What is the American Shorthair?
Q: What is the American Shorthair?
A: The American Shorthair is a breed of cat.
Q: What was the American Shorthair used for?
A: The American Shorthair was first used as ship's cats that sailed from Europe to North America with early settlers to keep the ships free of mice and rats and protected the food and cargo.
Q: Why were cats brought on the Mayflower?
A: Cats were brought on the Mayflower to hunt the ship’s rats in 1620.
Q: What happened to the cats that arrived in the New World?
A: The cats who arrived in the New World had kittens, and over time, the breed changed so the cats could survive better in their new land and climate.
Q: Are all American Shorthairs descended from cats that sailed to North America with early settlers?
A: Yes, all American Shorthairs are descended from cats that sailed to North America with early settlers.
Q: Why did the breed of American Shorthairs change over time?
A: The breed of American Shorthairs changed over time so the cats could survive better in their new land and climate.
Q: Are American Shorthairs still used as ship's cats today?
A: It is uncommon for American Shorthairs to be used as ship's cats today, as technology has helped to reduce the need for them to control pests on ships.
