Variety Overview
English Name: American Shorthair
Also Known As: Brown Standard Tabby Cat
Size: Medium
Origin: United States
Height: Approximately 50 cm (20 inches)
Lifespan: Over 15 years
The American Shorthair Cat, often referred to as the American Tiger Striped Cat, is a classic breed of domestic feline. Known for its strength and agility, this cat has a friendly demeanor and shows great loyalty to its owners. With impressive athleticism and intelligence, it can be both playful and well-mannered. Highly adaptable, the American Shorthair can thrive in any home environment by adjusting its behavior to match its owner’s habits and preferences, making it adept at endearing itself to its human companions.
Development Origin
There are two prevailing theories about the lineage of the American Shorthair. One suggests that this breed is native to the Americas, while the other posits that it was brought over by European settlers in the 17th century and subsequently refined through selective breeding.
Feeding Guidelines
Hygiene: Cats have a lot of fur which makes them prone to carrying bacteria and fleas. To ensure both your health and your cat’s health, regular bathing and grooming are essential.
Diet: Each cat has unique food preferences. Don’t just pick any commercial cat food out of convenience. Instead, select food based on your cat’s breed, growth stage, and health status. Also, make sure they have dedicated feeding utensils.
Health: Just like humans, cats can fall ill too. If your cat gets sick, take it to a specialized animal hospital for treatment. Regular check-ups and vaccinations are also important to keep your feline friend healthy and playful.
Safety: There’s an old saying that “curiosity killed the cat.” Cats are naturally curious and love exploring enclosed spaces. Always keep doors, windows, and lids closed to prevent your kitty from getting into dangerous situations.
Habitat: Cats adore sleeping. Provide them with a small mat or bed for resting. These mats can gather bacteria over time so make sure you clean and disinfect them regularly.
Litter Box: Many pet owners struggle with pets relieving themselves everywhere. Fortunately, cats are very clean animals. Just provide them with a litter box and they’ll use it consistently.
Cats don’t like being forced into doing things they don’t want to do; it can annoy them easily. Regularly trim their nails to avoid scratches or infections when playing with them.
Hair Care
Combing Schedule: Recommended every three days
- Relax your cat: Before starting to comb, give your kitty a gentle massage until it starts purring, then proceed with grooming.
- Comb along the fur direction: Start from the back → waist → buttocks → tail; slightly dampen your cat’s fur with a bit of water to reduce static electricity. Comb in the direction of hair growth from top to bottom.
- Comb from chest to abdomen: Hold your cat up so it sits on your lap like a person and comb from top to bottom. The belly area is very sensitive, so be quick and precise when grooming here.
- Comb around head and face: Gently comb from your cat’s head or face towards its neck, being cautious around its eyes.
- Fur under armpits and sides of abdomen: Let your cat lie on its side, lift its front legs, and comb from under its armpits towards its abdomen sides.
- Finally, use a wide-toothed comb for a final pass to remove excess fur and smooth out your cat’s coat, completing the grooming session.