American Shorthair
American Shorthairs are one of the better choices for a family with children. Expect an average-sized cat that is moderately active, sheds a normal amount and needs very little grooming. Quiet by nature.
The numbers
We could not find a lifespan or weight for American Shorthairs from a source we trust, so rather than invent one we have left this blank. For scale, UK cats overall average 11.74 years measured from birth.
Source: Teng et al., Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (2024).
What American Shorthairs are actually like
Day to day. Moderately active — a couple of proper play sessions a day and somewhere to climb keeps this one content.
The coat, honestly. This breed sheds a normal amount and needs very little grooming. A brush a few times a week and the occasional tidy-up keeps it in good order.
Company and noise. This one is sociable without being clingy and quiet. Sociable without being demanding, which is the easiest version of a cat to live with.
Get one if…
- You want a cat that will put up with being picked up by a child
- You want a cat whose coat looks after itself
- You want a quiet home
Think again if…
Health worth knowing about
Every animal is an individual, and plenty of American Shorthairs live long, healthy lives. This is here so nobody is surprised — ask a vet, and ask whoever you get the cat from what they have tested for.
What it costs to keep one
Rough running cost: $$ (middle of the pack) — because the breed has known health issues that can mean extra vet visits.
Those are relative bands, not live prices. For real numbers across every pet we cover, see the pet cost study and the cost calculator.
Looking for one? Start at a shelter
Rescues do have American Shorthairs and American Shorthair crosses, usually adults whose size, coat and temperament you can see rather than guess at.
Often compared with
❓ Common questions about American Shorthairs
Is an American Shorthair good with kids?
Yes — American Shorthairs have a strong reputation with children. As with any animal, an adult should supervise young kids and the cat together, and children need to learn to leave it alone while it eats or sleeps.
Do American Shorthairs shed a lot?
A normal amount. Regular brushing keeps most of it off your furniture.
Can an American Shorthair be left alone during the day?
Usually, yes. Most cats cope with a working day given a clean tray, water and a window to watch — just not days on end.
Is an American Shorthair a good first cat?
Yes — this is one of the easier-going breeds for a family new to cats.
Should I get an American Shorthair?
American Shorthairs suit a home that keeps to a routine, gives it room to be itself, and is not fussy about coat care. Meet the cat itself before deciding. Get one if: You want a cat that will put up with being picked up by a child; You want a cat whose coat looks after itself; You want a quiet home. Think again if: .
📚 Where this comes from
We check our care advice against vets, animal charities, and government health guidance. Here is what this page is built on.
Vets, charities & official guidance
- Life tables of annual life expectancy and risk factors for mortality in cats in the UK (Teng et al., Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 2024)
- Lovely lilies and curious cats — FDA
- Indoor and house cats — Blue Cross
- Cats — CDC Healthy Pets, Healthy People
- Feeding growing kittens — VCA Animal Hospitals
- Declawing position statement — Feline Veterinary Medical Association
Keeper & species-community guides
Checked August 2026. These are other people’s websites, and none of it replaces your own vet — if a pet seems unwell, call one.