Blog - Silver Shorthairs

Why an American Shorthair Kitten Is the Perfect Companion for Any Lifestyle

Whether you’re a parent searching for a pet your children will love—or a retiree looking for a quiet yet affectionate feline friend—an American Shorthair kitten could be the ideal choice.

Known for their gentle temperament, striking good looks, and adaptable personality, American Shorthairs are among the most popular cat breeds in the U.S.—and for good reason.

Great with Children and Families

American Shorthair kittens are naturally sociable and even-tempered, which makes them a wonderful addition to households with children. These kittens:

Tolerate play well without becoming aggressive
Are patient and curious, not skittish or easily frightened
Enjoy gentle affection, petting, and interactive play (like feather wands or tunnels)
Rarely exhibit destructive behavior when properly stimulated

Their playful yet calm personality means they can keep up with a busy household without being overly needy—a rare balance that’s hard to find in many breeds.

Perfect for Retirees or Individuals Living Alone

Don’t let their sociability fool you—American Shorthairs are also famously independent. This breed thrives in quiet homes and is ideal for retirees, remote workers, or anyone looking for a companion with low-maintenance needs.

They don’t require constant attention but are affectionate when you’re ready to cuddle
Happy to entertain themselves while you’re reading, gardening, or out for errands
Naturally clean, easy to litter train, and require minimal grooming
Less prone to separation anxiety than more demanding breeds like Siamese or Bengals

Their calm demeanor and stable energy levels make them a peaceful presence, perfect for a slower-paced lifestyle.

Bonus: Beauty, Health, and Longevity

American Shorthair kittens—especially the Silver Classic Tabby variety—are strikingly beautiful. With bold black swirls on a silver background, they often look like they’ve stepped out of a storybook.

Beyond looks, they’re also:

Robust and healthy, with fewer genetic disorders than many purebreds
Long-lived (many reach 15–20 years)
Adaptable to apartment or house living

Final Thoughts: One Breed, Many Benefits

From energetic children to quiet households, the American Shorthair kitten is one of the most adaptable companions you can choose. Their calm confidence, low-maintenance care, and loving nature make them suitable for nearly every home.

Ready to Meet Your New Kitten?

At SilverShorthairs.com, we specialize in home-raised Silver American Shorthair kittens bred for temperament, health, and companionship. Whether you’re starting a family or enjoying retirement, we’re here to help you find the purr-fect match.

📩 Email us today to reserve your kitten: silvershorthairs@gmail.com

How to Keep Your Home Safe for Your New Furry Friend

Welcoming a kitten into your home is an exciting and joyful experience. But did you know that everyday household items can pose serious risks to your new furry friend? At Silver Shorthairs, we want every kitten to thrive in a safe, loving environment. Here’s a guide to some of the most common — and often overlooked — dangers for kittens, and how to kitten-proof your home effectively.

1. Small Objects and Choking Hazards

Kittens are curious explorers, often pawing at or nibbling anything they find. Items like rubber bands, paper clips, hair ties, buttons, or small toys can easily become choking hazards. Always keep these items out of reach.

Pro Tip: Get down to your kitten’s eye level and scan the floor for any tempting little objects.

2. Toxic Houseplants

Some common houseplants, including lilies, pothos, and philodendrons, are toxic to cats. Even a small nibble can lead to vomiting, kidney failure, or worse.

Safer Options: Spider plants, bamboo palms, and Boston ferns are pet-friendly alternatives.

3. Electrical Cords and Chargers

To a teething kitten, a dangling charger cord looks like a toy. Unfortunately, chewing on cords can lead to burns, electric shock, or even death.

Solution: Use cord protectors, hide cords behind furniture, or spray them with pet-safe bitter deterrents.

4. Open Toilets and Full Bathtubs

Kittens can easily fall into an open toilet or slip into a full bathtub. Their small size makes it difficult for them to escape, leading to a risk of drowning.

Kitten Safety Tip: Always close the toilet lid and drain bathtubs when not in use.

5. Human Medications and Cleaning Products

Medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and antidepressants are toxic to cats. Likewise, many household cleaners, especially those with bleach or ammonia, can cause serious harm.

What to Do: Store all medicines and cleaners in closed cabinets and switch to pet-safe cleaning products when possible.

6. Recliners and Rocking Chairs

These seemingly harmless pieces of furniture can trap tiny paws — or worse, an entire kitten. Be cautious when closing or rocking, and always check before sitting.

7. Candles, Wax Warmers, and Open Flames

Flames can burn curious kittens or lead to house fires if knocked over. Scented wax and essential oils can also be toxic when licked or inhaled.

Safety Alternative: Use flameless LED candles or diffusers designed for pet-safe essential oils.

