Your guide to finding and caring for an American Shorthair in Manhattan
American Shorthairs fit Manhattan's quieter homes well, from a flat near the Yuma Street Historic District to a house in Northview. They're calm, sturdy cats that are happy watching the street from a window perch and chasing a wand toy for a few minutes a day. That steady routine suits a busy household and a long Kansas winter alike. Keeping one indoors also keeps it clear of copperheads and spring storms.
Adopt an American Shorthair today
While we don't have enough cats near Manhattan, keep in mind that many rescues may offer transport.
F, 10 mo., 675 miles
American Shorthair
F, 3 y., 675 miles
American Shorthair
F, 5 mo., 675 miles
American Shorthair
F, 5 mo., 675 miles
American Shorthair
M, 6 y., 675 miles
Domestic Short Hair, American Shorthair
M, 6 mo.-2 y., 676 miles
American Shorthair
M, 6 mo., 677 miles
American Shorthair, American Wirehair
M, 8 y. +, 677 miles
American Shorthair
M, 3-7 y., 679 miles
American Shorthair
M, 3-7 y., 679 miles
American Shorthair
The American Shorthair descends from working cats that crossed the Atlantic with early settlers and then guarded barns and homesteads, a job that would have been familiar in the farm and ranch country around Manhattan. Today's cat is medium to large and muscular, with a broad face, full cheeks and a thick, hard-textured coat in dozens of colors. The silver tabby is the classic look.
Many American Shorthairs are easygoing and quietly affectionate, happy to supervise the household without demanding attention. They enjoy hunting-style play and gain weight easily, so measured meals matter. Most shorthaired cats in adoption listings are random-bred domestic shorthairs that share the same look and often the same relaxed traits, and a cat's own personality counts for more than its label.
Having an American Shorthair in Manhattan
Calm, sociable and sturdy, the American Shorthair is a low-drama roommate in Manhattan. Its hunting instincts, dense coat and appetite shape daily care, so play, portion control and a safe indoor setup matter most.
Most American Shorthairs are even-tempered and friendly without being clingy, content to sit beside you rather than on you. Many tolerate respectful children and calm dogs after gradual introductions, which helps in busy households. They tend to be quiet, but each cat's history and socialization shape its personality as much as breed does.
Plan on short play sessions every day with wand toys, chase games and food puzzles, which use the breed's hunting instinct. A cat tree by a window gives an indoor cat a view of Manhattan's backyards and birds. Because many are relaxed and food-motivated, regular play helps prevent the weight gain that comes with indoor life.
American Shorthairs are generally robust, and obesity is the most common preventable problem, raising the risk of diabetes and arthritis. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease have been reported in the breed, so a veterinarian can check the heart and kidneys at the first exam. Dental care and measured meals help keep a cat healthy.
An American Shorthair adapts to apartments and houses alike, as long as it has scratching posts, perches, hiding spots and daily play. In a Manhattan rental, a sturdy post and a window perch protect carpet and keep the cat busy. Its calm nature suits busy and quiet homes. Secure window screens and balconies.
| Expense | Typical cost | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption fee | $50 to $200, one time | $50 to $200 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* | $460 to $1,160 per year | $460 to $1,160 |
| Estimated yearly total (after year one) | $1,210 to $2,710 | |
| First-year total (with adoption fee) | $1,260 to $2,910 | |
Adoption fee is the range of fees on American Shorthair listings in Manhattan on GetBuddy today. Other costs are estimates and vary with size, age and health.
* The $10 Manhattan cat license for a spayed or neutered cat, litter, flea prevention, a dental cleaning allowance, toys, scratching posts and other supplies, and simple brushing at home.
Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below currently have American Shorthairs available.
Manhattan's city shelter is run by a nonprofit, and a volunteer foster-based humane society also helps cats find homes. Here are the rescues & shelters in the Manhattan area where you can find American Shorthairs and other cats available for adoption.
Yes, you can get an American Shorthair in Manhattan, and no known city rule targets the breed. Cats over six months old need a city license tied to a current rabies vaccination. State law requires adopted cats to be spayed or neutered before release or under a signed agreement, which also qualifies the cat for the lower license rate.
Yes, an American Shorthair usually does well in a Manhattan apartment, since the breed is calm and content with a window perch, a scratching post and short daily play. Kansas lets landlords charge a pet deposit of up to half a month's rent on top of the regular deposit, so confirm the amount in your lease before signing.
Very little. Brushing once or twice a week keeps the short, dense coat in good shape, and shedding picks up in spring, when a few extra minutes of brushing most days helps. A lighter shed follows in fall. Home brushing is already counted in the yearly Other costs, so a professional groomer isn't necessary.
Yes, an indoor American Shorthair handles a Manhattan summer well with some care. About 59 days a year reach 90°F and roughly 10 hit 100°F, so keep the home cool, leave water in several spots and close blinds on sunny windows. Never leave a cat in a parked car, and keep screens secure when windows are open.
Yes, but only in an enclosed carrier. The ATA Bus lets pets ride with their owners if they are secured in an enclosed container, though pets have the lowest priority for boarding. Service animals ride without restriction. Manhattan has no subway or rail, so a carrier your cat is used to helps on any bus trip.
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 2 rescues with American Shorthairs available: Prairie Paws - Manhattan and Purple Power Animal Welfare Society. 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 Manhattan.
Plan on roughly $1,200 to $2,700 a year for an American Shorthair in Manhattan. Food runs $25 to $50 a month and insurance $25 to $50 a month, routine vet care $150 to $350 a year, and other costs such as litter, flea prevention, dental care, supplies and the city license $460 to $1,160 a year.
Expand your search to find American Shorthairs available for adoption near Manhattan.
Looking for a different breed? Browse other cats available for adoption in Manhattan.
