The Growth Story of My American Shorthair Kitten
My encounter with the American Shorthair kitten happened during a visit to a cat shelter. At that time, the mother American Shorthair was heavily pregnant, her belly round. Her cute and gentle appearance instantly filled me with anticipation for the arrival of the new kittens.
Finally, on a warm afternoon, the kittens were born. Their tiny bodies were covered in soft fur, eyes tightly shut, looking fragile and extremely adorable.That day, the owner of the pet store sent me a message, asking me to see the kittens.I felt delighted.
After about a week, the kittens started to open their eyes slightly. I observed them with great care, filled with joy, and secretly decided to be part of this little life's growth journey. Their hazy little eyes were full of curiosity about the world. Some time later, they began to try to stand up. Their wobbly steps were just like those of a child learning to walk for the first time, which was really amusing.
When the kittens were one-month old, they had changed a great deal. They became lively and active, no longer just lying quietly. In the pictures, those American Shorthair kittens were chasing and playing with each other in the cat shelter. Their little paws were fluttering, and their grey stripes were glistening in the light and shadow. When I reached out my hand, they would curiously come closer, sniff with their little noses, and occasionally lick my fingers with their small tongues.
Because a female cat of mine passed away accidentally half a year ago. After half a year of consideration, I decided to adopt another female cat. Coincidentally, among the kittens born in this pet store, there was a little female cat. It seemed like it was meant to be. I patiently waited until it was almost 50 days old, and then I decided to take it home. I'm looking forward to taking good care of it in the days to come.
I started buying some necessities for the kitten a week ago.I bought a cozy cat bed for the kitten to ensure it has a comfortable place to rest, a set of cute cat bowls for its food and water, some soft cat toys like a plush mouse to keep it entertained, and a scratching post to protect my furniture and meet its natural scratching needs.
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As for the cat bowls, when I had a cat last year, the ones I used didn't work out very well, and I didn't manage its diet properly either. This year, I've decided to buy a smart cat feeder.After comparing various options, I finally chose a Wopet automatic cat feeder. It was recommened by my friends.
Now, the kitten is 50 days old and ready to be adopted. During this time, I gradually adjusted its diet and started adding some soft cat food. Watching it eat with relish, my heart is filled with joy. It has also become more clingy. As soon as I approach, it will immediately run over, circle around my feet, and meow, as if expressing its dependence on me.
The thought of being able to adopt it officially fills me with great delight. Along the way, I've witnessed it grow from a tiny creature. Now My life has been full of surprises and touching moments.
In the future, I hope to accompany it through many more days, play together, and grow together, making it an indispensable part of my life and giving it endless love and care.
More to Know: How to recognize an American Shorthair Cat?
10 Characteristics of Purebred American Shorthair Cats
- M-shaped marking on the head
In purebred American Shorthair cats, there is an M-shaped marking right in the middle of the forehead. Above the M marking, there is either a crown-like or a diamond-shaped marking. The color of the head markings is basically consistent with the fur color. For tabby-patterned American Shorthairs, the head markings are very distinct; for mackerel-tabby-patterned ones, the head markings are a bit lighter.
- Evenly-distributed body markings
The most common fur color of American Shorthair cats is tabby. On purebred ones, the body markings are clearly visible. The tail of a purebred American Shorthair has bamboo-joint-like markings, divided into 4 to 5 sections, clearly and evenly spaced. The front paws have bracelet-like markings, and the neck has necklace-like markings. These distinct markings are unique to purebred American Shorthairs. Check if the cat you're raising is a mixed breed.
- Round and large head
The head of a purebred American Shorthair cat is generally rectangular-shaped, with a flat forehead. It's round and large, and the cheeks on both sides are full. The nose and mouth are on parallel lines. The tips of the ears are round, and the distance between the two ears is about twice that between the eyes. These are characteristics exclusive to purebred American Shorthair cats. If your cat lacks these features, it may be a crossbreed.
- ‘Starry Sky’ on the belly
On the belly of a purebred American Shorthair cat, there are two or more rows of symmetrical black-dot markings. The black dots are of uniform size, clear, and symmetrical, which we refer to as the ‘Starry Sky’. If you want to know whether your American Shorthair is purebred, you can lift up its belly and take a look.
- Large yellow-green eyes
Purebred American Shorthair cats have a pair of bright and clear large eyes. The eyes are round, sparkling, and slightly upturned at the outer corners. The eye color is mostly yellow-green, and there are black eyeliner-like lines around the eyes, making them look more charming. If your American Shorthair's eyes aren't yellow-green, it may be a mixed - breed.
- Well-proportioned and strong body
Purebred American Shorthair cats have strong bodies with well-developed muscles and a well-proportioned build. When you hold their paws, you can feel substantial bone mass. If your American Shorthair has very slender and fragile limbs, it fails to meet the breed standards.
- Standing posture
When standing, the front legs form a mouth-like shape. When an American Shorthair stands, its back is straight, with strong muscles, and the front legs form a mouth - like shape. If the distance between the two front legs is relatively narrow when your American Shorthair stands, it may be a crossbreed with a tabby cat.
- Necklace-like markings on the neck
They have necklace-like markings on the neck. For purebred American Shorthair cats, there are continuous necklace-like markings under the neck, with very distinct lines and no mixed patterns. If you want to know whether your cat has such markings, you can take a look!
- Five front claws and four back claws
An American Shorthair should have five claws on each front leg and four claws on each back leg. The paw pads on both the front and back feet are black, and the hair on the feet is also black.
- Brick-red nose
For a purebred American Shorthair cat, the nose is brick - red, surrounded by a black nasal line. When viewed from the side, the nose is curved, not straight.
Source from: American Shorthair Cat
