qT=1&tQ=The first Cat Fanciers’ Association registered American Shorthair was born where?&tC=England |New York|California|Canada &cC=1&fB=One of cat history’s ironies is that it took an American Shorthair from Britain for the breed to gain respect in its native country. English-born Belle of Branford arrived in the United States at the beginning of the 20th Century and was registered with the CFA in 1906.<br><br>Today, the American Shorthair is one of the most popular breeds in the U.S., consistently ranking in the top 10 most popular breeds. They are known for their gentle and affable nature.