We Love the American Shorthair
If you’re looking for a robust kitty who looks like they would enjoy a pint or two after a hard day at the docks mouse catching and rummaging, look no further than the hardworking American Shorthair.
So, I hear you wonder, just how did the Shorthair make its entrance to the cat world. Well, it has been reported that when settlers sailed from Europe to the Americas there were cats on board ships such as the Mayflower to mouse hunt. Many of the cats that arrived in the new world were inbred however they had developed useful characteristics and behaviors that allowed them to cope well with life on the open sea. Early in the 20th Century, a selective breeding program was begun to harness the best qualities of these highly employable working cats. And so began the American Shorthair.
The American Shorthairs comes in more than eighty, YES EIGHTY different colours and patterns. Colours range from the brown patched tabby to the blue eyed white, shaded silvers, cameos, calicos and many in-between. Also, the good news is require minimal grooming. Although brushing and making a fuss of your cat, would be very welcome! Beware! As I have found with most cats, American Shorthairs are very addictive. Once you have had one, you may find you need more of them!
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Care
Home environment - As with most cats, they can be sociable when introduced to an environment that is peaceful, stimulating and safe. This cat can thrive in a household with children who can treat this quirky beauty politely and respectfully. Always introduce any pets, even other cats, slowly and in a controlled setting.
Entertaining – A good butler knows how to entertain! To keep your cat entertained and to help them stay fit and active, provide various play stations and treats. Cats love playtime with their owners which helps them to socialize well and thwarts boredom and troublesome behaviors.
Hair - The American Shorthair has hair which allows for easy care. Shedding is low and combing or brushing can be done maybe twice a week.
Teeth – The use of small finger toothbrushes for weekly clean can help keep your cat’s teeth and gums healthy and may prevent periodontal disease. Careful with your fingers, cats have impressive jaw strength and can give quite a finger crushing bite! Annual checks at the vets will also pick up on anything that might need professional attention.
Nails – Now, be careful with this one. Cat’s nails are live so there is the potential to cause pain especially if the nail is dark and you cannot see clearly to differentiate live areas from ‘safe’ areas to clip. Probably best to schedule a visit to your vets or local shelter where there will be someone trained to carry out this procedure. I clipped my cat Tiny’s nail tips while she sat in the sink about once a fortnight. She would only allow me to clip her front ones and would happily bite her back paw nails at her leisure.
Clean – You can use a soft cloth and wipe the eye area. Use a separate area of the cloth for each eye so that you don’t spread any infection. Gently wipe out ears, warm water is fine. Never poke or use cotton buds (Q-tips) inside the ears.
Litter Box – Keep the trays meticulously clean and have more than one (if possible). Remember to keep trays away from food areas.
Roam or not to roam – It’s a good idea to keep your lovely inside, apart from attacks from other cats or dogs or traffic dangers, such a beauty might be stolen. However, if you’re going to allow roaming, remember to microchip and use a collar with an ID.
Check out Butler & Milk https://www.butlerandmilk.com/butlerandmilkshop for toothpaste, shampoo, cat collars, organic balms, anxiety treatments and much much more to help you care for your cat.
