I actually hear that a lot from visitors passing through the show halls when they see my cats.  With many years of controlled breeding, we have separated coat color and eye color. They have larger rounded heads with a shorter nose area called the muzzle or 'whisker pads'.

The American Short Hair breed originated from the cats that were brought here by European Settlers on the ships to North America. Their beauty and loving nature came to be valued as much as their rodent catching skills.

 Whether as pets or for showing, these cats are not only beautiful, but are healthy, easy going, and affectionate. The males are generally larger than the  females, averaging 11 to 15 pounds, while females may weigh 6 to 12 pounds.  They generally require only an annual vaccinations during veterinary checkups. With a quality diet and plenty of tender loving care, they can live 15 years or longer. ​ 

This amazing kitten picture was taken by Sheri Wiznak.  I was a breeder until 1995 when my career with IBM took off  and I found that I couldn't spend the time with the kittens as I know they needed.  I gave all of my females to Sherri but the 'Breed Winning' male, Rebel, went right back to his original mom Rene Copland in Calgary and thus producing these 8 little kittens you see posing on the chair. 

I was a breeder of American Shorthair Silver Tabbys from 1986 to 1995. Then in 1995 I realized, as a result of my career, that I no longer had the time I felt was necessary to spend with the kittens.  In the years following, my career took me away from Pennsylvania and eventually I moved back in 2009 to help take care of my parents. 

Upon my return, I learned that my friend Karen had resumed her breeding program again.  In late 2011 I brought some of her kittens to my house to spoil them. I now had a lot more time to dedicate to them than she did, as she was in the process of  setting up her own veterinary clinic in Allentown. 

One day I just gathered up all of her kittens and off to my house I went with them (see pictures above).  If you are wondering what the spotted ones are, they are Ocicats, Karen raises both breeds, American Shorthairs and Ocicats.  I started to show Karen's cats for her and well, just like before, I became hooked again.  I hope that sometime within the next year I will have some kittens to show, raise and breed.

My mom called Hope to see if she could care for me. She did and  now I am a part of her family."  Yes, Tinsel is a very special little girl, she still lays in my arms like a baby and pulls my hands towards her mouth and licks my fingers.  I hope she never stops doing that, it's a reminder that for 2 weeks I was up 24/7 nursing and caring for her. I thank you Karen for entrusting me with the care of this beautiful little girl.

See Tinsels picture pictorial below

For more entertainment. You are welcome to watch Kitten vs Tigger

 https://youtu.be/8C5fJAG9AqY 

When I say my kittens are raised under foot and in the bed at night  believe me it is more fun than you can imagine.