The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) was founded in 1906 with the intention of maintaining the integrity of cat breeds and holds the largest register of pedigree cats in the world. The association also organises cat shows, provides judges and indeed runs training programs for show judges as well as continuing the registration of purebred kitten litters

The CFA currently recognises thirty nine breeds of cat for showing in the Championship Class and one in the Miscellaneous Class, the Ragamuffin. The Provisional Class is for breeds which have not yet been accepted for Championship Class and neutered males and spayed females may be shown in the Premiership Class. There are also show classes for pedigree kittens and household pets. Those in the Household Pet Class can be of any origin, colour, length of coat, etc.

For kittens to retain the pedigree of their sire and dam the litter must be registered with the CFA by their breeder. When kittens become rehomed, their new owner must register them individually. The owner may only register a cat for breeding only if the breeder provides the appropriate pin number for use on the registration form, otherwise the cat’s offspring, if any, may not be registered as purebred.

In the USA, Breeds of cats are categorised as either short haired such as the Siamese, the Abyssinian and the British Shorthair while the long haired breeds includ the Persion and Turkish Angoras. In Britain the categorisation is more complex and includes Persian, British, Foreign, Burmese, Oriental and Siamese, while in Europe the categories are Persian and Exotic, Shorthair and Somali, Siamese and Oriental. Both include the semi-long haired e.g. the Turkish Van and the Maine Coon.

Of all the many breeds, the American Shorthair is the most popular in the USA while in Britain, the British Shorthair breed has had the most registrations since the year 2000, having gradually overtaken the Persian whose numbers have dwindled significantly since the late 1980s.

American shorthairs are athletic cats. They have deep, broad chests and well-developed shoulders. Their legs are strong and built for hunting. Their medium-length tail tapers toward a rounded tip. A shorthaired felid, American Shorthair is one of the commonest house cats in United States. It traces its origin to British Shorthairs who were brought over on ships with European settlers owing to their good hunting skills. With time these adept hunters moved into cities and started being bred for their good looks, health and temperament. Initially they were known as Domestic Shorthairs. However, with time as issues of pedigree and pure breeding started taking ground, they were given the name of American Shorthair to distinguish them from non-pedigreed alley cats.

Well built felines, American Shorthairs are muscular and strong. Males may weigh around fifteen pounds with females reaching ten pounds on average. It takes these robust cats nearly three to four years to reach their full size. Fur is short and glistening. They are recognized in over eighty colors and patterns.Perhaps the most well known is a dark tabby pattern on a silver coat. Athletic and active, these pretty felines don’t require extensive maintenance and grooming. They are quite healthy and free from any recurring genetic ailments. American Shorthairs are known for their longevity and normally live for fifteen to twenty years. All they need is good food, love and periodic medical assessment.

Playful and adoring cats, American Shorthairs are ideally suited to a large variety of households. They are quiet and not overly demanding. They go along very well with all the family members including children. Tolerant of other pets, they have a loving personality and good temperament. No significant persisting health conditions run in their lines. Establishing and maintaining good relations with everybody from the start, these easy going cats soon make themselves a part of the family. Owing to their many wonderful attributes, these pretty cats are greatly admired by proud pet owners across United States.
The American shorthair is one of the ten most popular breeds of cats. You can buy a purebred kitten from a breeder. Rescue shelters, veterinary clinics, and pet shows may also have cats for adoption.