The Cat Fanciers’ Association first recognized the American Shorthair in 1906.
The breed was among the first pedigreed cats registered by the organization, which was then known as the Cat Fanciers’ Association. It was originally called the Domestic Shorthair, but the name changed to American Shorthair in 1966 to distinguish pedigreed cats from the general population of short-haired domestic cats.
American Shorthairs descended from working cats brought to North America by European settlers. These cats were valued for controlling rodents, while later breeders selected for a consistent appearance, sturdy body, and broad range of coat colors and patterns.
The American Shorthair is not simply another name for every short-haired mixed-breed cat in the United States. A pedigreed American Shorthair has a documented ancestry and must meet breed standards.