Where Can I Buy an American Shorthair Cat?

Until now, you might have heard of the American Shorthair cat, one of the most popular and beloved breeds in the world. But what makes this cat so special, and where can you find one for yourself?

In this article, we will answer the question: Where can I buy an American Shorthair cat? We will also give you some tips on how to choose the right cat for you, what to expect after bringing one home, and answer some frequently asked questions.

Whether you are looking for a purebred American Shorthair from a reputable breeder, a rescue cat from a shelter, or a mixed breed from an online platform, we will help you find the best option for your budget, lifestyle, and preferences.

Finding Your American Shorthair

You have decided that you want to buy an American Shorthair cat, one of the most popular and beloved breeds in the world. But where do you start? How do you find the perfect cat for you and your family?

Buying Options

There are three main ways to buy an American Shorthair cat: from a breeder, from a shelter, or from an online platform. Each option has its pros and cons, and you should weigh them carefully before choosing one.

Breeder

Buying from a reputable breeder is the best way to ensure that you get a purebred American Shorthair cat with a known pedigree, health history, and temperament.

You can also choose the color and pattern that you prefer, and get advice and support from the breeder throughout the cat's life.

But buying from a breeder can be expensive, time-consuming, and sometimes difficult to find. You should do your research and check the breeder's credentials, reputation, and policies before committing to a purchase.

Shelter

Adopting from a shelter is a great way to give a second chance to a cat that needs a loving home. You can also save money and help reduce the overpopulation of cats in your area.

But adopting from a shelter can be unpredictable, as you may not know the cat's breed, background, health status, or personality. You should be prepared to deal with any behavioral or medical issues that the cat may have, and be flexible and patient with the cat's adjustment to your home.

Online platform

Buying from an online platform, such as a classified ad or a social media group, can be convenient, fast, and cheap. You can browse through many options and contact the seller directly.

But keep in mind that buying from an online platform can also be risky, as you may encounter scams, frauds, or unethical sellers. Be cautious and verify the seller's identity, location, and credibility before making a payment or meeting in person.

Remember to inspect the cat carefully and ask for proof of vaccination, deworming, and spaying/neutering.

The buying option you choose depends on your budget, preference, and availability. Make sure you do your homework and ask the right questions before buying an American Shorthair cat.

Choosing Tips

Once you have decided on a buying option, you need to choose the right American Shorthair cat for you. In the following, we'll provide some tips to help you make the best choice.

Consider your lifestyle

Think about how much time, space, and money you can devote to your cat. American Shorthairs are adaptable and easygoing cats, but they still need attention, exercise, and care.

American Shorthairs are medium to large sized cats, so they need enough room to move around and play. Make sure you can provide a suitable environment and schedule for your cat.

Meet the cat in person

Whether you buy from a breeder, a shelter, or an online platform, you should always meet the cat in person before making a final decision. This way, you can observe the cat's appearance, behavior, and personality, and see if you have a good connection.

This lets you also check the cat's health condition, such as the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, coat, and body. Look for signs of illness, injury, or parasites, and ask for a veterinary certificate if possible.

Ask for references

When buying from a breeder or an online platform, you should ask for references from previous buyers or owners. By doing so, you can get feedback and testimonials about the cat's health, temperament, and quality.

Another option is to ask for photos or videos of the cat's parents and siblings, if available. This will give you an idea of how the cat will look and act when they grow up.

The right American Shorthair cat for you is the one that matches your lifestyle, expectations, and personality. Trust your instincts and choose the cat that you feel a bond with.

Post-Purchase Expectations

Congratulations, you have bought an American Shorthair cat! You are now ready to bring your new furry friend home and start a wonderful journey together.

But before you do, you should be aware of some post-purchase expectations that you should have.

Prepare your home

Before you introduce your American Shorthair to your home, make sure that it is safe, comfortable, and cat-friendly. You should provide your cat with a litter box, food and water bowls, a scratching post, a bed, and some toys.

Do not forget to cat-proof your home by removing any potential hazards, such as toxic plants, wires, or sharp objects.

Introduce your cat gradually

When you bring your American Shorthair home, give them some time and space to adjust to their new environment. Keep your cat in a separate room for the first few days, and let them explore the rest of the house at their own pace.

Introduce your cat to other family members and pets slowly and carefully, and avoid any loud noises or sudden movements that might scare your cat.

Visit the vet regularly

Even if your American Shorthair seems healthy and happy, you should take them to the vet for a check-up, vaccination, and spaying/neutering as soon as possible.

