Do you like tabby cats that look like tigers? If so, then our article may be useful for you. An American cat, or otherwise a kurtshaar, is a real symbol of his country. These short-haired and very cute creatures have been living in the United States for over 400 years. They arrived here even 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 on ships and killed rats. This is a muscular, strong animal that is created for hunting. But they captivated the hearts of sailors not only this. American cat is very simple in content, unpretentious, inexpensive and very friendly. In Spartan conditions, such animals proved to be the best.
A look into the past
If we consider the breeds that have long lived in the United States, it becomes clear that there were no species from which the American cat could have originated. This means only one thing, it was brought here, a way and a very long time, and, apparently, from Europe. It is known for certain that in the logbooks of sailors dated 1609, there is already a mention of the striped beauties accompanying the vessels.
Modern look
Initially, their function was exclusively practical, few people thought about the appearance. The sailors were quite happy that the cat was unpretentious in everyday life and practically did not need food, as it caught rats destroying supplies. However, over the past centuries, it has been crossed with the Persian and British, as well as the Burmese breed. The result is a modern shorthair cat that we know today.
Natural selection has developed strong muscles, jaws, and quick reactions in these cute creatures. These are the skills necessary for the hunter. But when it came time to feel in the exhibitions and receive prizes, a man took up the matter. Since 1960, the American shorthair cat has been mixed with Persian in order to acquire a silver color and noble features. Today, the breed is officially recognized and ranks fourth in popularity among all the others.
general description
If you like cats, it is not too important what color and physique your pet will be. This is more a tribute to fashion. However, the American cat breed deservedly enjoys credibility. 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, fully growing up only in the third year. But they live an average of 20 years. So your pet will keep the habits of a small kitten for a long time, even when it will surpass small dogs in weight category.
The American cat breed is distinguished by the outlines of the 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 set wide enough, which allows you to better navigate the hunt. Ears are slightly rounded at the tip.
Paws of medium length, but very muscular and strong, end with pads. The tail is thick, medium length. Coat is the trademark of the breed. Short, dense and stiff to the touch, it can change its texture depending on the time of year. In winter, the hair becomes denser, but in summer it can protect the animal from the cold, insects and rodent teeth.
Color
It’s hard enough to say unambiguously what a Kurzhaar should be. A photo can show us a variety of representatives, ranging from striped or marble, pumping blue-eyed beauties with white or smoky hair. Black and dark gray are also not uncommon. But it is cats with a 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, this is a reason for disqualification.
Choose a cat to suit you
At first glance you can see how restless is the Kurzhaar. The photo shows us a large and strong animal with magnificent muscles and a very serious look. This is not a couch bed and a fluffy lump that will jump for a paper candy wrapper. This is an independent and proud creature that prefers to walk on its paws, and is not too fond of when it is 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 an active lifestyle is also preferred by representatives of the breed in old age. They do not lose their hunting instincts even in urban conditions and will chase insects and watch birds, therefore it is better to close the balcony. If you decide to let them out, the pets will surely please you with gifts in the form of birds and mice. Do not forget about it, if you plan to get a parrot or a hamster, instincts will sooner or later prevail.
Another point, like wild cats, american shorthair cat adore high places, which, apparently, are associated with the tops of trees. From a very young age, wean your darling from the habit of climbing on furniture.
Even for the busy
Life in megacities dictates its own conditions. Less and less, people can afford to get 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 who love the company of a person, but will completely manage without his guardianship. Therefore, if you need a quiet and calm animal that will not overburden you with games when you come home after a hard day, then this is ideal. She rarely requires something, except if you forget to feed.
Health
Everyone wants his pet to live near as long as possible. In this regard, the American Shorthair is an ideal option. The description of the breed tells us that representatives from 15 years old live. There are frequent cases when cats die at a more respectable age, over 25 years.
The breed is initially distinguished by good health. 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 manage to notice it in time, the doctor will prescribe medications 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 are found in representatives of the breed very rarely. With proper care, timely preventive vaccinations and regular examination, pets can spend a long and happy life near you.
Choosing a kitten
A very important point, because when you acquire a sick, poorly raised animal, you are at great risk. No one will be pleased with the prospect of endless visits to veterinary clinics. Therefore, the best choice would be to buy a kitten in a specialized nursery. Documents are not only an opportunity to participate in breeding, but also a guarantee that the baby is vaccinated, accustomed to the toilet and checked for illness. This point is especially important if you plan to attend exhibitions in the future. These are fascinating events that children really like. But keep in mind that the breed standard is strict. Judges will evaluate each detail, section and color of the eyes, 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? The price ranges from 10,000 to 35,000 rubles.
Pet content
From the first day, when the baby has crossed the threshold of your home, it is necessary to provide him with optimal living conditions. First of all, it concerns the equipment of the place, providing the kitten with a drinking bowl, feeder and a tray with high-quality filler. Otherwise, caring for him is simple. Short hair does not need to be combed out often; it is enough to pass through it with a soft brush once a week. About once a week, you need to clean your ears, and trim your nails as needed. For these purposes, you can install a special scratching post so that your pet has the opportunity to perform this procedure without spoiling the sofas and chairs.
Like British cats, they are prone to overeating and obesity. Therefore, immediately discard dishes from the table and treat yourself to delicious pieces. Choose high-quality premium food and do not give too much. Do not forget that the cup must always have clean water. In addition, it is very important to ensure that the pet has normal physical activity. Play with the cat yourself or let it out into the yard so that it can realize 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 health, these cats will become great friends and companions. Even if you disappear for days 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. Here there is a large territory on which they can frolic, and, in addition, it is here that the representatives of the breed will show their true purpose, easily destroying all rodents and running after the birds for free. However, in such conditions it is more difficult to follow the crossing of your pet. This can be especially important for owners of purebred cats who plan to have promising offspring.