American Shorthair cat ready for breeding
America's Working Cat

American Shorthair Cat BreedingFind the Perfect Match

Connect with dedicated American Shorthair cat breeders committed to preserving this healthy, adaptable breed with its rich working cat heritage.

American Shorthair Cat Breed Characteristics

Understanding your American Shorthair's unique traits and health needs is essential for responsible breeding

Weight Range

Male: 11-15 lbs

Female: 8-12 lbs

Size

Male: Medium to Large

Female: Medium

Life Expectancy

15-20 years

With proper care

Temperament

Easy-going, Adaptable

Independent yet playful

Unique American Shorthair Traits

Working Cat Heritage

Descended from cats brought to America on the Mayflower. Developed as working cats to protect grain stores from rodents. This heritage gives them excellent health and hunting abilities.

Over 80 Color Patterns

From classic silver tabby to rare colors like cameo and chinchilla. Wide genetic diversity allows for exciting color combinations in breeding programs.

Excellent Hunters

Strong prey drive and athletic ability. Muscular build with powerful legs. Natural mousers that enjoy interactive play and mental stimulation.

Low Maintenance

Short, dense coat requires minimal grooming. Independent nature makes them easy to care for. Adaptable to various living situations from apartments to farms.

American Shorthair Cat Breeding Guidelines

Follow these essential guidelines for responsible American Shorthair cat breeding

Optimal Breeding Age

Male American Shorthair Cats (Studs)

12 months to 8 years

Female American Shorthair Cats (Queens)

12 months to 7 years

American Shorthairs mature at a moderate pace. Wait until full maturity for best results in producing healthy, robust kittens.

Health Testing Requirements

  • FIV/FeLV testing - MANDATORY
  • Heart screening (echocardiogram) - MANDATORY annually
  • Blood type testing - MANDATORY (prevent neonatal isoerythrolysis)
  • Hip evaluation - Recommended for breeding stock
  • Dental examination - Recommended
  • Complete blood panel - Recommended annually
  • Parasite screening - Recommended before mating
  • PKD genetic test - Optional but recommended

American Shorthairs generally have excellent health. Regular testing maintains breed health standards.

Breeding Frequency

Queens: Maximum 2 litters per year, 4-5 litters lifetime

Minimum 6 months between litters

Preserve the health and vigor that makes American Shorthairs exceptional working cats.

Excellence in American Shorthair Cat Breeding

  • Color Genetics Mastery: With over 80 patterns, understanding color inheritance helps predict kitten colors and create stunning combinations while maintaining breed standards.
  • Preserve Working Cat Traits: Select for strong, muscular build, excellent hunting instincts, and robust health that defines this breed's heritage.
  • Temperament Selection: Breed for the easy-going, adaptable nature that makes American Shorthairs excellent family pets while maintaining their independence.
  • Health Advantage: Capitalize on the breed's naturally robust health by maintaining genetic diversity and avoiding inbreeding.

How American Shorthair Cat Breeding
Works

From profile to puppies - your american shorthair cat journey in 4 simple steps

Create Your Pet's Profile

Set up a detailed profile with photos, health records, and pedigree information

1

Discover Perfect Matches

Browse verified breeding partners based on breed, location, and compatibility

2

Connect & Communicate

Message owners directly to discuss breeding plans and health certifications

3

Successful Breeding

Meet safely, complete breeding agreements, and welcome healthy puppies

Why Choose Petmeetly
for American Shorthair Cat Breeding?

Join thousands of responsible american shorthair cat owners who trust us for quality breeding connections

Verified Profiles Only

Every breeder is verified, ensuring you connect with genuine, responsible pet owners.

Identity Verified

Location-Based Matching

Find breeding partners near you to make meetings convenient and stress-free.

Local & Global

Smart Filtering

Customize your search with detailed filters for breed, age, health status, and more.

Advanced Search

Direct Communication

Chat directly with pet owners to discuss all details before making any commitments.

Instant Messaging

Ready to Find Your American Shorthair Cat's Perfect Match?

Join thousands of responsible american shorthair cat owners who've found quality breeding partners on Petmeetly.

Get Started Now
BREEDING FOR HEALTH & LONGEVITY

Health Management for American Shorthair Cats

American Shorthairs benefit from excellent genetic diversity and working cat heritage, making them one of the healthiest breeds

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Manageable

Annual echocardiogram screening recommended for breeding cats. Select partners from HCM-clear bloodlines. Early detection enables management and treatment.

Hip Dysplasia

Manageable

Rare in American Shorthairs but can occur. X-ray screening available for breeding cats. Select partners with good hip conformation. Maintain healthy weight.

Dental Disease

Preventable

Regular dental examinations and cleaning. Select breeding partners with good dental health. Provide dental care education to new owners.

Obesity

Preventable

American Shorthairs have hearty appetites. Monitor weight carefully, provide appropriate diet. Select for active temperament. Educate owners on portion control.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Preventable

Rare in American Shorthairs but genetic testing available. Test breeding cats to ensure PKD-negative status. Select clear-tested breeding partners.

Respiratory Infections

Preventable

Maintain excellent cattery hygiene. Ensure proper vaccination protocols. Quarantine new cats before introduction to breeding program.

Parasites

Preventable

Regular deworming and parasite prevention. Test for internal parasites before breeding. Maintain clean environment.

Hyperthyroidism

Manageable

More common in older cats. Regular thyroid monitoring for senior breeding cats. Early detection allows for effective treatment.

Diabetes

Preventable

Associated with obesity. Maintain healthy weight through proper diet. Select for good metabolism and active temperament.

General Health Excellence

Excellent

American Shorthairs are one of the healthiest cat breeds due to their working cat heritage and diverse gene pool. Regular health checks maintain this advantage.

THE AMERICAN SHORTHAIR HEALTH ADVANTAGE

American Shorthairs showcase what careful natural selection can achieve. Their working cat heritage and broad genetic base have created one of the healthiest cat breeds in existence.

Key health advantages:

  • 15-20 year life expectancy, among the longest in domestic cats
  • Few breed-specific health issues due to genetic diversity
  • Strong immune systems from working cat heritage
  • Excellent reproductive health and mothering ability
  • Low incidence of genetic disorders compared to many breeds

By maintaining high breeding standards and health testing, you help preserve the exceptional health that makes American Shorthairs perfect family companions for generations.

Begin Your American Shorthair Cat Breeding Journey

Join a community of dedicated breeders preserving America's working cat heritage with its exceptional health and adaptability