Best Cat Food for American Shorthair Cats (Top 4 Picks)

If there is a unique cat in United Kingdom--the British Shorthairs, there is also a classic breed that is native in the United States: the American Shorthair. With a history of being a domestic working cat in the 1700s, the American Shorthair is one of the most popular cat breeds for families today.

This type of domestic working cat is a hunter breed. They have naturally muscular and heavy set bodies that need good nutrition in order to be maintained. The best cat food for American Shorthairs is those that have enough energy, protein, and nutrients that will allow them to thrive.

Quick Look: Top 4 American Shorthair Cat Foods​

About the American Shorthair

The American Shorthair is a breed of domesticated cats that are believed to have originated from their ancestors who were aboard the Mayflower. When the vessel reached North America, the settlers brought with them their domestic shorthairs that were then very well-loved because of their ratting skills. These medium-sized cats caught vermin for their owners and kept other pests at bay.

In the early 1900s, the American Shorthair was officially recognized as a breed even though they had been around for a very long time. Nevertheless, American Shorthairs are widely bred and have more than 80 different types of patterns. Breeders have selectively bred these cats so that they retain their gentle demeanor, unique coat patterns, and strong physique.

American Shorthairs have an easygoing personality. They are affectionate towards their owners but do not require constant attention. This makes them a great companion for individuals who seek a low-maintenance fluffy friend. They can also make good family pets since they have a good temperament and can be patient with children and other pets.

As mentioned, American Shorthairs have more than 80 possible coat patterns and colors as a result of hundreds of years of breeding. They can have one of the following coats: calico, tortoiseshell, solid, and smoke, but perhaps the most common American Shorthair can be seen as a silver tabby.

These cats have short fur, hence the name, which can be considered low maintenance. However, their coats tend to grow longer in the winter time to adapt to the cold. Daily or frequent brushing can help them maintain their healthy coat and avoid burring.

The American Shorthair can weigh up to 11-15 pounds for males, and six to twelve pounds for females, making male American Shorthairs substantially heavier than females. If taken care of properly, an American Shorthair can live up to fifteen years or more. Their long life expectancy can be attributed to their relatively healthy bodies and the lower chance of catching a disease.

American Shorthairs Diet & Nutrition Requirements

The main requirement for American Shorthairs, just like any other cat breed, is a healthy abundance of protein. Since the American Shorthair has a thick, muscular body, this cat breed needs enough amino acids to build and repair tissues. Enough protein from good quality sources will also ensure that they can maintain their muscle mass.

Similarly, American Shorthairs need essential fatty acids and enough vitamin and mineral sources in their diet for a healthy coat. American Shorthairs need to maintain their soft coats unless you want too much shedding or your cat getting knots in their fur. The American Shorthair is a beautiful classic breed, and a healthy diet is essential to keeping them that way.

Another important thing to note about an American Shorthair’s diet is that they easily get overweight. Indoor American Shorthairs who have limited physical activity are especially at risk. Thus, owners of these hunter cats need to pay close attention to feeding. Otherwise, cats may develop weight-related problems due to overfeeding or improper feeding.

Most senior and adult cats that are healthy and taking into account their weight will require 280-360 daily calories which are based on the normal lean weight.​ You can check out the best senior cat food here.

Macronutrients: Carbohydrates, Protein, Fat

What do American Shorthair cats eat? The optimal nutrition of an American Shorthair depends on the quantity, quality, and composition of the food it eats. Typically, the diet of this particular cat breed needs to have a good protein and carbohydrate ratio. Let's discuss further:

1. Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates play a major role in a cat’s nutrition, especially for cats that need to have their carbohydrate intake modified. An energetic breed like an American Shorthair would typically need a bit more carbohydrates than the usual loungy breed. However, physical activity is a major factor that affects carb intake.

American Shorthairs that are indoor cats would need a cat food that is not rich in carbohydrates. Due to their predisposition to obesity, indoor American Shorthairs who generally have less activity should be given grain-free, low carbohydrate cat food.

