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The British and American Shorthair Breeds got their names from the fact that they are breeds from these countries. It is said that the American Shorthair probably originated in England and came over with the Pilgrims in the early seventeenth century. It is recorded that most ships set sail for the New World with several cats on board. Today there are only minor differences required in their standards.

History

History of the breed goes back to the Roman Invasion in England where these shorthair cats arrived with the troops and were kept for their mousing ability. Old paintings and engravings show cats of this type have been around for several hundred years. The oldest type recorded is a Tabby.

Type and characteristics

Coat

The coat should be short crisp and dense without wooliness. The only exception is the Manx varieties.

Body, neck, legs and tail

British and American Shorthairs should be large, strong, sturdy and muscular. Male is larger than the female. Neutered cats have a tendency to obesity and should be kept on a diet. The chest should be deep and broad with strong legs and rounded paws.n.

Head

The head should be wide and rounded and in males show a definite jowls. The nose should show a stop and the jaw should show a level bite with no overshot or undershot. The overall look for the British Shorthair should be a chunky, cobby cat without the expression of a Persian

Ears

The ears should be small and set wide apart.

Eyes

The eyes are large, round and set well apart. Eye color in accordance with the coat.

Tail

Tail should be thicker at the base than the tip and medium length well covered with fur.

Colors

Please contact your association for acknowledged colors.

Genetic Concerns

Breed Descriptions on the Net

TICA: American Shorthair

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