Collection: Personalised American Shorthair Gifts

A working cat used to mousing for its keep, the American shorthair is an athletic and stocky breed with a good personality and excellent work ethic. Their build lends itself to endurance and agility. Because of it, their nutrition needs to be carefully regulated to make sure they aren't overeating.

It is generally agreed that the American shorthair is descended from the British shorthair or other European shorthair cats. Whether their ancestors came on the Mayflower in 1620, or with the first settlers to Jamestown, or even if they landed with the Spanish in Florida, we aren't entirely sure. What we do know is wherever they first landed, they quickly made themselves useful with one 1634 publication crediting them with saving New England crops from Squirrels and Chipmunks! When it came time for the original US cat show in 1895, the American Shorthair was one of the breeds exhibited, shortly after in 1904, recorded systematic breeding took place, with the Cat Fanciers Association recognising the breed in 1906.

The American Shorthair can have a good temperament and makes an excellent family cat. They are athletic and with their past as working mousers you may occasionally be given extra presents being left on your doorstep! The breed isn't entirely keen on being picked up, and some individuals may not be keen on excess affection. On the whole though, they are happy to be in your lap, sitting next to you, or outside hunting! They are happy to be around children; however children need to be taught how to interact with the American shorthair to avoid any accidental injuries! They can get on very well with cat friendly dogs, however their hunting instinct won't make them good companions to small mammals or birds that share their space. American shorthairs are happy to play individually or to bring their human companions a toy for them to play with together.