Your guide to finding and caring for an American Shorthair in Arlington Heights
Adopt an American Shorthair today
M, 15 y., 18 miles
American Shorthair
F, 3-7 y., 18 miles
American Shorthair
M, 3-7 y., 21 miles
American Shorthair
M, 5 mo., 24 miles
American Shorthair
M, 6 mo., 24 miles
American Shorthair
F, 6 mo., 24 miles
American Shorthair
F, 8 mo., 24 miles
American Shorthair
M, 2 mo., 24 miles
American Shorthair
M, 8 y. +, 35 miles
Domestic Short Hair, American Shorthair
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 45 miles
American Shorthair
Working cats that rode on settlers' ships to keep rodents off cargo, then guarded barns and homesteads across North America, are the ancestors of the American Shorthair. In the early twentieth century, the sturdiest of these cats became a pedigreed breed, first called the Domestic Shorthair and renamed in the 1960s. The result is a solid, muscular, medium-to-large cat with a broad face, full cheeks and a thick, hard-textured coat, seen in dozens of colors, with the silver tabby as its classic look.
Many American Shorthairs are easygoing, adaptable and quietly affectionate, content to supervise household life without demanding constant attention. They often get along with children and other pets, enjoy hunting-style play and tend to gain weight without it. Most shorthaired shelter cats are random-bred domestic shorthairs that share the look, so adopters may meet cats with similar traits under either name.
Having an American Shorthair in Arlington Heights
The American Shorthair's appeal lies in steady, low-drama companionship from a sturdy cat built for work. Its calm sociability, hunting instincts, dense coat and appetite all shape daily care, so they are worth understanding when choosing an adult cat or kitten.
American Shorthairs tend to be even-tempered, friendly and independent, enjoying company without clinging. Many tolerate respectful children and calm dogs well after gradual introductions. Most prefer sitting beside people to being carried. They are usually quiet, communicating with soft chirps. Individual history and socialization shape each cat more than breed alone.
Moderate daily play keeps an American Shorthair fit: wand toys, chase games and food puzzles tap into its hunting instinct. Short sessions at regular times work well. Cat trees and window perches add activity. Because many are relaxed and food-motivated, structured play matters for preventing weight gain, especially in indoor and older cats.
American Shorthairs are generally robust, and no single breed-specific disease dominates. Obesity is the most common preventable problem, raising risks of diabetes and arthritis. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease have been reported in the breed. Regular exams, dental care and measured meals help, and an adopted cat's history is worth reviewing.
An American Shorthair usually adapts well to apartments or houses as long as it has scratching posts, perches, hiding spots and daily play. Its calm nature suits busy households and quieter homes alike. Indoor living or secure outdoor enclosures keep these strong hunters safe and protect local wildlife. Secure windows and balconies.
| Expense | Typical cost | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
Other costs are national averages for American Shorthairs; we don't have costs specific to Arlington Heights yet.
* 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.
Here are the rescues & shelters in the Arlington Heights area where you can find American Shorthairs and other cats available for adoption.
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.
American Shorthairs commonly live about 12 to 17 years, and many reach their late teens with good care. Some sources quote 15 to 20 years. Keeping the cat at a healthy weight, living indoors or in a secure enclosure, and keeping up with dental care and annual veterinary exams all help support a long life.
No, American Shorthairs are not hypoallergenic. They produce the same main cat allergen, a protein in saliva and skin, as other cats, and their dense coat sheds moderately, spreading it around the home. No cat is truly allergen-free. People with allergies should spend time with a specific cat before adopting and talk to a doctor about managing symptoms.
Many American Shorthairs are affectionate but not especially cuddly. They usually like to stay near their people, follow them from room to room and enjoy gentle petting, yet many prefer sitting beside you to being held or cradled. Some American Shorthairs do love laps. Let the cat set the pace, and closeness often grows as it settles in.
American Shorthairs are medium-to-large cats with a solid, muscular build. Most adults weigh about 6 to 15 pounds, with males usually larger and more heavily built than females, and they stand around 8 to 10 inches at the shoulder. They mature slowly, often filling out until around three or four years of age.
Not necessarily. Tuxedo describes a black-and-white coat pattern, not a breed, and it appears in many breeds and in random-bred cats. American Shorthairs can come in black-and-white bicolor, but most tuxedo cats in homes and shelters are domestic shorthairs without a pedigree. Only registration papers show that a tuxedo cat is a purebred American Shorthair.
Adult American Shorthairs usually weigh about 6 to 15 pounds. Males often weigh roughly 11 to 15 pounds and females about 6 to 12. Because the breed loves food and can be fairly relaxed, many gain extra weight. You should be able to feel the ribs easily, so ask a veterinarian to assess your cat's ideal weight.
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.
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.
