Are you worried about choosing between an American Shorthair and a Domestic Shorthair cat for your home? Although these two breeds of cats share many characteristics, they are quite different in some aspects. Through this article, we will answer all your questions and put an end to your worries.
The Domestic Shorthair is a mixed-breed cat. On the other hand, the American Shorthair is a purebred cat. Besides their differences in breeds, there are many other factors that create distinctions between these two cats. You can make the best decision by having a clear understanding of their physical structure, lifestyle, temperament, required grooming, health characteristics, and how they get along with other pets. Let’s clarify these points one by one.
Origins and History
Before understanding the differences between Domestic Shorthair and American Shorthair, it’s important to know about their origins. Learning about their past history will help you easily understand the differences in their characteristics.
Historians have claimed that Domestic Shorthair cats began living in human settlements from the forests around 2000 BC due to the easy availability of their food ‘rodents’. At the same time, humans also started keeping this type of cat for their hunting skills. Information suggests that they appeared in America through the early settlers. They kept these breeds of cats to protect food from rats. In the 18th-19th centuries, keeping cats became popular. At that time, emphasis was placed on increasing the breeding of this type of cat. As a result, many mixed lineages were created alongside their main ancestry. This is why diversity is seen in their color, structure, and behavior.
The appearance of American Shorthair cat is reported during the Mayflower’s voyage in 1620. However, some believe that this breed of cat appeared earlier with settlers in Florida or Jamestown. Initially, people kept this breed of cat for special tasks such as protecting crops from squirrels or controlling rats. Then owners started selecting beautiful kittens from among the working cats. Many shorthairs were seen at the first American Cat Show held in 1895.
Since these two breeds of cats appeared long ago, both are very popular in America. But which of these popular breeds will be suitable for your home? Let’s discuss the next steps to find out.
Physical Structure
An adult American Shorthair cat can grow up to 10-14 inches in height. Their weight can reach 8-12 pounds. American Shorthair cats typically live for 10-15 years. In terms of physical structure, they have quite a sturdy appearance. The short, dense, and thick coat of American Shorthairs creates a difference from the physical characteristics of Domestic Shorthairs.
On the other hand, a Domestic Shorthair cat can grow up to 8-10 inches in height. And their weight can reach 6-12 pounds. Their lifespan is usually 10-20 years. Being a mixed-breed, they are referred to as “mutts”, a term used for mixed-breed cats. They don’t have dense fur like American Shorthairs. Their coat ranges from smooth to slightly fluffy.
American Shorthair cats are slightly larger compared to Domestic Shorthair cats. Conversely, Domestic Shorthairs, being mixed-breeds, show more diversity in their physical structure.
Lifestyle Compatibility
In terms of lifestyle, both American Shorthair and Domestic Shorthair can be your excellent companions. However, they have some distinct characteristics in terms of lifestyle.
Domestic Shorthair cats are very active in nature. They are very curious. But that doesn’t mean they constantly demand attention. Due to their diverse breed, some may be lapping cats while others may be independent. They can adapt to busy residential houses as well as quiet environments. However, to build their confidence and reduce fear, you need to focus on socializing them from a very young age. These lifestyle characteristics may vary depending on their breeding lineage.
On the other hand, American Shorthair cats also have a reputation for adapting to all situations like Domestic Shorthair cats. However, their activity level is moderate. Therefore, they don’t need much exercise. But another feature of their lifestyle might attract you more. They can comfortably spend time alone during the day. This is indeed good news for someone who has to stay out for work during the day. Moreover, these cats can handle interactions with active children wonderfully. That’s why they are considered ideal for growing families.
Overall, in terms of their lifestyle, if you have children in your family or have many other pets, you can choose the calm-natured American Shorthair.
But if you want to bring a cat home for the first time and want an active cat that will adapt to all situations, you can prefer a Domestic Shorthair.
Temperament and Personality
Some distinct temperament and behavioral characteristics of American Shorthair and Domestic Shorthair cats will help you choose the right cat for your home.
