Origin
The American Shorthair descended from the American street cat. These are working cats: sturdy, muscular and powerful. The breed was originally called "Shorthair", then "Domestic Shorthair" and around 1966 "American Shorthair" to better distinguish the selective breed from ordinary house cats.

Character
The American Shorthair is a stable, robust and independent cat. Affectionate without being clingy, playful but also capable of being alone. Very adaptable, it suits families with children and other pets.

Care
Weekly brushing is sufficient to keep the coat in good condition.

Body: large to medium, strong, muscular, well proportioned.

Head: large, slightly longer than wide, full cheeks.

Eyes: large, wide-set, round. Colour matching the coat.

Ears: medium-sized, slightly rounded at the top.

Coat: short, thick, dense and hard. Abundant undercoat.

Colour: more than 80 recognised colours and patterns.