Tortoiseshell vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison

Tortoiseshell vs American Shorthair - Breed ComparisonBoth Tortoiseshell and American Shorthair are originated from United States. Both Tortoiseshell and American Shorthair are of same weight. Both Tortoiseshell and American Shorthair has same life span. Both Tortoiseshell and American Shorthair has same litter size. Tortoiseshell requires Moderate maintenance. But American Shorthair requires Low maintenance

History

tortoiseshell - historyThe Tortoiseshell isn’t a cat breed but rather a coat coloring of cats. It just happens that most tortoiseshell cats are females.

Known as Torties, these cats always have a couple of colors such as red and black as well as some fawn.

Tortoiseshell cats with the tabby pattern are referred to as Torbie cats. Tortoiseshell markings appear in many different breeds.

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

tortoiseshell kitten - descriptionTortoiseshell cats are your regular-sized cats. They can be medium-sized to large and weigh anything between 3 and 7kg.

They come in different colors and patterns. The colors are essentially cream, fawn, black, tan, and orange. Tortoiseshell markings appear in all the different cat breeds.

Because the tortoiseshell cat is a color and not a cat breed as such they can be different sizes and shapes.

Temperament:

Tortoiseshell cats aren't a specific breed, but there are people that believe that just the color of the coat is indicative of the personality – feisty and lively.

People who have owned these cats say they have a sassy temperament and can even be just a wee bit aggressive sometimes with their strong-willed attitude.

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

tortoiseshell cat - characteristicsYour Tortoiseshell is a beautiful cat and fondly referred to as a Tortie. It has a coat similar to the coloring of a tortoise, but the temperament of the cat will rely much on your own personality and the lifestyle you provide him with.

They are fairly vocal, but because this cat isn't a breed but rather a coat color, nobody can say precisely how it will turn out in personality.

One thing is sure, if you offer your Tortoiseshell lots of love and care, you can be sure of a wonderful feline friend.

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

tortoiseshell kittens - health problemsYour cat's health depends on good food. If your finances allow, choose a high-quality food. Check the label for the feeding guidelines.

Always remember that your cat's age - kittens, adults, and senior cats have different nutritional needs. Sick cats will require a different type of food. Watch your cat's weight because being overweight can bring on a host of illnesses such as diabetes.

A cat has to have access to fresh drinking water every day and night to remain healthy.

Ensuring your feline friend is exercised both mentally and physically is important for good health.

Speak to your vet about the vaccines your cat needs as well as flea prevention.

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

tortoiseshell cats - caringCats are known to be independent but they still need your care and attention. Before you take a Tortoiseshell into your home, prepare for his arrival.

Make sure you have food and drinking bowls ready, a comfortable bed, a stylish cat collar and tag of identification, cat accessories such as a brush, toys, and some top-quality cat food.

If you work all day, maybe it would be a good idea to get 2 cats as some cats can get very lonely during the day, and adding a companion can be an excellent solution for his loneliness.

Always be in touch with the vet if you see that your cat isn’t behaving in his usual way.

Your cat will need to be taken for check-ups and also all the necessary cat vaccinations required to ward off deadly cat illnesses.

Provide your cat with a litter box and make sure you remove the cat feces every day.

Provide your cat with toys. Choose them carefully to keep your cat happy and amused. Buy a scratching post too as all cats want to scratch and you want to save your furniture from your cat using it to scratch on.

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:
United States
United States
Weight Male:
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 20 Years
15 - 20 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
Tortie
Domestic Shorthair
Colors Available:
black, fawn, tan and organge, Cream
Many colors and patterns
Coat:
Short to long haired
Shortish hair
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, 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:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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