| Descended from 'working cats' that came to | | | | working cat parentage), so it is a relatively low |
| America on ships like the Mayflower to hunt rats, | | | | maintenance breed, requiring nothing more than |
| selective breeding resulted in today s Domestic | | | | routine health care. However, some Domestic |
| Short Hair. The Domestic Short Hair cat was | | | | Short Hairs are prone to overeating, so it is |
| renamed the American Short Hair in 1966 to | | | | important to give them plenty of opportunity to |
| better reflect this breed s heritage. Today, the | | | | exercise and play. Those that cannot (or will not) |
| name 'Domestic Short Hair' is given to cats whose | | | | engage in exercise will need to have its diet |
| parentage is in question. Adult male Domestic | | | | monitored closely to avoid potential problems with |
| Short Hairs will reach an average weight of 11 to | | | | obesity. |
| 15 pounds, but females will only weigh 8 to 12 | | | | There is a website that has great information on |
| pounds. They are considered fully mature at 3 to | | | | Domestic Short Hair and most other breeds of |
| 4 years of age and can live 15 to 20 years. | | | | cats. It has details that pertain to a cat breeds |
| The American Short Hair coat can come in many | | | | health, grooming, living conditions, best food |
| colors in patterns. In fact, almost 80 different | | | | choices and more, the website is called: Dog And |
| patterns of colors are recognized in this breed. It | | | | Cat Facts, and can be found at this url: |
| is an all weather coat that is dense but won t | | | | By Robert W. Benjamin |
| mat. It should be brushed regularly to remove the | | | | Copyright © 2006 |
| dead hairs if the cat will not groom itself. | | | | You may publish this article in your ezine, |
| There are also as many different personality | | | | newsletter on your web site as long as it is |
| characteristics in Domestic Short Hairs from the | | | | reprinted in its entirety and without modification |
| stereotypical aloofness to the surprisingly friendly | | | | except for formatting needs or grammar |
| and social. This is a fairly healthy breed (part of its | | | | corrections. |