Stats

Lifespan

12-18 yrs

Size

Small

Diet

Carnivore

Activity

Crepuscular

Social

Solitary

Biome

Human settlements

Range

Worldwide

Movement

Walking

Breeding

Live Birth

Defense

Speed

Status

Common

About

One of North America's oldest registered breeds, the American Shorthair is a sturdy working cat originally prized for keeping ships and farms free of rodents. Its classic silver tabby coat features bold swirling patterns and a distinctive 'M' marking on the forehead.

Life cycle

1. 1.
   newborn cub

   A blind, helpless cub nurses constantly and depends on its mother for warmth and protection.
2. 2.
   juvenile

   A lanky young cat learns to stalk and pounce, following adults to practice hunting.
3. 3.
   adult

   Fully grown, holding territory and hunting on its own.

Learn more

• View on iNaturalist →
• Watch on YouTube →

Taxonomy

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Mammalia

Order

Carnivora

Family

Felidae

Genus

Felis

Species

Felis catus