Skip to main content

How long do American Shorthair cats typically live?

The number of cat breeds in the world is a topic of debate. According to The International Cat Association (TICA), there are 71 recognized cat breeds in the world as of 2022. The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) recognizes 44 cat breeds. Yet another organization, Federation Internationale Feline (FIF), only acknowledges 43 different cat breeds. One breed that’s recognized by all three organizations is the American shorthair cat, a medium-to-large sized feline that weighs roughly eight to 12 pounds for females and 11-15 pounds for males.

American shorthairs come in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and shadings, and they’re known for their cleverness and adaptability. But have you ever wondered, “What’s the American Shorthair cat lifespan?” Here’s what you need to know. 

A black and white American shorthair kitten wearing a yellow collar.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How long do American Shorthair cats usually live?

While large breeds like Maine coon cats typically have shorter lifespans – around 10-13 years on average – other breeds are known for their longevity. If you’re looking for a cat breed that’s more likely to live 15 years or longer, your best bets are Burmese, Ragdoll, Russian Blue, and American Shorthair cats. The American Shorthair lives an average of 15-20 years – as long as you keep your cat indoors. Outdoor cats typically have much shorter lifespans; sadly, most outdoor cats only live between 2 and 5 years

Recommended Videos

Contracting infectious diseases from other animals, being attacked by predators, succumbing to toxins like antifreeze, being picked up and euthanized by animal control, being killed by humans, and being hit by cars are all contributing factors to the tragically short lives of most outdoor cats. Not only is keeping your cat indoors the best way to avoid a flea infestation, but it’s also the best way to ensure that your fur baby will live a safe, healthy life.

What health problems do American shorthair cats have? 

The American shorthair cat’s ancestors – formerly known as domestic shorthairs – were brought to North America by early settlers. Initially bred to hunt rats, the American shorthair became one of the first breeds recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association. But modern-day American Shorthairs don’t do much rat catching. In fact, they can often become sedentary, leading to weight gain. While American Shorthair cats are a generally healthy breed, like all cats, they’re still susceptible to certain illnesses, including:

Diabetes mellitus

Just like humans, your feline friend can suffer from diabetes, or the body’s inability to produce enough insulin to regulate the blood sugar.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)

The most common characteristic of DCM is a dilated left ventricle that can’t contract properly, though the atria are sometimes enlarged as well. DCM is far less common today because its root cause – taurine deficiency – has been all but eliminated by feeding cats a proper diet.  

A tabby striped American shorthair cat staring at a butterfly.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Contrary to popular belief, HCM isn’t the result of inadequate nutrition. Instead, the disease is hereditary and is commonly caused by a hyperactive thyroid. HCM is also the most common type of heart disease that affects cats, and it leads to hypertrophy (the medical term for enlargement and thickening) of the heart. 

Hyperthyroidism

Caused by an overactive thyroid gland, hyperthyroidism usually impacts middle-aged and senior cats. Weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and changes in your cat’s coat are all warning signs of hyperthyroidism.

Kidney disease

Unfortunately, kidney disease in cats has numerous causes. Everything from ingesting toxins to infectious diseases can cause kidney disease and, in extreme cases, renal failure. Dehydration, loss of appetite, weight loss, and diarrhea are all common symptoms.

What are the symptoms of a cat dying?

If our love for our fur babies could keep them alive, all cats would live forever. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Whether your feline companion has struggled with illness for years, or she’s a senior cat preparing to make her final transition, there are a few signs you should look for when your cat’s life is nearing the end.

  • Decreased body temperature
  • Loss of interest in grooming
  • Incontinence 
  • Changes in odor
  • Weakness 
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of interest in favorite activities
  • Lack of appetite and refusal to drink
  • Changes in behavior, such as hiding or extreme clinginess
A dilute tortie American shorthair cat with amber eyes.
Alina Vilchenko / Pexels

Final thoughts on cat lifespans

The only downside to sharing your home with a cat is that, one day, it ends. While American shorthairs live long lives for cats, they can never live long enough. You have our deepest sympathies if you’ve begun to suspect that your darling fur baby’s days are coming to a close – or if you have already bid your final farewell to your beloved cat. Be gentle with yourself during these difficult times. Remember that grief has no “correct” timeline, and everything you feel is normal and valid. Give yourself time to heal, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support if you need it. 

Topics
Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
Are cats cleaner than dogs, really?
Here are the ways that cats are cleaner than dogs
Two people holding up a dog and a cat

Lots of pet parents believe that felines are neater than canines and choose their companion animal as a result. But are cats cleaner than dogs, really? You've probably spotted your kitty grooming almost constantly, while a pup pup might be found rolling around in the mud — or something worse. It turns out that, in this case, the rumors prove true, and you'll get a cleaner buddy if you stick to a cat. Here are five reasons why mousers have the edge in this department.
Are cats cleaner than dogs? Yes, in 5 ways

There isn't just one standout way that cats beat dogs here. Instead, it's actually a few factors combined that create the cleanliness disparity.
Grooming

Read more
Are dogs smarter than cats? We dig into the research
How to test your dog or cat's intelligence
A black pug wearing glasses

Every pet owner thinks their furry friend is the best pet in the world, and the good news is that every pet owner is right! Our cats and dogs light up our lives in ways nothing else can, and they never fail to impress us with their one-of-a-kind talents and personalities, just like the Husky that figured out that his home's lights were voice activated! Some animals are incredibly in tune with our emotions, while others are surprisingly clever. Sometimes, though, it can be hard not to compare one animal to another.
Are dogs smarter than cats? It can be challenging to remain unbiased if you have a favorite species, but science has finally provided an answer to settle the debate. Pet owners and animal lovers have pondered this question for years, but the answer may be more complex than you might expect.

Are dogs smarter than cats?

Read more
How to tell if your cat has fleas (and tips to get rid of them)
Getting rid of fleas for good can be easy with these tips
A striped gray tabby kitten lying on its back.

Warm weather makes most people think of beach vacations, backyard cookouts, and crisp lemonade. For pet parents, though, warm weather also signifies the increased population of one of the most obnoxious pests ever — fleas. While your cat can catch fleas year-round, warmer weather creates a much more welcoming environment for these invaders, and your cat is likelier to spend more time outdoors when the weather is nice.

Fortunately, you can take a few helpful steps to help your cat stay flea and itch-free. Learning how to tell if your cat has fleas only takes a few minutes, but this knowledge will help both you and your cat for years to come.
How do cats get fleas?

Read more