The domestic cat breed known as the American shorthair arrived on the shores of North America during the 1600s alongside the early pioneers. Expert mouse catchers, these cats were important members of the early American scene as they controlled mice and rat populations that ate food supplies and spread diseases to humans. The American shorthair is an adaptable and hardy breed of shorthaired cat known for its longevity and easygoing, affectionate nature. The breed can exhibit a variety of colors and patterns, from brown tabby to blue-eyed white. A hardy outdoors cat if need be, its thick coat can withstand cold, wet, and heavy underbrush. The ears are medium-sized and round-tipped, the tail is a medium length and tapers to a round tip, and the eyes are large and set wide apart. Adult males weigh 11 to 15 pounds (5 to 6.8 kilograms) while the slightly more petite females average about 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms). With good care American shorthairs live 15 to 20 years. |