Are American Shorthair cats easy to keep? A detailed look at their personality and shortcomings
The American Shorthair, which we may also call the American Short-haired Tabby, was developed by Americans through improving European cats and native cats of the American continent, and is a traditional breed among the domestic cats we know well. So, are American Shorthair cats easy to keep? What personality shortcomings do American Shorthair cats have? Next, I will introduce the American Shorthair to you.
Are Shorthair cats easy to keep
Shorthair cats are easy to keep. The American Shorthair is not only beautiful in appearance, but also very sturdy in body and rarely gets sick by nature. Under normal circumstances, its average lifespan can reach 15-20 years. For such a sturdy fellow, it only needs to go to the veterinary clinic once a year for a routine health check. It can be said to save the owner a large sum in medical expenses. Precisely because of this, this healthy cat also holds a place among the “long-lived” cat breeds.
Personality shortcomings of the American Shorthair
American Shorthair cats are active, and you will rarely see a young American Shorthair sitting quietly. These athletic gifts will slightly mellow as they grow older, but you can never ask an American Shorthair to sit still all day long, so playing with them often is the best way to build a bond with them. Of course, they are also very sensible and will never yell at you to put down the work in your hands. When they want something, these clever little ones will only sit obediently beside their favorite toy and look at you with wide eyes.
Feeding and care methods for the American Shorthair
1. Feeding method
It is very important to develop the habit of feeding the American Shorthair at a fixed time and place. Also note that younger cats need to eat several times and need more food, usually at least about four feedings a day. Adult cats only need one feeding each in the morning and evening.
2. Feeding amount
The amount of food should be determined according to the American Shorthair's age, body size, activity level and temperament. You can refer to the instructions on the food packaging, or consult a veterinarian. To add variety to the food and protect the pet's dental health, you may feed canned food and dry food either combined or in rotation.
3. Portion control
About 90 percent of cats know how to regulate their food intake to keep their body balanced and slim, but you should not indulge it and let it eat at random. Obese American Shorthair cats are indeed more prone to health problems. If you want your beloved cat to have a healthy body and an ideal weight, besides controlling the amount of food, you also need to prepare some toys for it to play with and exercise. Kittens have weak digestion, and human food is both tempting and dangerous to them. Animal liver, poultry bones, chocolate, scallions and onions are even more of a health killer for kittens.
4. Water needs
In fact, water is as important to the American Shorthair as it is to humans. It is not only an essential part of diet, but also their basic nutrition, yet it is easily overlooked by most owners.
How to buy an American Shorthair
1. When choosing an American Shorthair, pay attention to checking whether the cat's body surface is healthy, whether the skin is red, and whether there is hair loss; at the same time, also check whether the cat's eyes are clear and bright, whether the inside of the ears is clean, and whether the anus is clean.
2. You can touch the cat's nose with your hand to see whether it is cool and moist and has a little mucus.
3. At the same time, you can feed the American Shorthair some food to observe the cat's reaction to the surrounding food and its eating situation, so as to judge whether the cat is healthy.
4. Likewise, when choosing an American Shorthair, in order to ensure your own interests and to buy a purebred, healthy American Shorthair, the buyer should purchase from a regular pet store, and should not casually choose from roadside stalls.
5. Overall, the American Shorthair is gentle in temperament, lively in personality, and full of curiosity and the desire to explore the outside world. From the appearance of the American Shorthair, it is stout in build, thick in bone, and well muscled, making it a large breed among shorthair cats. The American Shorthair has the brave and hard-working character of its ancestors. They are mild-tempered, always full of patience, and appear very amiable and approachable. The American Shorthair will not lose its temper at family members.
Through my careful introduction above, I believe everyone has gained some understanding of the American Shorthair. In fact, the American Shorthair has a very gentle personality and will not casually attack others, so it is suitable for people to keep. Do you like this kind of American Shorthair?