Your guide to finding and caring for an American Shorthair in El Paso
American Shorthairs suit El Paso's single-family neighborhoods well, since they're calm cats that settle in without fuss. In a Mountain View ranch house or a Park Foothills apartment near the Franklin Mountains, an American Shorthair will happily claim a sunny window and watch the yard. They're easygoing and don't need constant attention, though daily play keeps them trim. Indoor living also keeps them clear of the summer heat and the coyotes that roam the desert edges.
Adopt an American Shorthair today
M, 7 y., 47 miles
American Shorthair
F, 3-7 y., 218 miles
American Shorthair
M, 5 mo., 231 miles
American Shorthair
M, 5 mo., 231 miles
American Shorthair
M, 5 mo., 231 miles
American Shorthair
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 232 miles
American Shorthair, Domestic Short Hair
F, 8 mo., 235 miles
American Shorthair
M, 6 mo.-2 y., 333 miles
American Wirehair, American Shorthair
F, 3 y., 347 miles
American Shorthair
F, 2 y., 366 miles
American Shorthair
The American Shorthair descends from working cats that traveled with early settlers to guard cargo and farms from rodents. It became a pedigreed breed in the early twentieth century, and today it's a solid, muscular, medium-to-large cat with a broad face, full cheeks and a thick, hard-textured coat in dozens of colors. The silver tabby is the classic look.
Most American Shorthairs are easygoing, adaptable and quietly affectionate, happy to supervise a household without demanding attention. In El Paso, where cats are safest indoors because of summer heat and desert wildlife, that calm nature helps, as long as there's daily hunting-style play to prevent weight gain. Many shorthaired cats in shelters are random-bred domestic shorthairs with a similar look, so you may meet cats with these traits under either name.
Having an American Shorthair in El Paso
American Shorthairs offer steady, low-drama companionship, with hunting instincts, a dense coat and a healthy appetite shaping daily care. In El Paso, that means indoor play, careful portions and a cool home through the long hot season.
Even-tempered and friendly, American Shorthairs enjoy company without clinging, which suits households where people are out during the workday. Many get along with respectful children and calm dogs after gradual introductions. Quiet by nature, they rarely disturb neighbors through thin apartment walls. Each cat's history and socialization matter as much as breed.
Aim for a couple of short play sessions a day with wand toys, chase games and food puzzles. In El Paso, indoor play is the safest year-round choice, given summer heat, spring dust and desert wildlife. Window perches and a cat tree add activity, and structured play helps prevent the weight gain this food-loving breed is prone to.
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 screen for them at wellness exams. Keep rabies vaccination current, as El Paso registration requires it. Measured meals and dental care help.
An American Shorthair adapts well to El Paso's mix of single-family homes and apartments, as long as it has scratching posts, perches, hiding spots and daily play. Secure window screens and balconies, and keep the cat indoors or in an enclosed catio, since coyotes, rattlesnakes and heat make roaming risky.
| 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* | $463 to $1,163 per year | $463 to $1,163 |
| Estimated yearly total (after year one) | $1,213 to $2,713 | |
Other costs are estimates and vary with size, age and health.
* The $12.50 El Paso cat registration, 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.
El Paso's shelters and rescues care for thousands of animals each year, and the ones listed here are below. Here are the rescues & shelters in the El Paso area where you can find American Shorthairs and other cats available for adoption.
Yes. El Paso has no breed-specific rules, and Texas law only lets cities set dangerous-dog rules that aren't specific to one breed. Every cat four months or older needs a rabies vaccination, a microchip and annual city registration, about $12.50. Browse the American Shorthairs listed on this page, and save a search to hear about new arrivals.
Yes, as indoor cats. Summer highs average about 96°F and 100°F days are common, though the dry air and cooler nights help. Keep the home cool, offer fresh water in several spots, and never leave a cat in a parked car, which is illegal in El Paso. Panting, drooling or weakness call for a vet right away.
Yes. American Shorthairs are calm and adaptable, so they suit El Paso apartments when they have a scratching post, a window perch and daily play. About 38% of local households rent, and Texas doesn't cap pet deposits or pet rent, so confirm fees and pet limits in writing before you sign a lease.
It is for people who want a steady, low-key cat and can keep it indoors. El Paso's heat, spring dust and coyotes all favor indoor life, which suits this adaptable breed. The tradeoffs are daily play to prevent weight gain and a cool home through the long summer, since most American Shorthairs enjoy food.
Only in a carrier. Sun Metro buses and Brio allow non-service animals only when they're securely contained in a fully enclosed pet carrier, which works well for a cat. El Paso has no subway. The adult fare has been $1.50 per ride, so bring a sturdy carrier that stays closed and fits on your lap.
Not often. The short, dense coat needs a weekly brush at home, and a bit more in spring when the undercoat sheds. Professional grooming isn't usually necessary, so it stays within the modest grooming costs counted in Other. If you do use a groomer, El Paso requires current rabies vaccination, city registration and a microchip.
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.
We have 1 rescue with American Shorthairs available: El Paso Animal Services. 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 El Paso.
Expect roughly $1,200 to $2,700 a year for an American Shorthair in El Paso. That covers food at $25 to $50 a month, insurance at $25 to $50 a month, routine vet care at $150 to $350 a year, and $463 to $1,163 in other costs such as litter, dental care and flea prevention.
Expand your search to find American Shorthairs available for adoption near El Paso.
Looking for a different breed? Browse other cats available for adoption in El Paso.
