The Exotic Shorthair, a shorthaired version of the Persian, was developed in the 1950s when American Shorthair breeders attempted to improve their breed by crossbreeding Persians into their bloodlines.
A true breed of working cat, the American Shorthair is solid, muscular and medium to large. The overall appearance is of a strongly built, well-balanced, symmetrical cat with a conformation that indicates power, endurance and agility. The head is large, with a squared muzzle, strong jaws long enough to successfully grasp prey and a full-cheeked face that gives the impression of an oblong that's just slightly longer than it is wide. The chin is firm and well-developed and the neck is medium in length, muscular and strong. The nose is medium length and is the same width its entire length; viewed in profile, it has a gentle, concave rise from the bridge to the forehead.

The American Shorthair is recognized in more than eighty different colors and patterns ranging from the striking brown patched tabby to the glistening blue-eyed white, the beautiful shaded silvers, smokes and cameos to the flashy calico van, and many colors in between. The most well-known American Shorthair color today is the silver tabby, with dense black markings set on a sterling silver background. You probably have seen an example of this striking variety in television and magazine advertising or in recent movie roles.

The American Short Hair is perfect if you want an affectionate and sociable cat who enjoys being at your side but not in your face, and is a good choice if you must spend time away earning the cat food. Just like the colonists who brought them here, American Short Hair relish their independence. They’re a four-on-the-floor breed, usually dislike being held, and allow cuddles only when it’s their idea. Nevertheless, they are very intelligent, loving, devoted, and loyal to a fault.

This breed needs moderate grooming with regular combing.

American Shorthair have a life expectancy of up to 20 years, with the average being about 15 years.