Dilute Calico vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison

Dilute Calico vs American Shorthair - Breed ComparisonAmerican Shorthair is originated from United States but Dilute Calico is originated from Egypt. Both American Shorthair and Dilute Calico are having almost same weight. Both American Shorthair and Dilute Calico has same life span. Both American Shorthair and Dilute Calico has same litter size. American Shorthair requires Low Maintenance. But Dilute Calico requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

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United States
Egypt
Weight Male:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
15 - 20 Years
13 - 20 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
Domestic Shorthair
Caliby
Colors Available:
Many colors and patterns
Every color and pattern
Coat:
Shortish hair
Short and longhaired
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

american shorthairOften sailors of old would keep cats onboard to protect their stores from mice and rats, and so it was when settlers sailed from Europe to North America.

They had cats onboard and once onshore they interbred. But in the 20th century, a selective breeding program began to bring out the best qualities of these cats.

The American Shorthair is one of these cats – a pedigreed cat that is accepted by all North American cat registries. At first, the cat was known as the Domestic Shorthair but it was renamed in 1966.

dilute calicoThe Calico isn’t a breed of cat but is describing a color and pattern of the cat. Many breeds of cats can be calico, and ‘Dilute Calico’ simply means that the color of the cat is less intense.

An example of this would be cream being the dilute shade of red, almost like strawberry blonde. People interested in the origins of the cat trace its history back to the trade routes in Northern Africa and Europe, and more specifically to the port cities along the Mediterranean Sea.

A Calico cat is described as having 3 colors - white, black, and red and Dilute Calico cats have ‘toned down’ shades of these 3 colors.

Description

american shorthair kitten - descriptionThe American Shorthair is a large, sturdy cat with a round face and short ears. Their coats can come in many different patterns and colors. They shed so the fur will need to be brushed from time to time.

They stand at about 20 – 25cm in height and they weigh between 5 and 7kg.

Temperament:

The American Shorthairs are easy, no-fuss cats. They’re also low maintenance, healthy, amicable cats, ready to even be friends with strangers and your dogs.

He is an intelligent cat too so it will be important to provide him with toys that challenge him to think. These good-natured cats make perfect famiy companions.

dilute calico kitten - descriptionThese are beautiful cats that can essentially have any size and shape and can weigh between 3 and 6kg. Their coat too can be in different colors and patterns and these don’t have any effect on the cat’s persoality.

Your Dilute Calico can have a short- or long-haired coat. Also, because the dilute calico coloring isn’t linked to any particular cat breed, these cats can be any size or shape really.

They are also nearly always female. Remember that while genes do have an effect on how your Dilute Calico looks and behaves, socialization plays a big part, and where possible, to get your cat from a reputable breeder.

Temperament:

Because calico cats are a coat-color and not a breed, you can find long hair dilute calico cats. The personality of the Dilute Calico is described as colorful as well as they’re fun-loving, independent, spunky cats that are sweet and loving too.

Characteristics

american shorthair cat - characteristicsThe American Shorthair is a playful cat and is quite capable of amusing himself, but will welcome your games too. He’s a big cat so make sure he gets enough exercise to avoid him becoming obese.

He is a low maintenance cat and you don't have to be worrying about him too much as he just likes to get on with life. He loves being well-fed, getting your attention and lying in the sun.

This is one cat that doesn’t need a lot of attention so being easy to care for, independent, playful, and affectionate, you’re going to have one of a kind companion and friend.

dilute calico cat - characteristicsBecause Dilute Calico cats can be found in many cat breeds, you can’t be certain how your feline friend will turn out.

Bring your pet up well though and treat him with love and care and you’ll have a devoted friend for between 13 and 20 years.

Health Problems

american shorthair kittens - health problemsWith good nutrition and a loving caring lifestyle, the American Shorthair can live to be 15 – 20 years of age and even longer.

Their flattish faces also make the American Shorthair prone to respiratory issues.

dilute calico kittens - health problemsAs already mentioned, the Dilute Calico isn't a specific breed but rather a color. The calico can be any breed. The average lifespan of any cat is 12-16 years. The males are far rarer than the females and they live shorter lives.

Cancer is a terrible disease in cats and dogs and it is where cells grow uncontrollably, spreading to all areas of the body. For any sign of illness in your Dilute Calico, get him to the vet.

Make sure your cat is vaccinated against the deadly cat diseases there are such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).

Both males and females can develop lower urinary inflammation, which is also called Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). You’ll notice your pet straining to urinate. It’s time to get your pets to the vet with this terrible illness.

