Black and white american shorthair free#

Despite this, the breed was still a bit looked down at events and shows until the 1960s, probably due to its similarity to the “normal” house cat and their sweet and uncomplicated disposition. This was done to underline its American heritage and set it apart from other domestic cats. The original name, “Domestic Shorthair”, was dropped in favour of “American Shorthair” in the process. No wonder the breed is so humble and grounded! Systematic breeding did not occur until the start of the 20 th century.Īt the beginning of the 19 th century, the bloodline of the American Shorthair was close to thinning out, so a group of breeders started a specialised program. Rumour has it that the Mayflower, the first ship to sail from Plymouth to America, carried American Shorthairs on-board. They were known for their dexterity and hard work, and were well loved for their hunting ability that kept the pesky mice and rats away. HistoryĮven though American Shorthairs are often said to have American origins, they travelled there aboard the ships of European settlers. American Shorthairs are very adaptable, so they take well to being in a household, but are just as happy to roam free. They are so tolerant that they make great companions for houses with multiple pets. Their uncomplicated and unassertive presence is a perfect fit for a family home. American Shorthairs love playtime, but are just as happy to curl up and cuddle on the sofa. They have very sharp hunting instincts, but are not aggressive, and have a calm mannerism that works well with families. The breed has kept its ancestors’ traits, which makes them great companions. Just like its looks, the character of the American Shorthair is uncomplicated. The white base is covered with red, black, their thinned counterparts, and even some Tabby markings. Calico: Who hasn’t heard of the three coloured lucky cats? These cats are known as Calico American Shorthairs.Patched Tabby is the name for Striped American Shorthairs with cream or red spots. The Ticket Tabby wears the pattern on its head, neck, legs, and tail. The Mackerel Tabby shows a clear, defined pattern with stripes on the legs and tail. Tabby: Striped American Shorthairs are known as Tabby cats.Some cats even display all three colours atop of the white root. There are also Blue and Red Smoke American Shorthairs. In most cases, the white can only be seen when the fur is parted. Smoke: These types of American Shorthairs have predominantly black fur, with only the roots of the hair keeping a white colour.

However, the black tips – or red for the Red Shaded American Shorthair – take up more of the hair. Shaded: Just like the Chinchilla, Shaded American Shorthairs also have two-coloured hairs.There are also blue and cream Chinchilla variants. Chinchilla American Shorthairs have visually striking green eyes. These cats tend to display rings around the eyes and nose. There are also so-called “red Chinchillas” that have red tips instead of black. Chinchilla: If the hair itself has two colours – predominantly white with a black tip – then the cat is of the Chinchilla variety.These often have a white base with black, blue, red, or beige spots. Two colours: The breeding organisation accepts two-coloured cats too.This almost beige tone is preferred without any white patches.

Cream: Cream is the term used to describe a thinned red coat.

Often the nose and balls of its paws will also show this blue colour, and its eyes shine golden.

Blue: The thinned black coat takes on a blue colour.

The eye colour is usually gold, and its nose and balls of its paws are black.

Black and white american shorthair free#

Black: The black fur of the American Shorthair should be of even complexion and free of any grey tones.

White: White American Shorthairs can have blue or golden eyes, and even mixed eye colours are permitted.

The Cat Fanciers Association, a famous North American breeding organisation, allows the following colours: Which colours are bred depends on the organisation, but most will accept all different fur colours. The fur of the American Shorthair is short, with a similar length and texture to that of the European Shorthair. Like most things about this cat, the ears are medium-sized, not too far apart, and sit upright. They sit over a big and sharp snout that fits its concave profile perfectly. The American Shorthair stands out due to its bright golden, attentive, and lightly angled eyes. The tail, also of medium length, has a broad base. The medium-sized cat is strong and muscular, but keeps a lean frame – its broad ribcage sits on medium-length legs that are carried by round paws. The American Shorthair is a healthy, active, and athletic cat.