American Shorthair American Shorthair

American Shorthair

500
Easygoing Calm Affectionate Playful

About the American Shorthair

The American Shorthair descends from European cats brought to North America on ships like the Mayflower, where they earned their keep as skilled mousers. This medium-to-large breed weighs 8–15 pounds and boasts a powerful, well-proportioned build with a broad chest. Their dense, short coat comes in over 80 recognized colors and patterns, with the classic silver tabby being the most iconic.

Temperament & Personality

American Shorthairs are easygoing, adaptable cats that strike a perfect balance between playful and laid-back. They are patient and gentle with children, coexist peacefully with other pets, and are content to entertain themselves when the family is busy. Their calm, even temperament and low-maintenance nature have made them one of America's most popular breeds for decades.

Pros

  • Exceptionally healthy breed with a lifespan of 15–20 years
  • Low-maintenance coat that rarely mats or tangles
  • Independent enough to handle owners' work schedules without anxiety
  • Natural mouser — helps keep the home pest-free

Cons

  • Prone to obesity if diet and exercise are not carefully managed
  • Can be reserved with strangers and may take time to warm up
  • Not as interactive or trainable as more active breeds
  • Seasonal shedding can be heavy despite the short coat

Ready to welcome an American Shorthair into your home? Browse available cats for adoption on Puplister.

American Shorthair Quick Facts

Size
8–12 lbs
Lifespan
15–20 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes

Is the American Shorthair right for you?

Answer 5 quick questions to see how well this breed matches your lifestyle.

Take the Quiz

Available American Shorthairs

Carlos
Baby
Carlos
M

American Shorthair

The Humane Society Of Elmore County · Wetumpka, AL
Vinter
Baby
Vinter
M

American Shorthair

Dallas Animal Services · Dallas, TX
Ace
Baby
Ace
M

American Shorthair

Cats Cradle Shelter · Fargo, ND
Donut
Baby
Donut
S

American Shorthair

Feline Freedom Flight Rescue · San Jacinto, CA
Brawny
Baby
Brawny
M

American Shorthair

Springfield Kitty Cat Shack Rescue · Jacksonville, FL
Livia
Baby
Livia
M

American Shorthair

Forgotten Cats · Greenville, DE
Piccola
Baby

American Shorthair

Forgotten Cats · Greenville, DE

Related Breeds

Scottish Straight

1 pet available

14

About the Scottish Straight The Scottish Straight is the straight-eared sibling of the Scottish Fold, born in the same litters but without the ear-fold mutation. This medium-sized cat weighs 6–13 pounds and shares the Fold's round face, big eyes, and compact build — the only visible difference is the upright, normally shaped ears. They appear in all the same coat types, colors, and patterns as the Fold, from short dense coats to flowing longhair in tabby, solid, bicolor, and more.Temperament & PersonalityScottish Straights have the same sweet, mellow temperament as their folded-eared relatives — playful without being hyperactive, affectionate without being clingy. They enjoy interactive play and are known for their soft, chirpy voices. Friendly and adaptable, they do well with children, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs.ProsSame charming Scottish personality without the ear-fold cartilage concernsSignificantly lower risk of osteochondrodysplasia compared to Fold siblingsAdaptable and easygoing in most household environmentsModerate grooming needs — even the longhair variety is manageableConsCan still carry the fold gene and may pass cartilage issues to offspring if bred with a FoldLess distinctive in appearance compared to the Fold — sometimes overlooked by adoptersMay still inherit some predisposition to joint issues from the breed lineProne to weight gain without proper diet management and exerciseWant the beloved Scottish personality with healthier ears? Search for Scottish Straight cats on Puplister and give one a loving home.