Caring The Pet

american shorthair cats - caringYour American Shorthair will benefit greatly from regular brushing and he looks forward to this grooming period and being pampered by you for a few minutes.

It helps to remove the dead hair from his coat and this is important so that he doesn’t ingest the loose hair. While you’re brushing him, you can also run your fingers over him to make sure there are no unusual lumps. Anything odd or any sign of illness you should take your cat to see the vet immediately.

Diet:

Make sure your American Shorthair has access to the best quality food there is. There are many commercially manufactured cat foods available and your vet can advise you on the best one to choose.

Cats are carnivores so aways choose food that is high in proten. Food must be provided in accordance with the cat’s age and energy levels. Certainly a generic cat or one with a medical condition will need a certain type of food than a young, frisky kitten. Make sure your cat always has access to fresh, cool water.

Make your cat comfortable:

Make sure your furry feline friend has everything he needs to ensure he is comfortable. This includes feeding bowls, toys, a litter box, soft bedding, nutritious food as well as scratching post and climbing equipment.

Desex your cats:

Have your pet neutered or spayed if you don’t want kittens from your cat. These procedures have enormous health benefits for your pet and it prevents even more kittens coming into a world that already has far too many unwanted pets.

Vaccines:

Make sure your cat is up to date with all his vaccines because without being vaccinated your cat can succumb to any one of the life-threatening cat illnesses there are. Kittens need to have their first vaccines at 8 weeks of age.

Transporting your cat:

If you have to take your cat to the vet you need a carrier basket so that your cat feels comfortable and safe inside it.

You can’t just put your cat on a leash and take him to the vet as inside the car he will lurch around and cause you to lose attention. A transport box that is familiar to your cat will be the best way for you and your cat to travel.

dilute calico cats - caringPrepare for your cat – have food dish, water bowl, litter box, cat food, brush, climbing tree, scratching post, cat toys, and cat bed to welcome your pet.

When it comes to commercially manufactured cat food, there are many excellent ones on the market and you can choose from dry and wet cat food. If in any doubt about what is best for your cat, speak to your vet. Your cat is a carnivore and will need food that pays special attention to meat. A kitten will require 4 small bowls of food a day and by one year of age your cat can be receiving 2 smaller meals a day. Provide cool, fresh water around the clock..

Brush your Dilute Calico gently once a week. Some of the longer-haired Dilute Calicos will require brushing twice a week. At this grooming time, check that the eyes are nice and clear, free of discharge, check that the inside of the ears are free of wax and dirt build-up and check inside the mouth that there aren’t any troublesome teeth.

Whether your cat is an indoor cat or he goes outside occasionally, check for ticks and fleas and get him to the vet to check for internal parasites. Your cat will need to be dewormed and to receive all his cat vaccines to avoid some of the deadly cat diseases there are.

If your cat does go outside, make sure he has a cat collar and an ID tag.

Keep the litter box hygienically clean as cats won’t use a messy litter box. You can buy small scoops and rakes from the pet shop and rake up his droppings throughout the day.

Always have your cat neutered or spayed as there are way too many unwanted kittens in the world. Having them ‘fixed’ reduces lots of illnesses such as urinary inflammation.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. American Shorthair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  2. American Shorthair vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  3. American Shorthair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  4. American Shorthair vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  5. American Shorthair vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  6. American Shorthair vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  7. American Shorthair vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  8. American Shorthair vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  9. American Shorthair vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  10. American Wirehair vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  11. Applehead Siamese vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  12. Ashera vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  13. Asian vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  14. Asian Semi-Longhair vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  15. Australian Mist vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  16. Balinese vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  17. Bengal vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  18. Bicolor vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  19. Birman vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  20. Blue Russian vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  21. Bombay vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  22. Brazilian Shorthair vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  23. Bristol vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  24. British Longhair vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  25. British Shorthair vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  26. Dilute Calico vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. Dilute Calico vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  28. Dilute Calico vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. Dilute Calico vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  30. Dilute Calico vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  31. Dilute Calico vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  32. Dilute Calico vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  33. Dilute Calico vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  34. Dilute Calico vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  35. Dilute Calico vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  36. Dilute Calico vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  37. Dilute Calico vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  38. Dilute Calico vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  39. Dilute Calico vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  40. Dilute Calico vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  41. Dilute Calico vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  42. Dilute Calico vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  43. Dilute Calico vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  44. Dilute Calico vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  45. Dilute Calico vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  46. Dilute Calico vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  47. Dilute Calico vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  48. Dilute Calico vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  49. Dilute Calico vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  50. Dilute Calico vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison