Your guide to finding and caring for an American Shorthair in Omaha
American Shorthairs suit Omaha's apartment neighborhoods well, from Aksarben Village to Little Bohemia. They're calm, sturdy cats that are happy with a window perch and a few play sessions a day, so a one-bedroom near South 13th Street works about as well as a bungalow in Minne Lusa. They do gain weight easily, which makes measured meals important. If you're home in the evenings for wand-toy play, an American Shorthair fits right in.
Adopt an American Shorthair today
While we don't have enough cats near Omaha, keep in mind that many rescues may offer transport.
M, 2 y., 8 miles
American Shorthair
F, 1 y., 8 miles
American Shorthair
M, 6 mo.-2 y., 99 miles
American Shorthair
M, 6 mo.-2 y., 99 miles
American Shorthair
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 99 miles
American Shorthair
M, 6 mo.-2 y., 99 miles
American Shorthair
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 99 miles
American Shorthair
F, 2 y., 99 miles
American Shorthair
M, 6 mo.-2 y., 99 miles
American Shorthair
F, 3-7 y., 99 miles
American Shorthair
The American Shorthair descends from working cats that traveled with European settlers to keep rodents off ships and out of grain stores, then guarded farms across North America. Early in the twentieth century the sturdiest of them became one of the first pedigreed breeds in the US. The look is solid and muscular, with a broad face, full cheeks and a dense, hard-textured coat in dozens of colors. Silver tabby is the classic.
In Omaha, an adult American Shorthair is usually a steady, low-drama housemate, content to watch the household from a perch and play in short bursts. Many shorthaired cats needing homes are random-bred domestic shorthairs with the same look and easygoing manner, so cats with these traits may turn up under either name. Appetite runs high, so portions count.
Having an American Shorthair in Omaha
Steady, adaptable and quiet, the American Shorthair fits Omaha's mix of apartments and houses. Hunting-style play, a dense coat and a big appetite shape most of the daily care, though each cat's own history and personality matter as much as breed.
Most American Shorthairs are even-tempered and friendly without being clingy, and many settle in with respectful children and calm dogs after gradual introductions. They tend to sit beside you rather than be carried, and they're usually quiet. A cat's past and socialization shape personality as much as breed does, so spend time getting to know the cat.
Plan on two or three short play sessions a day: wand toys, chase games and food puzzles. During Omaha's long winters, a cat tree by a sunny window and an evening play routine keep an indoor cat moving, which also helps hold off the weight gain this breed is prone to.
American Shorthairs are generally sturdy. 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. Yearly exams, dental care and measured meals help, and a veterinarian can check the heart and kidneys after you adopt.
Omaha's apartments, condos and older houses all work for an American Shorthair, provided there are scratching posts, perches and hiding spots. Keeping the cat indoors, or in a secure enclosure, also protects it from coyotes, which have been reported in several neighborhoods. Secure windows and balcony doors.
| 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* | $472 to $1,210 per year | $472 to $1,210 |
| Estimated yearly total (after year one) | $1,222 to $2,760 | |
Other costs are estimates and vary with size, age and health.
* The Omaha cat license, cat litter, flea prevention, a dental cleaning allowance, toys, scratching posts and other supplies, and brushing supplies for the short coat.
Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below have cats available in and near Omaha.
Omaha's rescue community includes an open-admission humane society and foster-based groups caring for cats and kittens of all ages and coats. Here are the rescues & shelters in the Omaha area with cats available for adoption, worth asking whether an American Shorthair is coming in.
Yes, as long as the cat stays in a carrier. Metro buses, including ORBT, require pets to ride in a carrier unless they're service animals, and the carrier should sit on your lap or the floor, not a seat, without blocking the aisle or exits. Omaha has no subway or rail line, and the streetcar isn't open yet.
Yes. Omaha's breed-specific rules apply to certain dogs, not cats. Your American Shorthair needs a city license by 4 months of age and a current rabies vaccination, and a cat without a microchip must wear a collar and tags. You can keep up to five cats per household without a permit.
Yes, American Shorthairs are among the easier cats for apartments. They're quiet, moderately active and content with a perch, scratching post and daily play. Whether you're near Midtown Crossing or in an older converted building, get written pet approval before signing and confirm any pet rent in the lease. Secure windows and balcony doors.
Usually, yes, especially for people home in the evenings for play. Long winters and storm season keep a cat happily indoors, and the breed's calm nature handles that well. Fireworks are legal in Omaha only July 2–4 and on New Year's Eve, so set up a quiet room for those nights.
Very little. Brush weekly with a rubber brush or comb, and a couple of times a week during the spring undercoat shed. Fall sheds lighter, and dry winter indoor air may add some dander, so brushing helps then too. Trim nails as needed. Grooming costs stay small and fall within the Other line of the cost table.
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.
Expect roughly $1,200 to $2,800 a year for an American Shorthair in Omaha. That covers food at $25 to $50 a month, insurance at $25 to $50 a month, routine vet care of $150 to $350 a year, and $472 to $1,210 a year for litter, parasite prevention, dental care, supplies and the city license. Emergencies are extra.
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