Where are American Shorthair cats from?

American Shorthair cats are from the United States, but their ancestors were originally from Europe. Early settlers brought cats with them to North America — they were valued for their excellent hunting skills to help control rodent populations on ships and in homes. Over time, these cats adapted to their new environment and developed into a distinct breed in the United States, eventually becoming known as the American Shorthair. The breed was officially recognized in the early 20th century.