Conclusion: Kitten-Proof Your Home for a Safe Start

Raising a happy, healthy American Shorthair kitten starts with a safe environment. By recognizing these hidden dangers and taking simple precautions, you’re giving your kitten the best start possible. At SilverShorthairs.com, we’re here to support you every step of the way — from adoption to adulthood.

Have questions about bringing your kitten home? Check out our Kitten Care Guide or reach out — we’re always happy to help!

Top 5 Reasons to Choose a Silver American Shorthair Cat

If you’re looking for a smart, stunning, and low-maintenance cat breed, look no further than the Silver American Shorthair. Known for their bold silver tabby markings and easygoing personalities, these cats are a favorite among families, first-time cat owners, and breed enthusiasts alike.

Here are five reasons why this breed might be the perfect match for your home:

1. Striking Silver Classic Tabby Coat

The Silver American Shorthair’s coat is nothing short of showstopping. With bold black swirls on a cool silver background, their pattern is instantly recognizable and admired worldwide. These cats look like living art!

2. Calm, Friendly Temperament

This breed is known for its gentle and even-tempered nature. They’re affectionate but not clingy, and they enjoy being near people without demanding constant attention. It’s no wonder they’ve been called the “golden retriever of cats.”

3. Great for Families

Silver American Shorthairs get along well with kids, dogs, and other cats. They’re patient and social—making them one of the best cat breeds for families. Their playful but respectful demeanor helps them adapt easily to busy households.

4. Healthy and Long-Lived

This breed is known for its robust health and longevity. With proper care, many live 15–20 years. They aren’t prone to many genetic conditions, and their sturdy build means fewer vet visits over time.

5. Low-Maintenance Grooming

American Shorthairs have short, dense coats that require minimal grooming. A weekly brushing is usually enough to keep their fur healthy and reduce shedding. Their coats don’t mat easily, and they’re naturally clean. (Tip: Start brushing and grooming routines early — most kittens actually love it)

Bonus Reason – They’re Just Plain Adorable

Let’s be honest—they’re irresistibly cute. With round faces, expressive eyes, and a dignified-yet-sweet look, Silver American Shorthairs often look like they’ve stepped out of a storybook.

Ready to Reserve a Silver American Shorthair Kitten?

At SilverShorthairs.com, we specialize in raising healthy, happy Silver American Shorthair kittens. All of our kittens are home-raised, socialized, and ready for their forever homes.

👉 View available kittens
👉 Join our waitlist or contact us

CFA Kitten Registration in 3 Easy Steps

Your perfect little kitten has finally arrived! As you look through all the paperwork it may be hard to know where to start, but one thing you will want to take care of right away is completing your kitten’s registrations paperwork. You will find a CFA “Blue Slip” in the envelope attached to the crate.

CFA (which stands for Cat Fancier’s Association), is the premier cat registry in the United States. Founded in 1906, they recognize 42 pedigreed breeds of cats, and manage the registries for hundreds of catteries across the country. CFA works to maintain a focus on quality of breed standards, provides a platform for cat shows and exhibitor events, and is an advocate of promoting the welfare of all cats.

Here is what you need to know about getting your kitten registered.

Step 1: The Blue Slip

When your kitten was born we completed the first step by completing a Litter Registration. Basically, that just means we notified CFA that we had a new litter of American Shorthair kittens, parented by Cat A x Cat B. CFA then provided a “blue slip” for each kitten in the litter. This “blue slip” is your registration application.

The “blue slip” looks something like this: Image of example CFA blue slip

Every kitten coming from Silver Shorthairs, will include TALARIAH (our registered cattery name) at the beginning of your chosen registered name. This helps the registry and others to track breeding lines. You will have 2 choices for your kitten’s registered name. We recommend adding something extra to keep it personal to you. For example, “Shadow” and “Max” are very common names for new kittens, so “Talariah Shadow” might get decined if another family has already selected that name for their kitten, but “Talariah Tennessee Shadow” or “Talariah Shadow Maker” have a much better chance of getting approved.

Next, be sure to fill out all your personal contact information so CFA will know where to send the completed registration form.

Step 2: Full registration or Limited Registration

On the right hand side of the form you will also see SECTION C. Note the bottom red box where it says “PIN”. If you have purchased a Pet Quality kitten, this box will be empty. If you have purchased a Show/Breeder Quality kitten though, there will be a number written in this box.

This is how CFA will know whether your kitten has a full registration or a limited registration. A kitten with a full registration has breeding rights. This means that if you chose to breed your cat with another purebred American Shorthair, any resulting kittens could also be registered. A limited registration does not include breeding rights, and thus, any produced would NOT be registerable.

