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American Shorthair
American Shorthair
Origin
United States
Size
Medium Breed
Ideal Space
Apartment
Ideal Weather
15º-30ºC
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹2,800
Basic Lifestyle
₹4,200
Premium Lifestyle
Top 5 Traits
Playful
Friendly
Independent
Affectionate
Curious
by Happy Pet Team
Introduction to the American Shorthair
Characteristics
Temperament with Kids
Aggressive
Friendly
Playfulness
Silent
Very Playful
Friendliness
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Shedding amount
Negligible
Frequent
Compatibility with other cats
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Prey Drive
Low
High
Need for attention
Independent
Very Needy
Monthly Expenses
Nutrition Care for the American Shorthair
Monthly Food Expenses
₹ 1,500 - ₹ 2,000
Calories per day
Kittens: 250 kcal
Adults: 200 kcal
Essential Nutrients
Protein
Fats
Carbohydrates
Vitamins
Minerals
Fiber
List of foods
Dry kibble
Wet canned food
Chicken (cooked or raw)
Eggs (cooked)
Cottage cheese
Pumpkin
Carrots (cooked)
Breakdown of Macro-nutrients
Best Foods for American Shorthairs
Foods to Avoid for American Shorthairs
Avoid anything with these ingredients
Onions and Garlic
Caffeine
Chocolate
Alcohol
Bones
Raw Eggs
Dairy (in some cases)
Health
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 500 - ₹ 700
Common Health Issues
Dental Problems
Gastrointestinal Issues
Obesity
Upper Respiratory Infections
Fleas and Ticks
Hairballs
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
Skin & coat disorders
Activities
Play with Toys
Chasing Objects
Exploring
Climbing
Scratching
Energy Level
Medium
Exercise routine
30 - 60 minutes
Recognising Stress
Hiding
Increased vocalization
Decreased appetite
Overgrooming
Changes in litter box behavior
Healthcare for the American Shorthair
Vaccination details
Growth Stage
Core Vaccines
6-8 Weeks
Feline Herpesvirus 1 (FVRCP
6-8 Weeks
Rabies
8-10 Weeks
FVRCP booster
8-10 Weeks
Rabies booster
12-16 Weeks
FVRCP booster
12-16 Weeks
Rabies booster
1 year onward
FVRCP booster every 1-3 years
1 year onward
Rabies booster every 1-3 years
American Shorthair Grooming Routine
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 800 - ₹ 1,500
Shedding Level
Low Shedding
Hygienic Checklist
Litter Box
Grooming (for some breeds)
Hydration
Health Observation
Play and Exercise
Nail Trimming
Benefits of Grooming
Cleanliness
Low Shedding
Odourless
Prevents Bad Breath
Prevents infections
American Shorthair’s Lifespan and Price
Cost of buying
₹ 10,000 - ₹ 40,000
Shop or Adopt an American Shorthair: Make the Right Choice!
Written by
Happy Pet Team
Author
Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content. Our contributors include experienced pet parents, dedicated fosters, stray dog community workers, seasoned vets, aquarists specializing in aquatic pet care, and bird caretakers who nurture and cultivate avian well-being. We also collaborate with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in pet nutrition, behavior, exercise, and training to provide well-researched, practical guidance for pet owners. From cat lovers and dog trainers to bird enthusiasts and aquarium specialists, our diverse expertise helps every pet thrive. Whether you're looking for expert guidance or just a dose of pet-loving joy, Team Happy Pet is your go-to source for all things pets!
Compare with similar breeds
European Shorthair
Birman Cat
Sphynx Cat
Havana Brown
Frequently Asked Questions
Are American Shorthairs good family pets?
Yes! They are friendly, calm and good with children and other pets.
How do I keep them from getting overweight?
Be sure to measure meals, limit treats and give regular playtime or climbing activities.
How much grooming do they need?
Very little. They should usually be brushed once a week to keep them clean and healthy.
Are they different from regular domestic shorthairs?
Yes, American Shorthairs are a pedigreed breed with consistent traits, unlike randomly bred domestic cats.