American Shorthairs can adapt themselves in noisy home environments. They also like to sit next to you when you’re talking to someone. They can even engage themselves with cat-friendly dogs. However, they can maintain a good balance between moving independently and attracting human affection. These intelligent cats really enjoy stimulating activities like watching outside through windows or playing with toys. They are not known for being very talkative. They might only “Meow” to greet passersby or express hunger.
The temperaments and personalities of Domestic Shorthair cats are not as predictable as American Shorthair cats. Some breeds can be very playful. Others can be independent observers. However, most Domestic Shorthair cats prefer bonds of friendship. If you want to raise them to be friendly, you need to focus on this from when they are small. Like American Shorthairs, they also enjoy exploring the surrounding environment and playing. Some breeds can be very talkative, while others can be quiet. However, the nature of the breed you choose will depend entirely on your luck.
Overall, in terms of their Temperament and Personality, if you’re looking for a lap cat, you can choose Domestic Shorthairs for their diverse behavior and temperament ranging from playful to independent.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a simple, predictable-natured cat for your home, you can choose an American Shorthair cat.
Grooming and Care
How much time can you devote to caring for your cat? Because this will also determine which cat will be appropriate for you to choose.
Both American Shorthair and Domestic Shorthair require less grooming compared to long-haired cats. But due to some distinct physical characteristics of each, there are some differences in grooming and care.
Let’s start with the grooming and care of American Shorthairs. Their fur is double-layered. The lower layer produces insulation and the upper layer provides protection from various environmental elements. So, to maintain the health and shine of their dense and double-layered fur, you need to brush at least once a week. Especially during spring and fall when they shed, you need to pay attention to this aspect of care. However, they are known as self-groomers. Because they don’t need to be bathed very often unless they get dirty with something very messy.
On the other hand, Domestic Shorthairs also have short and dense fur. But they require less coat maintenance than American Shorthairs. However, occasional grooming with a brush can help remove loose fur from their body. Like American Shorthairs, they are also self-groomers. So, they don’t need to be bathed unless they get mixed with something very dirty.
Apart from the slight difference in coat care for both breeds, they require the same care for teeth, nails, and ears as other cats.
Overall, although both require very little grooming, comparatively American Shorthairs need a bit more grooming and care.
On the other hand, you can be a bit more relaxed about grooming Domestic Shorthairs. If you’re bringing a cat home for the first time, you might prefer this relaxed aspect.
Health Considerations
Domestic Shorthair cats, being mixed-breeds, tend to have fewer genetic health issues. However, they can be susceptible to the same diseases that commonly affect other cat breeds.
Alternatively, American Shorthair cats may have some genetic health issues. For instance:
1.Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): They may have this specific type of genetic heart disease.
2.Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): They may have this disease due to genetic reasons.
Overall, Domestic Shorthairs may have fewer genetic health issues compared to American Shorthairs.
Multi-Pet Household
Domestic Shorthairs, being mixed-breeds, show diversity in their behavior. This diverse nature can be advantageous for households with multiple pets. Moreover, being very sociable, they can easily get along with dogs and other animals.
Domestic Shorthairs are naturally territorial. However, their mixed-breeds can add different dimensions to territoriality. In a family with multiple cats, they may establish territories by sharing time. For example, they can do this by occupying different places at different times of the day.
On the other hand, American Shorthair cats can get along with dogs and other animals if properly introduced. Due to their moderate activity and intelligence, they can easily adapt to other animals.
American Shorthair cats are comparatively less territorial. However, they may display territorial behavior when they feel insecure.
Conclusion
Although both American Shorthair and Domestic Shorthair cats are excellent breeds, if you want a cat with predictable behavior, one that will get along very well with children and other pets, and you can pay some attention to grooming, then you should get an American Shorthair cat.
But if you’re adopting a cat for the first time and prefer variety in cat behavior and temperament, and you’re looking for a cat that will easily adapt to different situations, then you can confidently choose a Domestic Shorthair cat.