Your guide to finding and caring for an American Shorthair in Arlington Heights
American Shorthairs suit Arlington Heights, whether you live in a new apartment in Hickory-Kensington or a house on one of the village's single-family streets. They're easygoing and happy with a sunny window, a cat tree and a daily round of wand-toy play. Winters here are long, so an indoor cat with plenty to climb and watch is a good match. Shorthairs put on weight when they're bored, so a regular play schedule matters more than square footage.
Adopt an American Shorthair today
M, 3 mo., 847 miles
American Shorthair
M, 3 mo., 847 miles
American Shorthair
M, 3 mo., 847 miles
American Shorthair
M, 3 mo., 847 miles
American Shorthair
M, 3 mo., 847 miles
American Shorthair
F, 3 mo., 847 miles
American Shorthair
F, 3 y., 847 miles
American Shorthair
M, 3 mo., 847 miles
American Shorthair
M, 3-7 y., 848 miles
American Shorthair, Tabby
M, 3-7 y., 848 miles
Tabby, American Shorthair
The American Shorthair descends from European cats that traveled with early settlers to protect food stores from rodents, then worked on farms across North America. The sturdiest of those cats became one of the first pedigreed breeds in the early 1900s. Today's American Shorthair is a muscular, medium-to-large cat with a broad face, full cheeks and a short, thick coat that comes in many colors, with the silver tabby as the classic look.
The breed's steady, low-key nature suits households that are out during the day and want a calm companion in the evening. Most shed moderately, with a heavier undercoat shed in spring, so weekly brushing helps. Many shorthaired cats in adoption listings are domestic shorthairs that look much alike, so go by a cat's personality rather than its label.
Having an American Shorthair in Arlington Heights
American Shorthairs are sturdy, low-maintenance cats whose care centers on play, portion control and a dense coat. In Arlington Heights, long winters and both apartment and house living shape how you set up a comfortable indoor routine.
Most American Shorthairs are friendly, steady and happy to share a couch without demanding attention, which suits Arlington Heights households where people are out during the workday. Many get along with children and calm dogs after slow introductions. Each cat's history and personality vary, so spend time with a cat before deciding.
Plan on two or three short play sessions a day with wand toys, chase games and food puzzles. A cat tree beside a window gives a Shorthair something to watch during snowy months. Because many are food-motivated, regular play helps prevent weight gain, especially in indoor and older cats.
American Shorthairs are generally sturdy, but obesity is the most common preventable problem. Heart disease and polycystic kidney disease have been reported in the breed, so a veterinarian can check the heart and kidneys at a first exam. Measured meals, dental care and yearly checkups go a long way.
An American Shorthair adapts to a downtown apartment or a suburban house equally well when it has scratching posts, perches and hiding spots. Indoor living suits Arlington Heights, where coyotes are seen day and night. Secure windows and balcony doors, and use a screened enclosure if you want outdoor time.
| Expense | Typical cost | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption fee | $175, one time | $175 in year one |
| Food | $25 to $50 per month | $300 to $600 |
| Pet insurance | $25 to $50 per month | $300 to $600 |
| Routine vet care | $150 to $350 per year | $150 to $350 |
| Other* | $450 to $1,150 per year | $450 to $1,150 |
| Estimated yearly total (after year one) | $1,200 to $2,700 | |
| First-year total (with adoption fee) | $1,375 to $2,875 | |
Adoption fee is the fee on American Shorthair listings in Arlington Heights on GetBuddy today. Other costs are estimates and vary with size, age and health.
* Cat litter, flea prevention, a dental cleaning allowance, toys, scratching posts and other supplies, and simple brushing at home for a short coat.
Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below currently have American Shorthairs available.
Local nonprofit shelters and rescues serve the Arlington Heights area, and their cat listings change often. Here are the rescues & shelters in the Arlington Heights area where you can find American Shorthairs and other cats available for adoption.
Yes, you can own an American Shorthair in Arlington Heights, and no known breed-specific rules apply to cats. The village limits households to four pets in total, so count any pets you already have. Cook County issues rabies tags for cats four months and older, usually through your vet. If you rent, have your lease's pet clause ready.
Yes, an American Shorthair usually does well in an Arlington Heights apartment, including newer buildings downtown and in Hickory-Kensington. Their calm nature and moderate energy fit smaller spaces when you add a cat tree, a window perch and daily play. Pet fees and deposits vary by building and Illinois doesn't cap them, so read the lease first.
Yes, but only in an enclosed carrier. Metra's Union Pacific Northwest line stops at Arlington Heights and Arlington Park, and small pets in carriers that fit on a lap or under a seat ride on weekends and weekday off-peak trains. Pace lets caged pets ride free. A large Shorthair may not fit, so check current Metra rules.
Yes, an indoor American Shorthair does well in Arlington Heights, where winters are long and freezing and summers are warm. The dense coat copes with the cold, while hot days call for cool rooms and fresh water. Keep your cat indoors year-round, since coyotes are seen here day and night, especially in late winter and spring.
Very little. An American Shorthair needs a brush about once a week at home, and more often in spring when the thick undercoat sheds. Because most live indoors here, salt and mud rarely matter. Professional grooming is optional and fits within the small grooming allowance in the Other costs, along with litter, flea prevention and dental care.
An American Shorthair is a pedigreed North American cat breed descended from the working cats that came over with European settlers to control rodents. It is a sturdy, muscular, medium-to-large cat with a round face, full cheeks and a thick short coat in many colors, most famously silver tabby. Many are calm, adaptable and quietly affectionate.
American Shorthairs shed a moderate amount. Their dense coat drops hair year-round, with a heavier shed in spring when the undercoat thins and a lighter one in fall. Brushing a few times a week with a slicker brush or grooming mitt keeps loose hair under control and reduces hairballs. Sudden bald patches or excessive shedding deserve a veterinary visit.
Yes, American Shorthairs are usually friendly, easygoing cats. Many greet family members, get along with visitors once settled and tolerate children and other pets well after gradual introductions. They tend to be sociable without being demanding. Personality still varies, so an adopted cat's history and behavior in its foster or shelter home are the best guide.
We have 1 rescue with American Shorthairs available: The Buddy Foundation. You can see every rescue with American Shorthairs available in the list above these questions, or scroll to the top to see the American Shorthairs near Arlington Heights.
Expect about $25–$50 a month for food and $25–$50 a month for optional pet insurance. Routine vet care runs roughly $150–$350 a year, and other costs such as litter, flea prevention, dental care and supplies add about $450–$1,150 a year. Actual costs depend on your cat's age and health.
Expand your search to find American Shorthairs available for adoption near Arlington Heights.
Looking for a different breed? Browse other cats available for adoption in Arlington Heights.
