What is a healthy weight for an American Shorthair cat?

Adult American Shorthairs ideally weigh between 3.2 and 5.5 kg (7–12 lb). Males are typically at the upper end, females at the lower end. Body condition scoring gives a more reliable assessment than weight alone for this muscular breed.

My American Shorthair looks healthy but my vet says they're overweight. How?

This breed's dense musculature and rounded facial structure can mask significant excess body fat. Visual assessment is unreliable for this build — hands-on rib palpation and body condition scoring are far more accurate, which is why veterinary assessments can reveal overweight that owners miss.

Is it dangerous to put an American Shorthair on a diet?

Rapid calorie restriction in cats can trigger hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), which is serious. Any weight-loss diet should be gradual (no more than 0.5–1% of body weight per week) and ideally supervised by a veterinarian, particularly for cats who are significantly overweight.

American Shorthair Ideal Weight Guide | PetCalculator

American Shorthairs are a medium-to-large, sturdy breed with a tendency toward obesity as they age. This guide covers their ideal weight range in kg and lbs, how to body-condition score a well-muscled cat, and the early signs of weight creep.