Can a vet tell me what breed my cat is?
Just like with shelter cats, it’s impossible to tell for sure whether your stray is purebred without a DNA test. If you decide to take in the stray cat, your vet may be able to give you an idea of what breed of cat he or she may be.
How do I know what kind of cat do I have?
Genetic Testing to Tell Your Cat’s Breed Genetic testing will dive into your cat’s DNA to determine their genetic makeup, giving you an accurate answer as to what breed or breeds makeup your cat. This is especially useful for mixed-breed cats. You can often identify a purebred cat’s breed by its traits.
What do you need to know about American Shorthair cats?
What You Need to Know About American Shorthair Health The American Shorthair is generally healthy, but one health issue that can affect the breed is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common form of heart disease in cats. It causes thickening (hypertrophy) of the heart muscle.
Can you breed an American Shorthair cat with HCM?
No one can guarantee that their cats will never develop HCM. American Shorthairs that will be bred should be screened for HCM, and cats identified with HCM should be removed from breeding programs. Do not buy a kitten whose parents have not been tested for this disease.
How did the American Shorthair cat get its name?
Breeders eventually began to select for the specific traits that now define the American Shorthair: a large head, a face with full cheeks and a sweet expression, a wide muzzle, a powerful jaw, and that coat of many colors. In 1966, the cats were given the name American Shorthair to differentiate them from random-bred felines.
What kind of heart disease does a shorthair cat have?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common form of heart disease in cats. It causes thickening (hypertrophy) of the heart muscle. An echocardiogram can confirm whether a cat has HCM. Avoid breeders who claim to have HCM-free lines. No one can guarantee that their cats will never develop HCM.
What You Need to Know About American Shorthair Health The American Shorthair is generally healthy, but one health issue that can affect the breed is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common form of heart disease in cats. It causes thickening (hypertrophy) of the heart muscle.
No one can guarantee that their cats will never develop HCM. American Shorthairs that will be bred should be screened for HCM, and cats identified with HCM should be removed from breeding programs. Do not buy a kitten whose parents have not been tested for this disease.
Breeders eventually began to select for the specific traits that now define the American Shorthair: a large head, a face with full cheeks and a sweet expression, a wide muzzle, a powerful jaw, and that coat of many colors. In 1966, the cats were given the name American Shorthair to differentiate them from random-bred felines.
How often should I brush my American Shorthair cat?
Brush the American Shorthair weekly with a stainless steel comb or a rubber curry brush to keep his thick coat shiny and healthy. The rest is basic care: aside from regular ear cleaning, trim his nails as needed, usually every 10 days to two weeks.