American Shorthair 'Cheese' vs. White-Marked: Understanding the Differences and Rarity

The terms 'American Shorthair with white markings' and 'Cheese' are often used interchangeably; 'Cheese' is simply a colloquial name, often referencing an animated character, for American Shorthairs with white markings. There is no real difference between the two.

An American Shorthair ‘Cheese’ and a standard white-marked American Shorthair are essentially the same. ‘White-marked’ describes a specific coat pattern, while ‘Cheese’ is just a nickname for this particular pattern, often inspired by cartoon characters. Both are American Shorthairs with the same underlying genetics.

Compared to a typical American Shorthair, a white-marked American Shorthair appears to be wearing a white mask, white gloves, and a white bib. The white fur extends over a significant portion of their face, chest, and paws, and their paw pads are usually pink. This white spotting is a distinctive trait.

Typically, if both parents are white-marked tabbies, there's a higher chance of their kittens being high-white. In the American Shorthair community, regular tabby patterns are often referred to as ‘standard tabby’ to differentiate them from white-marked tabbies. This helps breeders and enthusiasts keep track of lineage.

What Is the Rarest and Most Expensive American Shorthair Pattern?

Silver tabby American Shorthairs are generally the most expensive. When purchasing an American Shorthair from a breeder, you may notice a wide price range. Silver tabby American Shorthair cats, in particular, can sometimes cost upwards of ten thousand dollars. This is not unusual, as these cats are often not affordable for the average individual. This is often because they tend to develop quicker, and have fewer inherited health issues compared to other American Shorthairs. The silver tabby pattern also gives these cats a cuter appearance, which can further drive the price up. Explore more:Pet Knowledge