American cat, or American shorthaired pointer: breed description, character, photo

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Do you like tabby cats that look so much like tigers? If yes, then our article may be useful for you. The American cat, or otherwise the kurtshaar, is a real symbol of its country. These short-haired and very cute creatures have been living in the United States for over 400 years. They arrived here with the first settlers and actively helped them in the fight against rodents. In those days, the American cat was the sailor's best friend. They traveled in ships and killed rats. This is a muscular, strong animal that was created for hunting. But they captivated the hearts of sailors not only by this. The American cat is quite simple in content, unpretentious, inexpensive and very friendly. In Spartan conditions, these animals proved to be the best.

Look into the past

If we consider breeds that have long lived in the United States, it becomes clear that there were no species from which the American cat could have descended. This means only one thing, it was brought here, a long time ago, and, apparently, from Europe. It is known for certain that in the sailors' logbooks dated 1609, there is already a mention of the striped beauties who accompanied the ships.

Modern look

Initially, their function was exclusively practical, few people thought about the appearance. The sailors were quite satisfied that the cat was unpretentious in everyday life and practically did not need food, as it caught rats that destroyed supplies. However, over the past centuries, it has crossed with the Persian and British, as well as the Burmese breed. The result is the modern shorthair we know today.

Natural selection has developed strong muscles, jaws and quick reactions in these cute creatures. These are essential skills for a hunter. But when the time came to feel in exhibitions and receive prizes, a man already took up the matter. Since 1960, the American Shorthair has been bred with Persians in order to acquire a silver color and noble features. Today, the breed is officially recognized and ranked fourth in popularity among all others.

General Description

If you love cats, it doesn't matter too much what color and build your pet will be. It's more a tribute to fashion. However, the American cat breed deservedly enjoys prestige. This is a real hard worker, a great hunter, muscular, strong and very fast. Cats are smooth-haired, shiny, like athletes in the ring. Mostly large. Cats reach a weight of 7 kg, smaller cats, up to 5. They grow slowly, completelymaturing only by the third year. But they live an average of 20 years. So your pet will retain the habits of a small kitten for a long time, even when it surpasses small dogs in the weight category.

The American cat breed is distinguished by the shape of its head. It is large, with a wide muzzle and strong jaws, from which prey will not escape. The shape of the head is rounded, large eyes are widely spaced, which allows you to better navigate the hunt. The ears are slightly rounded at the tip.

The paws are of medium length, but very muscular and strong, ending in pads. The tail is thick, of medium length. The coat is the hallmark of the breed. Short, dense and hard to the touch, it can change its texture depending on the season. In winter, the coat becomes denser, but in summer it can protect the animal from the cold, insects and rodent teeth.

Color

It's quite difficult to unambiguously say what a kurtshaar should be. The photo can show us a variety of representatives, ranging from striped or marbled, pumping blue-eyed beauties with white or smoky hair. Black and dark gray are also not uncommon. But it is cats with tabby color, that is, with a striped pattern, that are considered classic representatives. Any sign of a hybrid breed: long fur, plume on the tail, bulging eyes, is a reason for disqualification.

Choose a cat to match

You can see at first glance what a fidget the shorthaired pointer is. The photo shows us a large and strong animal andmagnificent muscles and a very serious look. This is not a couch potato and not a fluffy lump that will jump for a paper wrapper. This is an independent and proud creature that prefers to walk on its own paws, and is not too fond of being picked up. Therefore, in a house where there are small children, they will not be too comfortable.

However, the kurtshaar is a very playful cat. She needs space and movement, and representatives of the breed in old age also prefer an active lifestyle. They do not lose their hunting instincts even in urban conditions and will chase insects, watch birds, so it is better to close the balcony. If you decide to let them out on the street, then the pets will definitely please you with gifts in the form of birds and mice. Keep this in mind if you are planning to get a parrot or a hamster, instincts will take over sooner or later.

Another point, just like wild cats, the american shorthair cat loves high places, which seem to be associated with treetops. From a very young age, wean your pet from the habit of climbing on furniture.

Even for busy people

Life in megacities dictates its own conditions. Increasingly, a person can afford to have a dog that needs to be walked several times a day. But the American cat will easily adapt to any conditions. These are calm and good-natured creatures that love the company of a person, but they can do without his guardianship. Therefore, if you are looking for a quiet and calm animal that will not burden you too much with games when you come home after a hard day, then this is the perfectoption. She rarely asks for anything unless you forget to feed her.

He alth

Everyone wants their pet to live nearby as long as possible. In this regard, the American Shorthair cat is ideal. The description of the breed informs us that representatives live from 15 years. It is not uncommon for cats to die at a more respectable age, over 25 years old.

The breed is originally distinguished by good he alth. However, in the process of crossing, a predisposition to heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, appeared. Moreover, the symptoms are so blurred that most often the cat dies suddenly, for no apparent reason. It is impossible to cure it, but if you notice it in time, the doctor will prescribe medicines to maintain the heart.

The second disease inherent in the breed is hip dysplasia. In severe cases, it leads to severe pain and arthritis. However, these diseases occur in representatives of the breed quite infrequently. With proper care, timely preventive vaccinations and regular check-ups, pets can lead a long and happy life next to you.

Kitten choice

A very important point, because by acquiring a sick, poorly raised animal, you are at great risk. No one will be happy with the prospect of endless visits to veterinary clinics. Therefore, the best choice would be to buy a kitten in a specialized cattery. Documents are not only an opportunity to participate in breeding, but also a guarantee that the babyvaccinated, potty trained and tested for disease. This point is especially important if you plan to attend exhibitions in the future. These are fun activities that kids love. But keep in mind that the breed standard is strict. Judges will evaluate every detail, eye cut and color, chest width and tail length. Therefore, if you are planning a stellar career, you will have to carefully choose the future champion. Accordingly, the more prospects a kitten has, the higher the price will be. How much is an American cat worth? The price ranges from 10,000 to 35,000 rubles.

Pet Content

From the first day the baby crossed the threshold of your home, you need to provide him with optimal living conditions. First of all, this concerns the equipment of the place, providing the kitten with a drinking bowl, a feeder and a tray with high-quality filler. The rest is easy to care for. Short hair does not need frequent combing, it is enough to go through it once a week with a soft brush. About once a week, you need to clean your ears, trim your nails as needed. For these purposes, you can install a special scratching post so that your pet can perform this procedure without spoiling sofas and armchairs.

Like British cats, they are prone to overeating and obesity. Therefore, immediately refuse dishes from the table and treats with delicious pieces. Choose premium quality food and don't overfeed. Do not forget that there should always be clean water in the cup. In addition, it is very important to provide your petnormal physical activity. Play with the cat yourself or let it out in the yard so that it can realize its hunting instincts.

Instead of a conclusion

This breed can be called the best among all that exist today. Affectionate and very smart, independent and unpretentious, with excellent he alth, these cats will become great friends and companions. Even if you disappear all day at work, provide your pet with food and toys, and she will calmly do without you. And in the evening he will meet you at the doorstep. But best of all, these cats are suitable for living in the private sector and cottages. There is a large area where they can frolic, and, in addition, it is here that representatives of the breed will show their true purpose, easily exterminating all rodents and running after birds to their heart's content. However, in such conditions it is more difficult to monitor the crossing of your pet. This can be especially important for owners of purebred cats who plan to have promising offspring.