Persian vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison | MyCatBreeds

Persian vs American Shorthair - Breed ComparisonPersian is originated from Iran but American Shorthair is originated from United States. Both Persian and American Shorthair are having almost same weight. Persian may live 8 years less than American Shorthair. Both Persian and American Shorthair has same litter size. Persian requires Moderate maintenance. But American Shorthair requires Low maintenance

History

persian - historyCat lovers the world over know the Persian cat very well. It's a beautiful long-haired cat breed with its familiar round face and blunt muzzle.

It is not really known when long-haired cats first appeared, or where the Persian originated but their history stems from Persia or Iran as it is known today, where it seems they were first sighted.

The cats were grey-coated and some were white and soon the cats arrived in Britain. They were introduced to the United States in the 1900s. The cat was developed first by the English, and then also by American breeders after the Second World War and the breeding of these cats has also meant a lot of coat colors.

american shorthair - historyOften sailors of old would keep cats onboard to protect their stores from mice and rats, and so it was when settlers sailed from Europe to North America.

They had cats onboard and once onshore they interbred. But in the 20th century, a selective breeding program began to bring out the best qualities of these cats.

The American Shorthair is one of these cats – a pedigreed cat that is accepted by all North American cat registries. At first, the cat was known as the Domestic Shorthair but it was renamed in 1966.

Description

persian kitten - descriptionThe Persian cat is a medium- to large-sized cat and is heavily boned. He can weigh between 3 and 6kg.

He has stocky legs, a thick neck, small ears, round head, round eyes, and the face is flat or blunt. The kittens are gorgeous balls of fluff.

The coat of the Persian is thick, long, and silky. People many times think only of a white Persian, when in fact the cat comes in many colors and patterns. Eye color for the cat can be blue, green, brown, copper or even odd-eyed.

Temperament:

The Persian isn’t the most active of cats, so attention will need to be given to exercising the cat so as to manage his weight. This cat will also need to have his nutrition controlled to stay in shape and in good health.

Persians enjoy games with their human family and will need some toys to encourage play and exercise.

He is placid and calm but that doesn’t mean he can’t have bursts of energy. They’re quieter than other cats, are sweet-natured, preferring to live in quieter, less boisterous households.

They aren’t loudly vocal but communicate with their eyes and their soft voices. They won’t get on well with small, noisy children but can be loving pets and companions of older children who allow them their own space.

american shorthair kitten - descriptionThe American Shorthair is a large, sturdy cat with a round face and short ears. Their coats can come in many different patterns and colors. They shed so the fur will need to be brushed from time to time.

They stand at about 20 – 25cm in height and they weigh between 5 and 7kg.

Temperament:

The American Shorthairs are easy, no-fuss cats. They’re also low maintenance, healthy, amicable cats, ready to even be friends with strangers and your dogs.

He is an intelligent cat too so it will be important to provide him with toys that challenge him to think. These good-natured cats make perfect famiy companions.

Characteristics

persian cat - characteristicsThe amicable personality of the Persian cat makes it easy to have these cats in your home. The long hair becomes a bit of an issue as the cat sheds quite a bit.

They’re sweet, quiet cats and they don’t demand attention from you. They are more than happy just lying quietly in a warm spot. They are calm, loving cats and it's no wonder that they are still such a popular breed of cat.

american shorthair cat - characteristicsThe American Shorthair is a playful cat and is quite capable of amusing himself, but will welcome your games too. He’s a big cat so make sure he gets enough exercise to avoid him becoming obese.

He is a low maintenance cat and you don't have to be worrying about him too much as he just likes to get on with life. He loves being well-fed, getting your attention and lying in the sun.

This is one cat that doesn’t need a lot of attention so being easy to care for, independent, playful, and affectionate, you’re going to have one of a kind companion and friend.

Health Problems

persian kittens - health problemsThe structure of this cat’s head can mean some health problems. Hereditary Polycystic kidney disease is prevalent with the Persian cat. It is an inherited condition that causes cysts to form in the kidneys. These cysts are actually present from birth, growing larger over time and interfering with kidney function and ending in kidney failure.

Also, with a larger breed cat such as the Persian, hip dysplasia is a problem.

