American Shorthair - breed description

Cats of this breed are considered one of the most beautiful - that is why they are so in demand. Another name for these beautiful thoroughbred animals is the Kurzhaar. Consider what features cats have, what are their pros and cons, how to properly care for a cat and other interesting information.

Breed history

It will be interesting that these short-haired cats have existed in the USA (they are quite popular) for more than 400 years. They were brought to America by settler colonists from England. It was at that time that it was considered relevant to keep cats on ships - so that animals would destroy the rats that ate all the food supplies.

At first, no one paid attention to the external data of cats - neither color, shape of the body, etc. played. Kurtshaars had well-developed muscles, they were physically strong, and animals also had strong jaws and quick reactions. All these qualities played a fundamental role in order to lead a successful fight against rodents. Cats were engaged in catching mice and rats, lived not only on ships, but also on ranches - no one even suspected that they would ever become the real national pride of America.

Around the 60s, the Kurzhaars began to take an active part in exhibitions, and this breed was able to win prizes. It is worth noting that such popularity did not appear by chance. Great work was done by breeders - in order to improve the exterior, cats were bred with Persian breeds. Due to such experiments, the American Shorthair acquired a unique silver color, as well as some features that are inherent in Persian breeds.

To date, this breed is of particular value, it is officially recognized. American Shorthair has not only an aesthetic, memorable appearance, but also a unique character that can not be found in other pets.

With regard to statistics, the popularity of this type of breed in the United States takes 4th place.

General information about the breed

It should immediately be noted that cats of this breed have an unusually proportional body, they are strong and muscular. Outwardly, the animal does not look like a sissy - at first glance you can understand that they are fearless hunters with a strong, strong-willed character.

Judging by standard standards, Kurtshaars are a heavy type. Moreover, males are much larger than females: the weight of the first can reach 8 kilograms, while cats weigh about 4-5 kg.

So, we will consider by what signs it is possible to determine the animal's belonging to this breed:

1. Broad, well-developed chest.
2. The limbs are of medium length and are quite powerful.
3. Paws are round.
4. The back is rather wide, and to the base of the tail is beveled.
5. The tail has a blunt end, rather thick.
6. The coat is dense, thick, to the touch - pleasant and silky.
7. The ears are rounded at the ends.
8. Very beautiful eyes - expressive and large.

The muzzle has a square shape, the chin is quite powerful, and the length of the head is almost proportional to its width.

The color of the animal’s eyes directly depends on the color of the cat. If the American shorthair has a snow-white color - heterochromia is possible (eyes of different colors), in silver-colored cats the eyes are usually green.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the breed?

Cats live about 10-15 years. If you are determined to buy a pet, you must consider that the nature of these animals is very wayward, and all qualities must be taken into account in order to live with the pets in harmony.

Consider the main positive qualities of the character of cats:

• wonderful hunters;
• calm, good-natured character;
• high intelligence;
• cats are very beautiful;
• almost never get sick if proper care is provided;
• loyal to the owners;
• have a quiet voice - you can be sure that you will not be annoyed by loud meow.

Nevertheless, like any breed, Americans also have negative character traits that will not suit everyone:

• freedom-loving character;
• love of loneliness.

They love to eat delicious food, if you feed the animal in unlimited quantities, the onset of obesity is possible - cats suffer from this, they can begin to hurt.

Based on the foregoing, it is safe to say that this breed has much more positive than negative qualities. You can safely leave the animal alone for 8-9 hours, while the Kurzhaar will not feel deprived. This is very convenient for residents of large cities - the most important thing is not to forget that the pet should eat balanced throughout the day.

How to care for an animal?

The rules are simple - cats are unpretentious, rarely get sick. Their hair is short, so you can not worry about the fact that there will be a lot of villi in the apartment and on things. Of course, the cat needs to be combed out, it is advisable to do it daily. Stock up on a brush with teeth of different lengths in advance - such products are sold in any specialized pet store. Do not forget that during the molting period, the amount of hair falling out will increase - therefore, the pet will need to be combed out several times a day.