2. Protein

Protein is vital for muscle growth and maintenance. American Shorthairs have stocky bodies which are genetically more advantageous for catching mice and other pests. It was their main purpose back in the day, and nothing has changed still; these robust cats need abundant protein in their bodies, which should come from high quality, real meats.

3. Fat

A fat cat is more prone to obesity-related diseases such as feline diabetes and heart disease. A diet low in unnecessary fats, such as those found in unhealthy fillers in cat food, can help prevent health problems that would affect your cat’s well-being and longevity.

On the other hand, an American Shorthair will benefit well from cat foods enriched with essential fatty acids. These fatty acids, such as Omega-6 and Omega-3, will retain a cat’s healthy coat. This nutritional component should also be complemented with good grooming practices, particularly daily brushing.

Common Health Problems of American Shorthairs

The American Shorthair is a very old breed, originating way back to the Mayflower. This line of cats is known for its resistance to feline diseases. Unlike many other breeds, the American Shorthair typically does not have any genetic predisposition to hereditary disease. Moreover, a purebred shorthair will have a decreased risk of developing feline illnesses, unlike mixed breeds.

However, the American Shorthair is not free from weaknesses. This breed has been found to be prone to obesity or becoming overweight. This is especially true for indoor cats or cats that do not get enough exercise. Obesity can consequently lead to other problems such as feline diabetes and cardiomyopathy.

Owners should be wary of what their cat eats. Rather than free feeding, an American Shorthair should be fed with measured servings of high-quality cat food that contains little to no fillers, such as cheap grain or wheat. They should also get enough exercise in order to stay a healthy weight. Thus, fun and stimulating toys should be provided especially if you cannot play with them all the time.

Top 4: Best Cat Food for American Shorthair Cats

Since the American Shorthair is a popular breed with a large population, many pet food companies cater to their needs, providing special formulations to help Shorthairs maintain their muscle mass and beautiful coats. Here are some recommendations to help narrow down your choices:

1. Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition American Shorthair Dry Cat Food

The Royal Canin brand offers specific formulations for many different breeds, one of them being the American Shorthair. This particular product offers an exclusive kibble shape to promote good oral hygiene. Their recipe for American Shorthair also includes nutrients that support healthy digestion, weight maintenance, and healthy skin and coat.

2. Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Dry Cat Food

This brand from a world-renowned chef is a ‘super premium food for cats' that is designed specifically for indoor pets. Their formulation is made from holistic ingredients such as real salmon and chicken, lentils that are rich in fiber, as well as natural prebiotics and antioxidants for optimal digestion and immunity. All these make it a great option for indoor American Shorthairs that require balanced nutrition.

3. Blue Freedom Grain Free Wet Cat Food

A mix between dry and wet food can help promote variety in your cat’s diet. You can combine wet and dry food so that your American Shorthair will get the best of both worlds. For the Blue Freedom wet cat food, the most notable features are its protein-rich ingredients, natural fibers, and cranberries that can help prevent urinary tract infections.

4. Natural Balance Platefulls Grain-Free Cat Food

A balanced diet is the key to keeping a cat's healthy weight. Since American Shorthairs are prone to gaining weight, the Natural Balance wet cat food's blend of wholesome and natural ingredients can help maintain normal body weight. More importantly, this formulation includes no grain, meaning it has minimal carbohydrates that can make your pet too fat.

Conclusion

American Shorthairs have been in many American families for hundreds of years. Known to be great prey-hunters, these cats are useful when it comes to catching pests. The first settlers used them for this very purpose. Today, they are well-loved pets all over America as one of the most popular cat breeds in the world.

Examples of the best cat food for American Shorthair cats are highlighted in this guide. It is important to keep in mind that even though American Shorthairs do not get sick that easily, a balanced diet with high amounts of protein and other essential nutrients can help them live the extent of their lifespan.