The American Shorthair: History and Development of the American Shorthair Breed of Cat

Preserving the Legacy of an Iconic Breed

In keeping with the Feline Historical Museum’s mission of embracing history and preserving the past, we are proud to introduce the next release in the Alchemy of Cat Breed Series—a comprehensive and beautifully curated book dedicated to the American Shorthair.

This remarkable publication is a collaborative effort between The CFA Foundation and The Harrison Weir Collection, bringing together decades of research, rare archives, and expert insight into one definitive volume.

Buy Book

About the Book

Originally written by esteemed breed historian Valerie Anne Edwards, this previously unpublished manuscript has been thoughtfully updated and expanded by Karen Lawrence and Gayle Hand.

Now enriched with over 200 photographs, this book offers a deeper, more visual journey through the origins, development, and enduring legacy of the American Shorthair.

What You’ll Discover Inside

The Complete History of the American Shorthair
From its earliest roots to modern-day recognition, explore the full evolution of this beloved breed.
Influential Cats & Breeders
In-depth chapters highlighting the people and cats that shaped the breed’s legacy.
Rare & Archival Photography
Never-before-seen images from private collections and historical archives.
Color & Pattern Deep Dive
A dedicated chapter exploring the genetics, variations, and history of each recognized color and pattern.
Award-Winning Cats
Recognition of American Shorthairs who achieved top honors in CFA National Wins.
Distinguished Merit Listings
A complete record of cats who have earned CFA’s prestigious Distinguished Merit status.
Pedigrees & Progeny
Featuring 50 outstanding cats that made lasting contributions to the breed’s gene pool.
Historical Reprints & Addendum
Includes rare articles from CFA Yearbooks and the Cat Fanciers’ Almanac.

A Work Rooted in Extensive Research

This book is the result of exhaustive historical research, drawing from early cat magazines, antique publications, and archival materials. Special recognition goes to the Feline Historical Museum Library, located at The Cat Fanciers’ Association headquarters in Ohio.

With:

Magazine archives dating back to 1909
Over 8,000 books, some as early as 1872

This unparalleled collection made it possible to uncover rare insights and preserve the authentic history of the American Shorthair.

Cover Artwork

The stunning cover artwork was created by Chuck Hoppe, based on an original photograph by David Macias, capturing the timeless beauty of the breed.

Limited Availability – Order Your Copy

Published in Spring 2022, this collector-quality book is now available in limited quantities.

To purchase or inquire about pricing and shipping:
Contact Gayle Hand at: 2gayle.hand@gmail.com

This is more than a breed book—it is a historical archive, a celebration of preservation, and a tribute to the breeders, historians, and cats who shaped the American Shorthair.

Whether you are a breeder, enthusiast, historian, or collector, this book is an essential addition to your library.

Why This Book Matters