American Shorthair American Shorthair

American Shorthair

2
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

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Available American Shorthairs

Ernie
Young
Ernie
M

American Shorthair / British Shorthair

Hella Dam Bitches N Queens Rescue · Pacifica, CA
Gordon
Baby
Gordon
S

American Shorthair

Heartland Humane Society Of Missouri · O'Fallon, MO
Slush
Adult
Slush
M

American Shorthair

Paws And Prayers · Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Pineapple
Adult

American Shorthair

Animal House Shelter · Huntley, IL
Farrah Pawcett
Baby

American Shorthair

Saving One Life · Chandler, AZ
Daisy
Young
Daisy
M

American Shorthair

Sonora Cat Rescue · Sonora, CA
Mumble
Baby
Mumble
M

American Shorthair

West Valley Animal Care And Control Center · Chatsworth, CA
Indigo
Adult
Indigo
S

American Shorthair

Cat's Cradle Rescue · Hillsboro, OR
Smokey
Young
Smokey
S

American Shorthair

Riverside County Animal Control · Thousand Palms, CA
Orion
Baby
Orion
S

American Shorthair

Friends For Life Animal Society · Clinton, OK
Otto
Baby
Otto
S

American Shorthair

Friends For Life Animal Society · Clinton, OK
Odin
Baby
Odin
S

American Shorthair

Friends For Life Animal Society · Clinton, OK

Related Breeds

British Shorthair

2 pets available

About the British Shorthair The British Shorthair is one of the oldest and most recognizable cat breeds — tracing its roots to the domestic cats of Roman-era Britain, later refined through selective breeding in the 19th century. This large, stocky breed weighs 9–18 pounds and is famous for its round face, dense double coat, and broad, powerful build. While the "British Blue" (solid gray-blue) is the most iconic variety, the breed comes in an extensive range of colors and patterns. Temperament & Personality British Shorthairs are dignified, calm cats that prefer to keep all four paws on the ground — they are not typically lap cats and may resist being picked up. They are affectionate on their own terms, loyal to their families, and generally tolerant of well-behaved children and other pets. Their unflappable, easygoing nature makes them one of the most popular companion breeds worldwide. Pros Robust health and impressive longevity — commonly lives 14–20 yearsLow-maintenance temperament — calm, quiet, and not prone to behavioral issuesDense plush coat is easy to groom with weekly brushingHandles being alone well — ideal for working professionals Cons Highly prone to obesity — requires strict diet management and play encouragementCan develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and polycystic kidney diseaseNot a cuddly lap cat — prefers to sit near you rather than on youSlow to mature — takes 3–5 years to reach full physical development The British Shorthair could be your perfect low-key companion — search for adoptable cats on Puplister now.

Bengal
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3 pets available

About the Bengal The Bengal was developed in the 1960s–1980s by crossing domestic cats with the Asian leopard cat, creating a breed that looks wild but behaves like a household pet. This medium-to-large breed weighs 8–15 pounds and has a muscular, athletic build with a uniquely glittered coat. Their short, dense fur features bold spotted or marbled patterns in brown, snow, silver, and charcoal — many Bengals have individual hairs tipped with gold that shimmer in the light. Temperament & Personality Bengals are high-energy, intelligent cats that need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy. They are confident and curious — often fascinated by water and known for playing in sinks, bathtubs, and water bowls. They bond closely with their families and can do well with older children and other active pets, though their intense energy may overwhelm more timid animals. Pros Stunning wild appearance with a uniquely glittered, luxurious coatHighly intelligent — can learn tricks, walk on a leash, and play fetchShort coat is low-maintenance and produces less dander than many breedsLoves water — many Bengals will happily join you near the shower or faucet Cons Extremely high energy — requires extensive daily play and enrichmentCan be destructive if not provided with adequate stimulationVocal breed with a wide range of loud, distinctive soundsProne to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA-b) Ready for the adventure of owning a Bengal? Search for adoptable Bengal cats on Puplister today.

Oriental Short Hair

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About the Oriental Short Hair The Oriental Shorthair emerged in the 1950s and 1960s when British breeders crossed Siamese cats with Russian Blues, British Shorthairs, and Abyssinians to create a Siamese-type cat in a rainbow of non-pointed colors. Sleek and angular at 6–12 pounds, this breed has a wedge-shaped head, strikingly large ears, vivid green eyes (or blue in white coats), and a short, fine, glossy coat in over 300 color-and-pattern combinations — more than any other cat breed.Temperament & PersonalityOriental Shorthairs are among the most extroverted and opinionated cats in existence — they will tell you exactly what they think in a loud, distinctive voice. Fiercely loyal, they bond tightly to their humans and follow them everywhere, including into the shower. They are athletic, curious, and endlessly entertaining, making them ideal for active households with children and other social pets.ProsIncredible coat variety — virtually every color and pattern availableMinimal grooming needs thanks to the short, close-lying coatHighly intelligent and trainable — enjoys puzzle feeders and learning tricksDeeply loyal and affectionate with family membersConsOne of the most vocal cat breeds — constant meowing can be overwhelmingSevere separation anxiety when left alone — does best with a companion catProne to dental issues, heart disease, and amyloidosisDemands constant attention and can become destructive if under-stimulatedThink you can keep up with this talkative, spirited feline? Search for Oriental Shorthair cats on Puplister and meet your new best friend.

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Persian Cat

3 pets available

About the Persian The Persian is one of the oldest and most recognizable cat breeds in the world, with roots tracing back to 17th-century Persia (modern Iran) and Turkey. This medium-to-large cat weighs 7–12 pounds and is instantly identifiable by its flat, pansy-like face, enormous round eyes, small ears, and luxuriously long, thick coat that can reach six inches in length. Persians come in over 80 color variations grouped into seven divisions, including solid, silver, golden, shaded, smoke, tabby, particolor, and pointed (Himalayan).Temperament & PersonalityPersians are the quintessential lap cat — calm, sweet-tempered, and content to lounge on the nearest soft surface. They prefer serene environments and predictable routines, rarely displaying the high-energy antics of more active breeds. Gentle and patient with children, they coexist peacefully with respectful kids and laid-back dogs.ProsExtremely calm and gentle — ideal for quiet, relaxed householdsBeautiful, plush coat available in a vast range of colors and patternsLow activity level — content with minimal exercise and indoor livingSweet, undemanding temperament — rarely vocal or pushyConsRequires daily grooming to prevent severe matting and hairballsBrachycephalic face causes chronic breathing difficulties, tear staining, and dental crowdingProne to polycystic kidney disease (PKD), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and ringwormEye discharge requires daily cleaning to prevent staining and infectionLonging for a serene, regal companion? Discover Persian cats seeking forever homes on Puplister and welcome quiet elegance into your life.

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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 137 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.