The American Shorthair (ASH) is a breed of domestic cat believed to be descended from European cats brought to North America by early settlers to protect valuable cargo from mice and rats, not a great variety of mixed breeds with short hair. According to the breed standard of the Cat Fanciers' Association, the American Shorthair is a true breed of working cat. According to the CFA, American Shorth
airs are low-maintenance cats that are generally healthy, easy-going, affectionate with owners and social with strangers. Males are significantly larger than females, weighing eleven to fifteen pounds when fully grown. Mature females weigh eight to twelve pounds when they achieve full growth at three to four years of age. With a quality diet and plenty of attention, love, and care, they can live 15 years or longer, and often only require annual vaccinations, veterinary checkups, and a quality diet. These cats have solidly built, powerful, and muscular bodies with well-developed shoulders, chests, and hindquarters.[4]
The American Shorthair is recognized in more than eighty different colors and patterns ranging from the brown-patched tabby to the blue-eyed white, the shaded silvers, smokes and cameos to the calico van, and many colors in between. Generally, only cats showing evidence of hybridization resulting in the colors chocolate, sable, lavender, lilac, or the point-restricted pattern of the Siamese family are disqualified from being shown.
