Feeding an American Shorthair: A Sturdy Cat's Needs
Published by Planète Pets · managing editor: Clément Lacaille · how our guides are written
The American Shorthair is a medium-to-large, muscular cat, known as sturdy and even-tempered. Like all cats, it is an obligate carnivore: it needs animal protein and taurine, an amino acid it cannot synthesise and whose deficiency causes serious heart and eye disorders. Our benchmarks are in the cat food section.
Contents · 4 sections
A base rich in animal protein
Favour a diet high in quality animal protein and low in carbohydrates. Premium kibble, wet food or a mixed ration all work, provided they are complete and age-appropriate. An adult American Shorthair eats on average 50 to 70 g of kibble a day, adjusted for weight and activity.
Hydration, the cat's weak point
This rather homebody cat often drinks little. Adding a share of wet food to the ration clearly increases water intake and supports urinary and kidney function. A water fountain also encourages drinking. The principle echoes our advice in feeding a domestic shorthair cat, close in build and sturdiness.
Watching a quiet cat's weight
Placid and happily indoors, the American Shorthair gains weight easily, especially after neutering. Weigh the ration, avoid free-feeding kibble and stimulate activity through play. Excess weight promotes diabetes and joint problems. Planning the food and health budget helps keep up these good habits over time, as our guide to the annual cost of a cat shows.
Frequently asked questions
Kibble or wet food for an American Shorthair?
A mixed ration is a good compromise: kibble for convenience, wet food for hydration.
How many meals a day?
Two meals, or several small portions, rather than free access, which promotes weight gain.
Is a special diet needed after neutering?
A lower-calorie neutered formula helps control weight. See the American Shorthair profile and the cat hub.
An accessory from our shop for this use: Raised-edge silicone feeding mat for cats (€25.90) · the whole shop
For the gear, at Le Félin (same family, zero commission): Grand arbre à chat design (from €149.99)
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Cats universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.
