Asian Shorthair

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
fast facts

About Asian Shorthair

Weight
9-16 lb
Physique
Slender, muscular
Lifespan
13-15 years
Best Suited For
Families and singles, including those with children and other pets, people who have plenty of time to interact with their cat
Temperament
Loving, devoted, playful, talkative
Comparable Breeds
Burmese, Siamese
Height
10-12 inches
Asian Shorthair Breed History


The Asian Shorthair, which is also commonly referred to as the Malayan, is a breed that is quite similar to the Burmese.


This breed is also fairly new, as it was created by Baroness Miranda von Kirchberg in 1981, when the first litter of Asian Shorthairs was born in Britain.


Asian Shorthairs are really lovable, affectionate cats, much like the Burmese.


Breed Traits

Asian Shorthairs are really lovable, affectionate cats, much like the Burmese. They are also known for their love of exploration, so they will gladly keep themselves occupied as they look around the house for things to do. Plus, they are also strong-willed and inquisitive creatures with plenty of energy that makes them playful and fun to watch.


It should be noted, too, that these cats have really loud voices, and they are quite talkative. They will demand attention from their owners, so you should have plenty of time to devote to this breed. Interaction is a must to keep this cat happy, and you should definitely make it a point to show your cat affection, as this breed loves being held and pampered.


Overall, these cats are very social animals that really enjoy being around people, and they are even sometimes comfortable with strangers, too. They offer the best combination of playfulness, energy, calmness, and devotion, and they make wonderful lap cats.


Overall Description


Asian Shorthair cats are medium in size, and they have a compact and muscular body that has hardly any fat on it. They also have slender legs and a rounded, broad chest, along with a medium length tail that is straight.


The head of an Asian Shorthair is rounded without any flat areas, and this breed also has widely set eyes that are round as well, so these cats have really full looking, adorable faces.


Asian Shorthairs have short fur that is satin-like, glossy, and fine in texture.


Colors

The Asian Shorthair is a breed that comes in a wide range of patterns and colors, such as spotted, tabby, smoke, and ticked, though they can also be solid colored, such as black or white. The eye color is usually yellow.


The breed can be classified into four varieties, which include the Asian Tabby, the Burmilla, which is basically a shaded Asian, the Asian Smoke, and the Asian Self, which includes the Bombay.


Grooming Requirements


You can find both longhaired and shorthaired Asian cats, with the longhaired Asians referred to as Tiffanies.


Asian Shorthairs, in particular, however, are really simple to groom, as all they need is an occasional or weekly brushing. They will keep themselves clean easily on their own, but the brushing is a great opportunity to bond with your cat and give him the attention that he craves.


In addition to an occasional brushing, these cats need to have their ears cleaned, their claws trimmed, and their teeth brushed to keep them healthy and happy.


Photo credit: Nickolas Titkov /Wikimedia; dekguide/Bigstock

Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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