American Shorthairs are thought to have been brought to North America from Europe. They were used on ships to control the vermin population on those long voyages. As they were brought to the new world they spread across the continent being put to use on farms. Excavations and research have caused the scientists to conclude that there were no indigenous house cats in North America before the fifteenth century. This breed is very popular in the United States. They include, the Black Tortie, and the Red Silver Classic Tabby and natural colors such a black, red, blue, and cream with or without tabby and or white markings. They can have a silver undercoat and also be pure white. The eye color depends on the coat color and can be copper or green. The source of this info is from Encyclopaedia of Cats by Esther J. J. Verhoef Verhallen.