Understanding American Shorthair Personality: What to Expect from This Laid-Back Breed

Short answer: expect an adaptable, good-natured, easygoing cat. Purina describes the American Shorthair as adaptable and good-natured, a good family companion that enjoys attention but does not like being carried and is fairly independent. Hill's Pet calls it a pleasant, placid companion that bonds with all family members, enjoys play but does not need hourly attention, and tolerates being left alone.

The personality in brief

• Easygoing and affectionate. Both sources use words like good-natured, placid and affectionate.
• Independent. Purina says "fairly independent"; Hill's Pet says it plays well alone and spends time sleeping in the sun.
• Family-friendly. Purina says it enjoys attention from its people, including children; Hill's Pet says it bonds with all family members.
• Not much of a lap cat. Purina says it may curl up in your lap occasionally but may prefer to sit alongside you, and dislikes being carried.
• Smart and moderately active. Purina says it enjoys learning tricks and puzzles.

Living with an American Shorthair

Time alone

Hill's Pet says the breed tolerates being left alone and calls it a good companion for single people. Even so, a cat needs daily attention, play and a safe environment; see our indoor enrichment guide.

Children and other pets

Purina says the breed enjoys attention from children and gets along with a cat-friendly dog, but its hunting instincts may take over with pet birds and other small animals. Supervise young children, teach them to let the cat walk away, and keep small pets safe. For introductions, see how to introduce a new cat to your home.

Handling

Since the breed dislikes being carried, offer petting where your cat likes it and let it choose. Reward calm handling with treats, and build up slowly; our training guide for British Shorthairs shows methods that work for any easygoing cat.

Play and the hunting instinct

Purina says the breed was originally kept to hunt rodents and still enjoys using its hunting skills on insects, with a preference for interactive toys and puzzles. Hill's Pet says it will make a toy of household objects if none is provided. Offer wand toys and puzzle feeders; see our enrichment guide.

Is it the right cat for you?

An American Shorthair suits a household that wants a friendly, low-drama cat that is happy to share space without constant attention. Remember the practical side: weight needs watching, because Purina links the breed's laid-back nature to obesity, and the dense coat needs regular grooming; see our grooming guide and food guide.

When behaviour changes

Individual cats vary, and breed descriptions are averages. A sudden change in a placid cat, such as hiding, aggression, night-time yowling or litter box problems, may signal pain or illness, so see your vet first. Our guides on litter box problems and night-time meowing can help.

Quick checklist

• Easygoing, independent, family-friendly.
• Not a big fan of being carried.
• Moderately active; likes puzzles and hunting games.
• Careful around birds and small pets.
• Watch weight, groom regularly.
• This is general information, not veterinary or behaviourist advice.

Keep reading

• American Shorthair enrichment
• The history of the American Shorthair
• Preventative care for American Shorthairs
• British Shorthair cat guide
• Bengal cat guide
• Siamese cat guide

Sources

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