Schedule regular visits to the vet for preventive care, such as dental cleaning, parasite control, and wellness exams. Monitor your cat's health and behavior, and contact your vet if you notice any signs of illness or injury.

Bringing home an American Shorthair cat is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with some responsibilities and challenges. You should prepare your home, introduce your cat gradually, and visit the vet regularly to ensure your cat's well-being and happiness.

American Shorthair Adoption: FAQ

You have learned a lot about the American Shorthair cat, one of the most popular and beloved breeds in the world. But you may still have some questions about adopting one of these amazing cats.

How Much Does an American Shorthair Cat Cost?

The cost of an American Shorthair cat depends on several factors, such as the source, the quality, the color, and the location. Generally, buying from a breeder is more expensive than adopting from a shelter or an online platform.

Buying a show-quality cat with a pedigree is more expensive than buying a pet-quality cat without a pedigree. Buying a rare or exotic color is more expensive than buying a common or standard color. Buying from a local source is cheaper than buying from a distant source that requires shipping or travel expenses.

According to the Cat Fanciers' Association, the average price range for an American Shorthair kitten from a reputable breeder is between $800 and $1,200.

But this price can vary depending on the factors mentioned above. Adopting from a shelter or an online platform can cost much less, ranging from $50 to $200, depending on the adoption fee, the vaccination, and the spaying/neutering costs.

The cost of an American Shorthair cat varies depending on the source, the quality, the color, and the location. Buying from a breeder is more expensive than adopting from a shelter or an online platform.

Are American Shorthairs Rare?

The American Shorthair is not a rare breed, but it is not very common either. According to the Cat Fanciers' Association, it was the eighth most popular pedigreed cat in the world for 2020, with 3,232 registrations.

But this number does not include non-pedigreed American Shorthairs, which are more numerous and widely distributed. The American Shorthair is a natural breed that originated from the domestic shorthaired cats that came to North America with the early settlers.

That's why it is likely that many random-bred cats in the continent have some American Shorthair ancestry.

Some colors and patterns of the American Shorthair are more rare than others. For example, the silver tabby is the most common and iconic color of the breed, while the cameo, tortoiseshell, and calico are less common and more sought-after.

Some colors and patterns are also exclusive to the American Shorthair, such as the silver classic tabby and the silver patched tabby.

The American Shorthair is not a rare breed, but some colors and patterns are more rare and exclusive than others. The silver tabby is the most common and iconic color of the breed.

Are American Shorthair Cats Kid Friendly?

Yes, American Shorthair cats are very kid friendly. They are gentle, affectionate, and playful cats that enjoy the company of children. American Shorthairs are also tolerant, patient, and adaptable, which means they can handle the noise and activity of a busy household.

These cats are not aggressive or territorial, and they rarely scratch or bite. They are also intelligent and curious, which means they can learn tricks and play games with kids.

But like any cat, American Shorthairs have their limits and preferences. They do not like to be picked up or held too tightly, and they may seek a quiet place to nap or relax when they are tired or overwhelmed.

This breed also needs their own space and toys, and they may not appreciate sharing them with other pets or kids. Therefore, it is important to teach kids how to respect and care for the cat, and to supervise their interactions, especially with younger or rougher children.

American Shorthair cats are very kid friendly, but they also need their own space and respect. They are gentle, affectionate, and playful cats that enjoy the company of children.

Conclusion

You have reached the end of this article on Where Can I Buy an American Shorthair Cat?. We hope you have learned a lot about this amazing breed and how to find the perfect cat for you and your family.

In this article, we have covered the following topics:

• How to find your American Shorthair cat, including:
• different buying options
• choosing tips
• post-purchase expectations
• FAQ about American Shorthair adoption, such as:
• how much they cost
• how rare they are
• how kid-friendly they are

We hope this article has answered your questions and helped you make an informed decision.

If you are interested in buying or adopting an American Shorthair cat, you should do your research and find a reputable source that can provide you with a healthy and happy cat. Be prepared to provide your cat with a loving and comfortable home, where they can thrive and enjoy their life with you.

An American Shorthair cat is a wonderful companion that will bring joy, fun, and love to your household. They are gentle, affectionate, and playful cats that get along well with children and other pets. American Shorthairs are also adaptable, easygoing, and low-maintenance cats that can fit into any lifestyle and environment.

So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and find your American Shorthair cat today and start a new adventure with your furry friend!

As always, if there's anything else on your mind, do not hesitate to leave a comment below!