When it comes to cat breeds, there are several out there that claim they are hypoallergenic. Unfortunately for people who suffer from allergies, these claims do not always hold up in real life.
Despite this, the American Shorthair breed of cat has become well known for its ability to produce little to no allergens. These cats are great options for families with people who have very strong reactions to animals or even other pets like dogs. The following information will help you get a better idea about whether or not an American Shorthair cat would be a good fit in your home.
Are American Shorthair Cats Hypoallergenic?
Yes and no. All cats produce allergens, though the amounts vary from cat to cat and breed to breed. The American Shorthair tends to produce a very low amount in terms of common allergens associated with animals. This does not mean there are no allergens, but it means they tend to be much lower than other types of cats, leading many people who have allergies to live with this type easily. However, American Shorthair Cats are generally considered to not be hypoallergenic.
Do American Shorthair Cats Shed?
Generally speaking, all cats shed just based on their natural biology. Cat’s do not have a specific time when they will begin shedding or stop, so it is something that will happen year-round regardless of how long you have had yours. However, some breeds have a tendency to shed a lot more than others. In this case, American Shorthairs are not known as big shedders which means there will be less loose hair around the home.
American Shorthair Cats Grooming
While it depends on the individual cat, most American shorthairs do not require a tremendous amount of grooming. Rather than needing regular baths or difficult brushing, they tend to maintain themselves very well on their own. If you wanted to give them a bath once in a while, that would likely be fine as long as you did it out of necessity and not pure boredom with your cat’s cleanliness level.
Are American Shorthair Cats Healthy?
There are several health issues that American shorthairs are prone to, but usually, these tend to be less serious and rare. For example, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a heart condition that is common with this breed of cat. However, the chances of your cat developing it will depend on how many cats have been bred with this particular disorder in their lineage as well as how far back you go with the American Shorthair breed as a whole.
When you take care of your kitty and give them everything they need from food to vet appointments, this greatly reduces any risk of major illness or disease.
The American Shorthair Cats Personality?
These types of cats have very good personalities for those who enjoy spending time with their pets by watching them and getting to know them better. They are often very friendly and fine with interaction, but not every cat will be right for you or your family.
It is important to spend some time reading about the breed as a whole before deciding on what type of cat would be best suited for you and your needs. Just remember that no matter what breed you go with, there is always a chance that they may not work out as well as expected or that you may have issues along the way.
In Conclusion
All cats produce allergens, though the amounts vary from cat to cat and breed to breed. The American Shorthair tends to produce a very low amount in terms of common allergens associated with animals. This does not mean there are no allergens, but it means they tend to be much lower than other types of cats, leading many people who have allergies to live with this type easily
[su_box title=”Affiliate Disclosure”]This website is supported by its readers. Please assume that all links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of the links we will make a commission from Amazon. Thank you.[/su_box]