Step 3: Fees and Address

Once you have completed your registration form, you will want to pop it into the mail with a check to cover the registration fee and mail it to the good ol’ folks at CFA (Address: The Cat Fanciers’ Association, Inc., 260 East Main Street Alliance, Ohio 44601). The registration fee is currently just $14.00 if you send it in within 30 days of receiving your kitten, or $19.00 if more than 30 days have passed. We find it usually takes 2-3 weeks after mailing an application before we get the registration certificate back from CFA.

When your registration certificate comes back to you, it will look something like this:

Image of example CFA registration form

Making sense of the shorthair cats – American vs. Domestic vs. British

Web Image of Example of Domestic Shorthair red tabby — Domestic shorthair red tabby Photo: © http://www.glogirly.com/

Have you ever wondered, “What’s the difference between the American Shorthair (ASH), the British Shorthair (BSH), and the Domestic Shorthair (DSH) breeds?” I know we certainly did!

When our family first began our life with purebred cats we found ourselves on a an intense ride with much to learn.

Growing up on a rural farm in the Pacific Northwest, I had once assumed that cats were pretty much all created equal. There were shorthair cats and longhair cats of a variety of color patterns. Black and white tuxedo cats, calicos, and garden variety tabbies were common place. Occasionally, we would chance upon a beautiful seal point and globally identify them all as “Siamese”.

Web Image of National Winner Teddy Cat Hugo Blue British Shorthair — British Shorthair NW TEDDY-CAT HUGO Photo: © http://cfa.org/

My introduction to the purebred British Shorthair came many years later, about 2 years prior to acquiring our first purebred cat (an American Shorthair kitten we named Hannah). Family friends had recently brought home a British Blue Shorthair (BSH) cat. She was in all ways the stereotypical BSH. A stout, compact cat, with the ever popular, dense plush blue coat. Her broad head and wide eyes were reminiscent of Lewis Carroll’s Cheshire Cat. And her laid back, independent attitude was a magnet for us all. My whole family was intrigued.

Web Image of Grand champion National Winner KELLOGGS ROCK N ROLL REBEL an American Shorthair classic silver tabby — American Shorthair GC, NW KELLOGGS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL REBEL Photo: © http://cfa.org/

As we began to research the British Shorthair breed we soon came across its distant cousin — the incredible American Shorthair Cat. We found ourselves immediately drawn to the spectacular classic tabbies. Knowing ourselves and our active family, we were looking for a bold, affectionate, confident and kid-friendly cat. The “working cat” history as a well-bred mouser also appealed to us on or family farm.

Below, we’ve outline a few of the key characteristics of these commonly confused terms, “Domestic Shorthair”, “American Shorthair”, and “British Shorthair” cats.

	Domestic Shorthair	American Shorthair	British Shorthair
Abbreviation	DSH	ASH	BSH
Pedigreed	Not Purebred	Purebred	Purebred
Physical traits	Varies, but frequently not at robust as the ASH/BSH. Head tends to be more angular, and eyes are more almond shaped	Broad head with large round eyes and robust build. Strong bodied, agile, and athletic.	“Teddy Bear-like” with a broad head and large round eyes. Solidly framed body with a tendency toward obesity.
Size	Varies	Medium to large build	Slightly smaller & more compact than the ASH
Weight	Varies – 8-12 pounds	11-16 pounds	7-18 pounds
Coat	Short Coat	Short, Thick, Lustrous, Soft Coat	Short, Dense, Plush Coat
Color	Varies – all	Silver Tabby (most common), also red, brown, blue & smoke tabbies, shaded silvers, black, cameo and tortoiseshell, with or without white	Blue (most common) also black, white, lilac, silver tabby, shaded silver, tortoiseshell and chocolate, with or without white
Personality	Varies	Active, curious, easygoing, playful, confident, adaptable, affectionate Often get along well with other animals, including dogs	Easygoing, gentle, loyal, patient, poised, shy, affectionate, but often do not like to be picked up

Web Image of GC BWC NW CAT LIFE MOONFACE American Shorthair silver and white tabby — American Shorthair GC, BWC, NW CAT LIFE MOONFACE Photo: © http://cfa.org/

We’d be the first to agree that ALL cats are fantastic, incredible creatures, regardless of their breeding, lineage, or availability of a pedigree. Having a pedigree will certainly not make one cat more suitable than another to be a loving and faithful companion. One of my dearest pets was a regular old, every day, “moggie” barn cat. But the pedigrees do allow breeders to continue to develop and showcase the beautifully unique characteristics of these magnificent felines we love.