Persians are also susceptible to malocclusion which means ‘incorrect bite’. This particular condition can affect the cat’s ability to grasp and actually hold food. So much so in fact, that now pet food manufacturing companies have even developed specially-shaped kibble to cater particularly for the Persian.

american shorthair kittens - health problemsWith good nutrition and a loving caring lifestyle, the American Shorthair can live to be 15 – 20 years of age and even longer.

Their flattish faces also make the American Shorthair prone to respiratory issues.

Caring The Pet

persian cats - caringThe Persian cat’s coat is long and silky and because he is a fairly heavy shedder, he will require regular brushing – certainly once or twice a week to get rid of that loose hair. It is important to brush and also cut the hair so as to get rid of the tangled knots that form.

While brushing your Persian, make sure that his eyes and nose are clear. This is important because the flat face creates problems with these cats.

Excellent cat food for your Persian involves reading labels and understanding what brands are best for your beautiful cat. The Persian cat is a carnivore and will require high-quality food rich in protein.

Speak to your vet if you are in any doubt about the best food for your cat’s health and wellbeing. Make sure your pet has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Make sure to keep the litter box clean. Buy a small rake from the pet shop and rake up your cat's feces every single day and dispose of them.

american shorthair cats - caringYour American Shorthair will benefit greatly from regular brushing and he looks forward to this grooming period and being pampered by you for a few minutes.

It helps to remove the dead hair from his coat and this is important so that he doesn’t ingest the loose hair. While you’re brushing him, you can also run your fingers over him to make sure there are no unusual lumps. Anything odd or any sign of illness you should take your cat to see the vet immediately.

Diet:

Make sure your American Shorthair has access to the best quality food there is. There are many commercially manufactured cat foods available and your vet can advise you on the best one to choose.

Cats are carnivores so aways choose food that is high in proten. Food must be provided in accordance with the cat’s age and energy levels. Certainly a generic cat or one with a medical condition will need a certain type of food than a young, frisky kitten. Make sure your cat always has access to fresh, cool water.

Make your cat comfortable:

Make sure your furry feline friend has everything he needs to ensure he is comfortable. This includes feeding bowls, toys, a litter box, soft bedding, nutritious food as well as scratching post and climbing equipment.

Desex your cats:

Have your pet neutered or spayed if you don’t want kittens from your cat. These procedures have enormous health benefits for your pet and it prevents even more kittens coming into a world that already has far too many unwanted pets.

Vaccines:

Make sure your cat is up to date with all his vaccines because without being vaccinated your cat can succumb to any one of the life-threatening cat illnesses there are. Kittens need to have their first vaccines at 8 weeks of age.

Transporting your cat:

If you have to take your cat to the vet you need a carrier basket so that your cat feels comfortable and safe inside it.

You can’t just put your cat on a leash and take him to the vet as inside the car he will lurch around and cause you to lose attention. A transport box that is familiar to your cat will be the best way for you and your cat to travel.

Basic Information

Origin:
Iran
United States
Weight Male:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 12 Years
15 - 20 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
None
Domestic Shorthair
Colors Available:
All colors and patterns
Many colors and patterns
Coat:
Long, thick and silky
Shortish hair
Shedding:
Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Persian vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  2. Persian vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  3. Persian vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  4. Persian vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  5. Persian vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  6. Persian vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  7. Persian vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  8. Persian vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  9. Persian vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  10. Persian vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  11. Persian vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  12. Persian vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  13. Persian vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  14. Persian vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  15. Persian vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  16. Persian vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  17. Persian vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  18. Persian vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  19. Persian vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  20. Persian vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  21. Persian vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  22. Persian vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  23. Persian vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  24. Persian vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  25. Persian vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison
  26. American Shorthair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. American Shorthair vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  28. American Shorthair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. American Shorthair vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  30. American Shorthair vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  31. American Shorthair vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  32. American Shorthair vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  33. American Shorthair vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  34. American Shorthair vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  35. American Wirehair vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  36. Applehead Siamese vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  37. Ashera vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  38. Asian vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  39. Asian Semi-Longhair vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  40. Australian Mist vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  41. Balinese vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  42. Bengal vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  43. Bicolor vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  44. Birman vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  45. Blue Russian vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  46. Bombay vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  47. Brazilian Shorthair vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  48. Bristol vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  49. British Longhair vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  50. British Shorthair vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Cat Breeds