qT=2&tQ=The American Shorthair's average lifespan is between _________ years.&tC=1-5|6-10|15-20|21-30&cC=3&fB=The American Shorthair is bred not only for looks, but also for build, athleticism, and temperament. Generally, they are healthy cats, with strong bodies and good compositions - owners can expect to have longtime companions.<br><br>Cats can generally live longer than dogs, some claiming their maximum lifespan can be as high as 35 years. On average, however, cats live about 14 years (according to healthycatanddog.com), slightly lower than the American Shorthair. 