American cat, or American Kurzhaar: a description of the breed, character, photo

Do you like striped cats, so similar to tigers? If so, then our article may be useful to you. An American cat, or else kurtshaar - is a real symbol of your country. These short-haired and very cute creatures have been living in the US for more than 400 years. They arrived here with the first settlers and actively helped them in the fight against rodents. In those days, the American cat was the sailor's best friend. They traveled on ships and destroyed rats. It is a muscular, powerful animal that is created for hunting. But they captivated the hearts of sailors not only by this. The American cat is absolutely uncomplicated in content, unpretentious, inexpensive and very friendly. In Spartan conditions, it was these animals that showed themselves best.

A look into the past

If we consider the breeds that have long lived in the US, it becomes clear that there were no species from which an American cat could have occurred. It means only one thing, it was brought here, a way and a very long time, and, apparently, from Europe. It is known for certain that in the onboard magazines of seafarers, dated 1609, there is already a mention of the striped beauties that accompanied the vessels.

Contemporary look

Initially, the function was extremely practical for them, few thought about the appearance. The sailors were quite satisfied that the cat was unpretentious in everyday life and practically did not need food, as it caught rats that destroyed supplies. However, over the past centuries, it was interbred with Persian and British, as well as Burmese breed. The result was a modern short-haired cat, which we know today.

Natural selection has developed in these lovely creatures strong muscles, jaws and a quick reaction. These are necessary skills for the hunter. But when it's time to feel in the exhibitions and get prizes, a person has already taken up the work. Since 1960, the American short-haired cat has crossed with the Persian in order to acquire a silvery color and noble features. Today the breed is officially recognized and ranks fourth in popularity among all the rest.

general description

If you like cats, then it's not too important what color and physique your pet will be. This is more a tribute to fashion. However, the American breed of cats deservedly enjoyed authority. This is a real hard worker, a great hunter, muscular, strong and very fast. Cats smooth-haired, shiny, like the athletes in the ring. They are mostly large in size. Cats reach a weight of 7 kg, smaller pussies, up to 5. They grow slowly, fully growing only by the third year. But they live an average of 20 years. So your pet will retain the habits of a small kitten for a long time, even when in the weight category he will outperform small dogs.

The American breed of cats is distinguished by the outlines of the head. It is large, with a wide muzzle and strong jaws, from which the prey will not escape. The shape of the head is round, the large eyes are widely spaced, which allows you to better navigate the hunt. The ears are slightly rounded at the tip.

Paws of medium length, but very muscular and strong, end with pads. The tail is thick, of medium length. Coat is the card of the breed. Short, dense and tough to the touch, it can change its texture depending on the time of year. In winter, the coat becomes denser, but in summer it can protect the animal from the cold, insects and teeth of the rodent.

Color

It is quite difficult to say unambiguously how the kurtshaar should be. Photo can show us a variety of representatives, ranging from striped or marble, pumping blue-eyed beauties with white or smoky hair. Black and dark gray are also not uncommon. But classical representatives are cats with tabby color, that is, with a striped pattern. Any sign of a hybrid breed: long fur, plumage on the tail, bulging eyes, this is an excuse for disqualification.

Choose a cat yourself

From the first glance you can see how impatient is the kurtshaar. The photo shows us a large and strong animal and magnificent muscles and a very serious look. This is not a crooked couch potato and not a fluffy ball that will jump behind a paper wrapper. It is an independent and proud creature who prefers to walk on its paws, and is not too fond of being picked up. Therefore, in a house where there are small children, they will not be too comfortable.

However kurtshaar - the cat is very playful. She needs space and movement, and the active way of life is preferred by the representatives of the breed in old age. Hunting instincts they do not lose even in urban conditions and will chase insects, watch birds, so it is better to close the balcony. If you decide to let them out on the street, then the animals will certainly be pleased with gifts in the form of birds and mice. Do not forget about this, if you plan to have a parrot or hamster, instincts will sooner or later prevail.

Another point, like wild cats, american shorthair cat adores high places, which, apparently, are associated with treetops. From the youngest age, disaccustom your pet from the habit of climbing on furniture.

Even for those who are very busy

Life in megacities dictates its conditions. More rarely a person can afford to have a dog that needs to be strolled several times a day. But the American cat can easily adapt to any conditions. These are calm and good-natured creatures who love the company of man, but will completely manage without his guardianship. Therefore, if you need a quiet and calm animal that will not burden you too much with games, when you come home after a hard day, this is an ideal option. She rarely demands anything, except if you forget to feed.

Health

Everyone wants his favorite to live side by side as long as possible. In this regard, the ideal option is an American shorthair cat. Description of the breed informs us that representatives from 15 years old live. There are often cases when cats die and at a more respectable age, over 25 years.

The breed is initially distinguished by strong health. However, in the process of crossing, there was a predisposition to heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. And the symptoms are so blurred that most often the cat dies suddenly, for no apparent reason. He can not be cured, but if you have time to notice in time, the doctor will prescribe medicines to maintain the heart.

The second disease inherent in the breed is dysplasia of the hip formulations. In severe cases, it leads to severe pain and arthritis. However, these diseases are encountered very rarely among the species. With due care, timely preventive vaccinations and regular examination, pets can spend near to you a long and happy life.

Choosing a kitten

A very important point, because getting a sick, poorly grown animal, you are very risky. Nobody will be pleased with the prospect of an endless visit to veterinary clinics. Therefore, the best choice is to buy a kitten in a specialized nursery. Documents are not only an opportunity to participate in breeding, but also a guarantee that the baby is vaccinated, accustomed to the toilet and tested for illness. This point is especially important if you plan to visit exhibitions in the future. These are fascinating activities that children like very much. But you need to take into account that the breed standard is strict. Judges will evaluate each detail, the incision and color of the eyes, the width of the chest and the length of the tail. Therefore, if you are planning a star career - will have to carefully choose the future champion. Accordingly, the more prospects the kitten has, the higher the price. How much does an American cat cost? The price ranges from 10,000 to 35,000 rubles.

The content of the pet

From the first day, as the baby has crossed the threshold of your house, you need to ensure for him the optimal conditions for living. First and foremost, it concerns the equipment of the place, provision of the kitten with a water bottle, a feeder and a tray with a quality filler. In the rest, care for him is not difficult. Short hair does not need frequent combing, just once a week pass on it with a soft brush. About once a week, you need to clean your ears, as necessary, cut your nails. For these purposes, you can install a special scribe so that your pet can perform this procedure without damaging the sofas and armchairs.

Like British cats, they are prone to overeating and obesity. Therefore, immediately refuse dishes from the table and treat them with tasty slices. Choose high-quality premium foods and do not give too much. Do not forget that the cup should always have clean water. In addition, it is very important to provide the pet with normal physical activity. Play with the cat yourself or let it out into the yard so that it can realize the hunting instincts.

Instead of concluding

This breed can be called the best among all, existing today. Affectionate and very smart, independent and unpretentious, possessing excellent health, these cats will become wonderful friends and companions. Even if you spend days on the job, provide the pet with food and toys, and she will calmly do without you. And in the evening he will meet you on the threshold. But best of all, these cats are suitable for living in the private sector and cottages. There is a large territory on which they can frolic, and, in addition, it is here that the representatives of the breed will show their true destiny, easily eliminating all the rodents and plenty of running after the birds. However, in such conditions it is more difficult to watch the crossing of your pet. Especially it can be important for the owners of thoroughbred cats who plan to have promising offspring.