threat.
• Eyes and breathing. Purina says the flat face makes the breed more susceptible to eye and respiratory issues. Ask your vet to check these at routine visits.

1. Keep your cat lean

This is the main preventive step. Measure meals, limit treats, and check body shape with the PDSA's body condition score. Our food guide covers portions, and our enrichment guide shows how to keep your cat moving.

2. Look after the mouth

Because of the breed's predisposition to gum disease, check your cat's teeth and breath regularly, and ask your vet about dental care. FirstVet has step-by-step tooth brushing instructions, and our dental guide lists warning signs: bad breath, drooling, dropping food, red or bleeding gums.

3. Book regular check-ups and vaccinations

A yearly exam lets your vet weigh your cat, check the heart, mouth, eyes and breathing, and plan vaccines and parasite control. See our check-up guide and our guide to core and non-core vaccinations. Ask your vet whether a heart check is sensible for your cat.

4. Parasite control and grooming checks

Use vet-approved flea, worm and tick products and check the skin while you groom; see fleas on cats and our grooming guide.

5. Watch for changes

Because cats hide illness, small changes matter. Call your vet if your cat:

• breathes fast or with effort, or pants at rest;
• stops eating, loses weight, or drinks and urinates much more;
• strains in the litter box (an emergency in males; see straining to pee);
• vomits repeatedly, or has diarrhoea that lasts;
• has watery or red eyes, or a painful mouth;
• suddenly cannot use a back leg or hides much more than usual.

6. Choose a kitten carefully

Purina says the only way to confirm an American Shorthair is certified breed papers. Ask the breeder about the parents' health and any testing they do.

Quick checklist

• Lean body; monthly check.
• Regular dental checks.
• Yearly vet exam, vaccines and parasite control.
• Know the signs of heart, breathing, urinary and mouth problems.
• This is general information, not veterinary advice.

Keep reading

• Understanding American Shorthair personality
• American Shorthair grooming 101
• The history of the American Shorthair
• How long do British Shorthairs live?
• Caring for a senior cat
• Chronic kidney disease in cats

Sources

• Purina: American Shorthair cat breed profile
• Hill's Pet: American Shorthair cat breed
• University of Illinois: A silent threat, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats
• FirstVet: Brushing your cat's teeth
• PDSA: Your cat's body condition score