American Shorthair cats make great pets. They are strong, calm, and need little maintenance. These cats were first recognized in 1906 and were called Domestic Shorthairs until 1966. Their family tree likely includes cats that helped keep ships free of mice during European sea travel. While they’re loving and loyal, they usually don’t enjoy being carried. Many will follow their owners around the house, though.
These cats started as working cats in North America in the 1800s, catching mice during the day and spending evenings with their families. Breeders have carefully matched cats to keep their good nature and body type the same. American Shorthairs are medium-sized, weighing between 8 and 12 pounds as adults. Their thick fur comes in white, brown, silver, blue, and cream. Some have three colors, while others have stripes. Most have green or gold eyes. They’re generally healthy cats that can live 15 to 20 years.
Adopting an American Shorthair from a shelter costs $50 to $200. Buying from a good breeder costs between $500 and $1,500.
Bringing Home a New American Shorthair Cat: One-Time Costs
Getting an American Shorthair cat comes with some basic startup costs. You’ll need to buy things like food dishes, a bed, a litter box, and some toys. You’ll also pay either adoption fees or breeder costs for the cat itself. If you get a kitten, plan for multiple vet visits in the first year.
Free
You can often find cats to adopt through friends, family, or social media. Many rescue groups also help connect cats with new homes.
Adoption
- $50–$200
You can find purebred cats at shelters, but since these cats are so friendly and easy to live with, they get adopted quickly. If you do find one, shelter adoption fees usually run between $50 and $200. This price typically covers the first vet checkup, shots, and spaying or neutering. Keep in mind that adopting a kitten often costs more than adopting an adult cat.
Breeder
- $500–$1,500+
Since these cats look a lot like regular house cats, it’s important to buy from a trusted breeder to make sure you get a real one. While some cats cost around $500, you’ll need to spend much more for a top-quality show cat from good breeding. Look for breeders registered with the CFA or The International Cat Association. You can also ask your vet for breeder recommendations.
Initial Setup and Supplies
- $235–$360
Starting costs for a new cat depends on their age and health needs. Kittens need several vet visits and shots, while cats from breeders may need microchips and fixing. Adult shelter cats usually come with these services already done, making them less expensive at first.
List of American Shorthair Cat Care Supplies and Costs
| ID Tag and Collar | $15 |
| Spay/Neuter | $50–$100 |
| Microchip | $25–$65 |
| Bed | $15–$50 |
| Nail Clipper (optional) | $7 |
| Brush (optional) | $8 |
| Litter Box | $25 |
| Litter Scoop | $10 |
| Toys | $30 |
| Carrier | $40 |
| Food and Water Bowls | $10 |
How Much Does an American Shorthair Cost Per Month?
- $185–$915 per month
American Shorthair cats are budget-friendly pets. They eat normal cat food and need basic care, making them as cheap to own as most other cats. The main costs are food, vet visits, toys, and cat litter. Let’s look at how much it costs to keep an American Shorthair cat healthy and happy.
Health Care
- $75–$500 per month
Your cat’s healthcare costs can be around $50-100 monthly. Young kittens and cats over 7 years old usually need more medical care, so budget more during these times. Besides vet checkups, you can keep your cat healthy by feeding them good food and brushing them regularly.
Food
- $30–$100 per month
Cats must eat meat to survive, and their bodies are designed to process protein from animal sources. To keep cats healthy, choose cat foods that meet AAFCO nutrition standards. Young kittens, senior cats, and those with health problems like bladder stones or kidney issues may need special food that costs extra. Many good cat food brands make quality food while being open about their ingredients and caring for the environment.
Grooming
- $0–$25 per month
American Shorthair cats are easy to care for. Brush them once a week to keep their coat looking nice. They clean themselves well and only need baths if they get dirty or into harmful substances. Remember to brush their teeth and trim their nails regularly. If you don’t want to cut their nails yourself, take them to a groomer every few weeks.
Medications and Vet Visits
- $20–$100 per month
Young kittens and senior cats need more vet visits, so expect to pay more when your cat is very young or old. Kittens need several shots that most pet insurance doesn’t cover. If you want insurance to pay for regular checkups and shots, you’ll need to buy extra coverage for wellness care. If your cat has ongoing health problems before getting insurance, medicine costs can be high since these conditions won’t be covered. You can also talk to a vet online from home to get advice and find out if you need to take your cat to the clinic.
Pet Insurance
- $20–$70 per month
Pet insurance for accidents and illnesses helps pay big medical bills when your cat gets sick or hurt. These plans usually don’t cover regular checkups like teeth cleaning and basic exams. It’s smart to get insurance when your cat is young – you’ll save money over time and avoid problems with coverage denial for health issues that started before you bought insurance.
Environment Maintenance
- $30–$70 per month
Cats need a few basic supplies to keep their living space clean, especially when it comes to their bathroom needs. Clean their litter box every few weeks and keep fresh litter on hand. While clumping litter is common, it creates dust and isn’t eco-friendly. Natural options made from paper, tofu, or wood cost more but are better for the environment. Using plastic box liners makes cleanup easier, and adding baking soda helps control odors.
| Litter box liners | $5/month |
| Deodorizing spray or granules | $10/month |
| Cardboard Scratcher | $10/month |
Entertainment
- $10–$50 per month
Cats need to stay busy and entertained to be happy and healthy. Like humans, they get bored with the same toys. To keep your cat active and interested, buy or make new toys often. If you want an easy option, you can sign up for monthly cat toy boxes that don’t cost much.
Total Monthly Cost of Owning an American Shorthair Cat
- $185–$915 per month
Food and pet insurance are monthly costs you can’t avoid. Don’t try to save money by buying cheap cat food. Instead, look for pet insurance plans where you can change your deductible and coverage to get lower monthly payments. It’s also smart to save some money for unexpected cat expenses that will come up.
Additional Costs to Factor In
When planning a vacation, remember to budget for pet sitting while you’re gone. Check your pet insurance to see what it covers. Save money for costs insurance won’t cover, like deductibles, medicine, and regular vet visits. Keep in mind that special treatments like behavior therapy are usually not covered. Also, set aside money for any damage your cat might cause, like scratched furniture that needs fixing or replacing.
Owning an American Shorthair Cat on a Budget
Making toys for your cat is easy and saves money. You can use things you already have at home, like cardboard boxes and old T-shirts. Simple toys can be made from toilet paper rolls, and you can create a cozy bed by putting an old towel in a box. Cats often like playing with everyday household items more than store-bought toys.
Saving Money on American Shorthair Cat Care
Look for online deals and coupons to save money on pet items. Keep your cat healthy and well-groomed to avoid costly vet visits.
Feed your cat the right amount of good-quality food to keep them healthy and prevent problems like heart disease and diabetes.
Brush your cat’s teeth a few times weekly and trim their nails regularly. This helps avoid expensive dental work and vet visits for nail problems, which many pet insurance plans don’t cover.
Conclusion
American Shorthairs are great family pets that come from working cats in North America. Their family tree likely includes cats that helped control mice on ships. These cats are medium-sized with strong bodies and thick, soft fur. While they enjoy being with people, they’re also good at playing by themselves.
If you want to get an American Shorthair, plan to spend between $120 and $600 each month for basic needs like food, insurance, litter, and toys. These cats are usually healthy and don’t need special food or extra care.