Photo Compraison: Domestic Shorthair vs. British Shorthair

Web Image of Example of Domestic Shorthair tuxedo cat — Domestic Shorthair Photo: © http://www.petguide.com/

Web Image of China NW Snowdance Melan British Shorthair Cat — British Shorthair CHINA NW SNOWDANCE MELAN Photo: © http://cfa.org/

Photo Compraison: British Shorthair vs. American Shorthair

Web Image of Bagira Lovely Panther CZ British Shorthair Silver Tabby — British Shorthair BAGIRA LOVELY PANTHER *CZ Photo: © http://www.nodemetra.lv/

Web-Image-American-Shorthair-Silver-Tabby — American Shorthair Silver Tabby Photo: © http://www.pets-of-the-realm.com/

Photo Compraison: Domestic Shorthair vs. American Shorthair

Web-Image-DomesticShorthair-Tabby — Domestic shorthair brown tabby Photo: © http://www.coolcattreehouse.com

Image of American shorthair brown tabby round eyes broad head face — American shorthair brown tabby Photo: © http://www.silvershorthairs.com

Let’s Talk Tabby: Identifying Cat Coat Patterns

A tabby cat is a cat of any breeding that displays a coat pattern featuring stripes, swirls, dots and rings. The tabby pattern is determined by the agouti gene which controls the distribution of pigment within each hair of the cat.

Web-Image-Agouti-Hair-Diagram — Diagram of Agouti color banding on individual hairs Image: © http://www.catterypatchwork.nl

While the tabby pattern is common in many breeds, it is not a breed in and of itself. Both longhair and shorthair coated cats may exhibit a tabby pattern. You will find tabby cats in a vast array of coat colors as well, ranging including cream, cameo, lilac, seal, gray, silver, red, brown, golden, cinnamon, chocolate, blue and black smoke.

There are 4 distinct tabby patterns: Classic Tabby, Mackerel Tabby, Spotted Tabby and the Ticked Tabby.

Let’s take a look at the key features of each here:

The Classic Tabby Pattern

This tabby pattern is characterized by broad bands of dark striping against a lighter background. On the forehead between the eyes there is a characteristic “M”, on each side of the cat you will see a concentric swirl called the “bullseye”, on the back between the shoulders there is a lighter area knowns as the “butterfly”, and 3 dark stripes follow along the spine. Additionally, many classic tabbies will have spotted bellies and striped bands around the neck and down the legs. These striped markings are known as necklaces and bracelets.

Example Butterfly pattern ©Alken-Murray Corporation

Classic Sealpoint Gray Tabby Photo: © http://www.commons.wikimedia.org

Classic Red Tabby Photo: © http://mainecoonspalace.com

Classic Silver Tabby Photo: © http://www.maplebayexotics

Classic Brown Tabby Photo: © http://www.Pawesome Cats

The Mackerel Tabby Pattern

Like the Classic tabby, the Mackerel tabby also sports a characteristic “M” on its brow. The stripes of the mackerel tabby tend to be narrower though, and run vertically across the body of the cat.

Example Mackerel tabby Photo: © http://www.chickensmoothie.com

Example Mackerel tabby Photo: © http://www.seregiontica.org/

Example Mackerel tabby Photo: © https://feralfront.com

Example Mackerel tabby Photo: © http://www.catfinders.org/

Example Mackerel tabby Photo: © http://bastra.angelfire.com/

The Spotted Tabby Pattern

The spotted tabby pattern is most frequently seen in the Australian Mist, Bengal, Egyptian Mau, Maine Coon, and Ocicat breeds. This tabby pattern is generated by a color modifier that interrupts the stripes of the Classic or Mackerel tabby patterns and creates the appearance of spots instead. In some cases you will note three distinct coat colors within the spotted tabby pattern: a dark ring surrounding a lighter “spot”, both of which rest on a lighter still base coat color (see photo examples below).

Example Spotted silver tabby Photo: ©http://animal-jam-clans-1.wikia.com

Example Spotted tabby Photo: © https://www.petinfoclub.com

Example Spotted tabby Photo: © https://en.wikipedia.org

Example Spotted tabby Photo: © https://bengalcatdirectory.com

The Ticked Tabby Pattern

Unlike the previous tabby patterns, ticked tabbies may show few visible stripes across their bodies. The striping instead occurs on each individual hair within the cat’s coat, as determined by the agouti gene. Many ticked tabbies will display barring or “ghost striping” on the legs and tail, and may also show a darker line down the spine.

Example Ticked tabby Photo: ©http://www.britain-yard.com

Example Ticked tabby Photo: ©http://my.net-link.net/~cwjohnso/genetics

Example Ticked tabby Photo: ©http://animal-jam-clans-1.wikia.com

Example Ticked tabby Photo: ©www.catster.com

Example Ticked tabby Photo: ©www.mcbfa.org

Example Ticked tabby Photo: ©Helmi Flick