The American Shorthair is widely believed to be a direct descendant of the first cats brought to North America by Europeans in the 1600s. Owing to their long history here, they have developed strongly independent, adaptable and friendly personalities. They get along well with people and usually aren’t skittish (even with strangers), but they aren’t cuddly lap cats either. They like to be near humans, but not always to be held or carried around by them.