Overview of American Shorthair Cats
The American Shorthair is a domestic cat breed descended from European cats brought to North America by early settlers. They are known for their strong, muscular body type, thick coat and wide head. The American Shorthair is often referred to as a “working cat” due to its ability to hunt rodents efficiently. While the exact origin of the breed is unknown, it likely has roots in British shorthairs that were bred with random-bred cats found in North America.
Average Lifespan
Generally speaking, American Shorthair cats live between 10-15 years on average. However, this can vary depending on factors such as diet and lifestyle choices, as well as genetics and health status at birth. Some individuals may even exceed 15 years if they receive proper care and regular veterinary checkups throughout their life span.
Genetic Health Conditions
Like all cats, American shorthairs may be predisposed to certain inherited disorders or genetic diseases including hip dysplasia (inherited joint disorder), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (heart disease) and polycystic kidney disease. It’s important for owners of these felines to understand any risk factors associated with these conditions so that they can take steps towards prevention or early diagnosis if necessary. Regular vet visits are also beneficial in helping identify any potential problems before they become severe issues down the line.
Overall Care Considerations
American shorthairs require basic nutrition just like other kitties do – high quality dry food supplemented with wet food or fresh cooked meals will help keep them healthy over time since both types of foods offer different nutritional benefits for our feline friends! Additionally, providing plenty of stimulating toys along with multiple scratching posts/pads will help meet their instinctual needs while keeping them physically active on a daily basis; exercise helps maintain good muscle tone which in turn keeps joints functioning optimally too! Finally, regular grooming should be done at least once per week – brushing out mats from their fur coats helps remove dirt/debris while distributing natural oils evenly across skin surface so coat stays shiny & sleek without becoming greasy over time!