In order to get rid of wool, many recommend using a damp towel. Comb out the excess, then wipe the cat with a wet towel or napkin - the rest of the hair will stick to the fabric, due to which you will be able to get rid of the annoying pile without unnecessary problems.

Consider what are the features of the content of kurtshaarov:

1. The cat should be washed as it gets dirty - in this case, only specialized animal shampoos should be used.
2. It is worth preparing for the fact that your pet will require activity. Get a leash with harness and at least sometimes walk with the animal - believe me, these efforts will pay off a hundredfold. It is advisable to purchase a special flea collar, or to process using special drops.
3. Twice a month, the cat needs to clean its ears. Always monitor the condition of the eyes, you can sometimes rinse them with a decoction of chamomile.
4. Buy a scratching post right away. It is necessary for your pet, otherwise you risk furniture, as well as repairs. If you consider the claw removal procedure humane - take the animal to the veterinarian.
5. Do not forget to clean the tray behind the cat! This is very important, because the animals are clean and can simply not go onto the dirty tray. Do not neglect special fillers - with them it will be much easier for a cat to provide care.

What diseases are cats susceptible to?

Above, we stipulated the fact that pets have good health and are extremely ill. Nevertheless, it is worth highlighting the ailments to which animals are most susceptible.

1. Heart pathologies - as a rule, they are hereditary.
2. Cats are obese. Due to their high weight, they may develop a pathology of the hip joints. The danger of the disease lies in the fact that the cat is uncomfortable while walking, can also be limp - naturally, the cat's activity will decrease.
3. Kidney disease - with an improperly prepared diet, as well as after castration.

Americans have a very good appetite - the owner needs to carefully monitor the nutrition of their pet. It is advisable to include the cat more often in active games (she will only be happy), walk her at a fresh age, try to feed the cat in a balanced way.

In animals, immunity is well developed, so they are practically not affected by infectious diseases. However, all veterinarians claim that vaccination is needed anyway. The first time the vaccine is given at the age of three months, then it is necessary to administer the same drug annually. You can not forget about anthelmintic drugs - the veterinarian will tell you which medicine to choose.

What character do cats have?

Cats are completely non-conflict, they love people and are unforgettable. Getting along with an American is easier than ever, and the pet will treat the children very well. The same applies to dogs - a cat and with them will easily find a common language. But do not forget that cats are real hunters - therefore, friendships with pets or rodents are unlikely to develop. Do not worry - just get a cat a special bell around his neck, he will notify the feathered that danger is approaching.

Pets are silent and unobtrusive. You should not expect that the animal will constantly follow you on the heels - the Kurzhaars themselves are able to find a lesson in spirit. If you want to please your pet, equip the cat’s rookery at a height - they simply love to sit on high surfaces and watch everything that happens below.

It is important to treat a cat with respect - you can not scuff, drag along, squeeze an animal without his consent. Only in this case, the pet will treat all members of the family well. Be prepared for the fact that the American will bring you a “gift” - a hunting trophy. No need to be scared and upset - the kitten does this in order to earn praise - they adore it.

Despite the fact that the cats' voices are very melodic and sonorous - be sure that you will rarely hear it. As a rule, they find a common language with the owner with the help of facial expressions - literally one look at the cutest face of the animal will be enough to understand what he wants. If you like peace and quiet in the house, the Kurzhaar will be a wonderful choice. But owners who are counting on an abundance of caresses and tenderness, it is better to abandon this breed of cats. They are independent, sleep alone and do not particularly like when they take the animal in their arms and pet it all the time. You can pet your pet only if the cat wants it herself.

American Shorthair is considered a pet, but even if she is on the street - you can be sure that the cat will not disappear. They are the real, born hunters - after all, the breed was bred for that very purpose. If desired, the cat can be trained in several teams - due to the fact that pets have a well-developed intelligence. But again, do not forget that animals have a wayward character. Until old age, the pet will delight you and family members with activity, cheerfulness.

Principles of feeding

You need to feed animals with either special dry or wet food, although natural food is suitable - egg yolk, these cats really like boiled meat. It is necessary to refuse cheap feeds immediately - with regular use, they can provoke serious health problems (in particular, with the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys), as well as vitamin deficiency.

Video: American Shorthair