Cheapest Ways to Adopt a Dog Near You
Discover the cheapest ways to adopt a dog near you, from understanding the real value of adoption fees to insider tips for finding low-cost dogs.
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.
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.
Ready to welcome an American Shorthair into your home? Browse available cats for adoption on Puplister.
Answer 5 quick questions to see how well this breed matches your lifestyle.
1 pet available
About the Munchkin The Munchkin is the original short-legged cat breed, with its signature look caused by a natural genetic mutation first documented in Louisiana in 1983. Medium-sized at 6–9 pounds, the Munchkin has a proportional body, walnut-shaped eyes, and legs roughly three inches shorter than those of a standard cat. Their coat can be short or long, appearing in every color and pattern — from cinnamon tabby to blue smoke.Temperament & PersonalityMunchkins are confident, outgoing cats that never seem to realize they are vertically challenged. They are known as "magpies" for their habit of collecting and hoarding small, shiny objects under furniture. Sociable and playful, Munchkins get along famously with children, dogs, and other cats — making them excellent family pets.ProsEnergetic and entertaining — loves to play, chase, and collect treasuresFriendly and social with strangers, children, and other animalsSurprisingly fast and agile despite short legsAvailable in a wide range of coat types, colors, and patternsConsControversial breeding ethics — the short-leg gene can cause skeletal issuesProne to lordosis (curvature of the spine) and pectus excavatumCannot jump as high as standard cats, which may require ramps or pet stairsHigher risk of osteoarthritis in the limbs over timeEnchanted by those adorable short legs? Discover Munchkin cats waiting for their forever homes on Puplister.
1 pet available
About the Bambino The Bambino is a relatively new designer breed created by crossing the Sphynx with the Munchkin, resulting in a hairless cat with short legs. This small breed weighs just 5–9 pounds and has the characteristic wrinkled, nearly hairless skin of the Sphynx combined with the Munchkin's shortened limbs. Their skin comes in all colors and patterns, and they may have a fine peach-fuzz covering. Temperament & Personality Bambinos are outgoing, affectionate, and surprisingly energetic despite their short legs — they love to run, play, and explore. They are extremely social cats that crave human contact and will curl up under blankets or on laps for warmth. They get along well with children, dogs, and other cats, making them lively and entertaining companions. Pros Hypoallergenic-friendly — minimal to no fur reduces allergen spreadExtremely affectionate and loves to cuddle for warmthPlayful and comedic — their antics provide endless entertainmentSmall size makes them well-suited to apartment living Cons Requires regular bathing to remove skin oil buildupHighly sensitive to cold and sunburn — needs climate-controlled environmentsControversial breed — short legs and hairlessness raise welfare concernsProne to skin conditions, heart disease (HCM), and lordosis from structural mutations If the playful Bambino has captured your heart, explore available cats for adoption on Puplister.
3 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.
2 pets available
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.
Discover the cheapest ways to adopt a dog near you, from understanding the real value of adoption fees to insider tips for finding low-cost dogs.
Learn the easy steps to transfer dog microchip after adoption. This guide covers finding info, contacting registries, and overcoming common hurdles.
Understand the full dog adoption costs beyond the initial fee, including ongoing care, unexpected expenses, and a 5-year financial forecast.
Foster-to-adopt offers a trial period to see if a dog is the right fit, bridging temporary care and permanent adoption for a happy home.