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Cat Breeds

CFA Pedigreed Breed: American Shorthair

  • America's Own Breed
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    America's Own Breed

    The American Shorthair is America's own breed, whose ancestors came to North America with early settlers from Europe.
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    A Working Cat

    For centuries, "working cats" flourished along with their pioneer owners and eventually established themselves as the native North American shorthaired cat.
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    Breed Dilution

    Early in the 20th century, foreign breeds imported to the United States (Longhairs and Siamese) interbred with native shorthaired cats, producing kittens with varied coat lengths, body styles, color, and temperament.
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    Preserving the Breed

    Those who wished to preserve the North American shorthaired cat acquired the finest examples of the breed and began mating them selectively to preserve the breed's conformation, beautiful face, and sweet disposition, while perfecting the patterns and colors characteristic of the American Shorthair as we know it today.
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    More than 80 Colors and Patterns

    The American Shorthair is recognized in more than 80 different colors and patterns,
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    Silver Tabby

    The most well-known American Shorthair color today is the silver tabby, with dense black markings set on a sterling silver background.
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    An Amiable Cat

    This breed is known for its longevity, robust health, good looks, quiet disposition, and amiability with children and dogs.
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    Low Maintenance

    American Shorthairs are low-maintenance cats.
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    Long-Lived

    American Shorthairs can live 15 to 20 years, requiring only annual vaccinations, veterinary checkups, a quality diet, and plenty of tender loving care.
  • America's Own Breed
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