The American Shorthair cat, which is the symbol of the United States, came to the continent from Europe, as evidenced by the lack of species in South and North America that could become its ancestors. Today, these feline representatives, previously used to reduce rat colonies in barns and homes, took 4th place in popularity in the North American region.

Breed description

Undemanding and loved by many, American Shorthair cat, it is a kurtshaar, has its own standard:

  • Body type. Heavy, strong body, with developed muscles and powerful sternum.
  • Head. A distinctive characteristic of the breed is its shape, which has equal width and length parameters.
  • Eyes. The landing of bright, almond-shaped eyes is wide.
  • Muzzle. Square shape with open expression.
  • The ears. Medium-sized with rounded ends and wide bases.
  • Jaws Elongated and pronounced, characterizing the animal as an excellent hunter.
  • The chin. Powerful.
  • Neck. Muscular
  • Legs. Strong, medium length.
  • Paws Rounded with massive pads.
  • Growth rate. Slow and lasts up to 4 years.
  • American Shorthair - tabby, white, blue, black, cream, red, chinchilla, shaded cameo, shell cameo, silver shaded, smoky and bicolor colors, partikolor.
  • The weight. Fluctuates in the range from 4 to 8 kg.
  • Life span. Up to 20 years.

The nature and habits of cats

Appearance is not the only virtue of the breed.Kurzhaar combines a high intellectual level, peacefulness and predatory nature.

Representatives of this breed can not be pissed off and forced to lose balance. They are moderately sociable, but it is impossible to call them jumping fluffy balls.

Nevertheless, Kurzhaars love to play and participate in active games even at an old age, for which they are very popular in families with children, to which feline representatives are very loyal, silently transferring their leprosy. You can hear the quiet voice of American short-haired cats, as a rule, only in rare cases when the owner forgot to feed the pet.

But do not be fooled by the cat’s hunting capabilities at the sight of its cute, even childishly naive face: Kurzhaars love to catch rats and mice, which they gladly present to the owner as a trophy. If the pet lives in the apartment and does not exist on the street, then he will practice hunting habits on flies and conquering the highest places in the room.

The American Shorthair cat is a very intelligent breed, which, accompanied by the owner, can easily endure moving and visiting a veterinary clinic.

What is the difference between cats and cats?

Among the main parameters that distinguish a cat from a cat, the Kurzhaar breed stands out:

  • The weight. In cats, body weight does not exceed 5 kg, while in cats, the indicator varies between 7 - 8 kg.
  • Body type. Cats are less massive in comparison with cats, as evidenced by the not so developed shoulder girdle.

Behavior features

Kurzhaar has a calm disposition:

  • Friendliness - the breed quickly becomes attached to people, including children, as well as to other animals.
  • Tenderness - animals love to take caress of the owner and sometimes rest on his lap.
  • Adaptability - Kurzhaar easily adapts to living conditions.
  • Independence and independence - representatives of the breed are suitable for busy people, because they do not suffer from loneliness.
  • Playfulness - an active cat likes to frolic periodically.

Criteria for choosing a kitten

When deciding to purchase a kurtshaar kitten, the future owner should be guided by the following criteria:

  • A place. Thoroughbred pets must be purchased at nurseries or from trusted breeders.
  • Availability of documents. If the future owner wants to participate in exhibitions or use a pet for breeding, then you need to take care of the availability of documents from the pedigree.
  • Compliance with breed standards. Kittens of the American Shorthair cat must meet all the characteristics, which will indicate the cleanliness of the babies.
  • Health status and behavior. When purchasing a kitten, it is necessary to examine the baby and observe its activity, food intake.

Maintenance and care for American Shorthair cats

In order for an American shorthair cat to please its owner with its bright temperament and excellent health, certain recommendations for grooming and creating optimal conditions for keeping should be followed.

  1. Combing. Since the representatives of the breed are the owners of thick wool, you should comb them out weekly. During molting, the frequency of the procedure is recommended to be doubled.
  2. Walking. In order to maintain the health and shape of the cat, it is advisable to systematically bring it to fresh air.
  3. Food. According to veterinarians and experienced breeders, to ensure a balanced diet should feed the Kurzhaar with premium dry feed.
  4. Health and vaccination. Despite the enviable health, it is better to vaccinate furry pets. At 1.5 - 2 months, carry out the first vaccination, and with an interval of 1 month - repeat using a similar vaccine. Subsequently, an annual examination by a veterinarian and vaccinations as prescribed.

Advantages and disadvantages of the breed

The American Shorthair cat, like other breeds, has its pros and cons.

Indisputable advantages include:

  • pronounced hunting instinct;
  • calm and friendly disposition;
  • high intelligence;
  • devotion;
  • good health;
  • beautiful appearance;
  • silence.

But despite all the advantages, the future owner should remember before buying that the breed is free-loving, prone to obesity with unlimited access to food and often chooses loneliness rather than the owner's company.

So, the American shorthair cat, which catches the eye at the exhibitions with its powerful constitution and unusual color, will become an excellent companion of busy people as well as for a large family with children.

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