Ragamuffin

3 pets available

12

About the Ragamuffin The Ragamuffin emerged in the 1990s as a separate breed from the Ragdoll, developed by breeders who wanted to expand the gene pool and introduce a wider array of colors and patterns. This is a large, heavy cat — weighing 10–20 pounds — with a broad chest, substantial bone structure, and a plush, rabbit-soft coat that resists matting. Ragamuffins come in every color and pattern, including mink, sepia, solid, and bicolor variations not found in Ragdolls.Temperament & PersonalityRagamuffins are exceptionally docile, trusting cats often described as "puppy-like" in their devotion. They greet visitors at the door, follow family members from room to room, and love being held — often going completely limp when picked up. Their patience and gentle nature make them outstanding companions for children and multi-pet households.ProsIncredibly gentle and patient — one of the best breeds for families with young childrenPlush coat resists matting and requires only moderate groomingAvailable in virtually every color and pattern imaginableAdaptable and easygoing — adjusts well to new environments and routinesConsLarge appetite and tendency toward obesity require careful portion controlTrusting nature means they have zero street smarts — strictly indoor onlyProne to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney diseaseSlow to mature — does not reach full size and coat until about four years oldReady for a big, cuddly companion who adores everyone? Explore Ragamuffin cats looking for loving homes on Puplister.

Snowshoe
Snowshoe Cat

9 pets available

13

About the Snowshoe The Snowshoe was developed in the 1960s in Philadelphia by crossing Siamese cats with American Shorthairs, creating a pointed cat with distinctive white "boots" on all four paws. This medium-sized breed weighs 7–12 pounds and combines the Siamese's colorpoint pattern with a more robust, moderately stocky build. Their short, smooth coat comes in seal point and blue point, always featuring white paws, an inverted white "V" on the face, and striking blue eyes.Temperament & PersonalitySnowshoes are vocal, social cats that inherit the Siamese's love of conversation but with a softer, more melodic voice. They are playful and intelligent, often learning to open doors and turn on faucets — many Snowshoes are fascinated by running water. They bond closely with their families and can become distressed if left alone for long periods.ProsStriking, unique appearance — the white boots and facial markings are hard to resistVocal but softer-voiced than the Siamese — communicative without being overwhelmingIntelligent and playful — enjoys puzzle toys, fetch, and learning tricksAffectionate and loyal — bonds deeply with family membersConsProne to separation anxiety — needs companionship throughout the dayMarkings are unpredictable — "show-quality" pattern is notoriously difficult to breed consistentlyCan be sensitive and moody — may sulk if they feel ignoredInherited health concerns from Siamese lines, including dental and heart issuesLove the Siamese look with a twist? Browse Snowshoe cats seeking their perfect families on Puplister today.

Turkish Angora

1 pet available

12

About the Turkish Angora The Turkish Angora is an ancient, naturally occurring breed from central Turkey — specifically the Ankara region — and is one of the oldest known longhaired cat breeds. This small-to-medium cat weighs 5–10 pounds and possesses a graceful, balletic build with a long, plumed tail, silky single-layer coat (no undercoat), and large, walnut-shaped eyes. While white is the most iconic color — often with striking odd eyes (one blue, one amber) — Turkish Angoras come in nearly every color and pattern except pointed.Temperament & PersonalityTurkish Angoras are spirited, intelligent cats that love to be at the center of the action. They are natural athletes — leaping to the highest shelf, opening doors, and inventing games to entertain themselves. Affectionate and strong-willed, they will happily greet guests and supervise every household activity, often choosing one family member as their primary favorite.ProsElegant, silky coat has no undercoat — sheds less and rarely matsHighly intelligent and entertaining — always inventing new games and tricksSocial and welcoming with guests and family alikeNaturally healthy breed with excellent longevity — many live 15–20 yearsConsWhite cats with blue eyes have a high incidence of congenital deafnessStrong-willed and mischievous — can be stubborn about rulesDemands attention and may become disruptive if ignoredProne to ataxia (a hereditary neurological condition) in some linesEntranced by this ancient Turkish treasure? Find Turkish Angora cats looking for loving homes on Puplister and add a touch of grace to your life.

Related Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key traits of a American Shorthair?
The American Shorthair is known for being easygoing, calm, affectionate and playful.
How many American Shorthairs are available for adoption?
There are currently 544 American Shorthairs available for adoption on Puplister. Browse the listings above to find your perfect match.
How do I adopt a American Shorthair from Puplister?
To adopt a American Shorthair, browse the available listings on this page, click on a pet you're interested in, and contact the shelter directly through their profile page.