The History of the American Shorthair: From Working Cat to Beloved Companion

Short answer: the American Shorthair is the native shorthaired cat of the United States, descended from cats that probably came over from Europe, and it began as a working barn cat. Sources differ on the details. Purina says its ancestors may have crossed on the Mayflower in 1620, while Hill's Pet says the first recorded breeding was around 1904. The Cat Fanciers' Association recognised it as a founding breed in 1906.

Working cats from the Old World

Purina says American Shorthairs "may have descended from other domestic shorthairs" that arrived with the Mayflower settlers in 1620, or earlier with the Jamestown settlers or with Spanish explorers in Florida. It also notes that a publication from 1634 credits such cats with saving New England crops from squirrels and chipmunks. We cannot prove any single ship or date, but all the sources agree on the main point: these were practical cats, kept to protect food stores from rodents. Hill's Pet describes a hardy, strong barn cat with a thick coat to protect it outdoors.

From domestic shorthair to show cat

Purina says American Shorthairs were shown at the first US cat show in 1895, and the CFA recognised them as a founding breed in 1906. Hill's Pet gives about 1904 for the first recorded breeding and says the British Shorthair was one of its parents; the breed was originally known as the Domestic Shorthair. If you like the British side of the story, see the history of the British Shorthair.

A new name in 1966

Purina says the name "American Shorthair" was adopted in 1966 to distinguish the breed from ordinary domestic shorthairs. It adds that a CFA "Cat of the Year" went to an American Shorthair in 1965, 1984 and 1996. Because the breed resembles many house cats, Purina says the only way to confirm that a cat is an American Shorthair is certified breed papers.

What the breed looks like today

• Size. Purina says medium to large: males 11 to 15 pounds, females 8 to 12. Hill's Pet says males are over 12 pounds and females 8 to 12.
• Build. Stocky and muscular, with strong legs that give agility and endurance (Purina).
• Coat. Short, dense and fairly hard; Hill's Pet says it grows longer and thicker in winter.
• Colours. Many, including white, black, blue, red, cream and silver; Purina calls silver tabby one of the most common and popular.

What the history means for care

A breed built for hard outdoor work now lives mostly indoors, and that is why weight needs attention: both Purina and Hill's Pet warn that the breed is prone to obesity. Its hunting instincts remain, so interactive play is useful; see our guide to American Shorthair enrichment. Its dense coat needs regular grooming; see our grooming guide, and our food guide covers feeding. For a general breed comparison, see our British Shorthair guide.

Quick checklist

• Origin is uncertain; most likely European domestic cats that worked on farms.
• First US cat show 1895; CFA founding breed 1906; renamed 1966.
• Watch weight and give regular play.
• Buy from breeders who can show papers and health testing.
• This is general information, not veterinary advice.

Keep reading

• American Shorthair grooming 101
• Understanding American Shorthair personality
• Preventative care for American Shorthairs
• The history of the British Shorthair
• Maine Coon cat guide
• Siamese cat guide

Sources

• Purina: American Shorthair cat breed profile
• Hill's Pet: American Shorthair cat breed