Last Updated on March 14, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Domestic shorthair cat is a mixed breed cat with short hair. They can be a mix of different types of cats, making it hard to know exactly what breeds they are. These cats are very common and loved by many people around the world. Veterinarian and writer James Herriot says,
“Domestic shorthair cats are connoisseurs of comfort.”
They have short, smooth fur and come in many colours and patterns. Unlike purebred cats that follow strict rules about how they should look and act, Domestic shorthair cats are more like a mix of different things.
This makes each one unique and special. Since they’re not a specific breed, you never know exactly what to expect with a Domestic shorthair cat. They’re like a surprise package of cat traits. In this article, we will discuss Domestic shorthair cats.
| Characteristic | Range |
| Height | 8 – 10 inches |
| Weight | 6 – 15 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12 – 20 years |
| Colours | Any |
| Suitable for | Variable |
| Temperament | Variable |
Domestic Shorthair Kittens
Domestic Shorthair Kittens are readily available if you consider adding a cat to your family. These cats are commonly found in feral colonies and among strays, along with Domestic Longhair cats.
Many people end up with cats through what’s humorously called the “cat distribution system.” Cats appear, whether wandering onto your property or showing up at your door.
While some cats come into your life for free, if you’re adopting from a shelter or rescue, expect to pay an adoption fee. These fees are crucial for supporting these organizations. They help cover costs like spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and treating parasites and illnesses.
Are Domestic Shorthair Cats Good for Families?
Many Domestic Shorthair cats can be wonderful family pets, but some might not be comfortable around kids or visitors. Choosing the right cat for your family is important to spending time with different ones. Remember, teaching children how to treat the cat gently is crucial. Pets shouldn’t be expected to endure rough handling or accidental harm from kids.
Is This Breed Compatible With Other Animals or Pets?
Shelters often test the temperament of their animals so they can tell you if the cat you’re interested in is good with other pets. Some cats make great companions for dogs or other cats, while others prefer being the only pet at home.
It’s important to remember that cats have a strong instinct to hunt, so they might chase, harm, or even kill small pets like rodents, reptiles, or birds. Some cats might even try to catch fish in an aquarium. If your cat will be around small animals, always supervise them closely.
Domestic Shorthair Cat Personality And Temperature
Domestic Shorthair cats don’t have specific behaviours because they come from different breeds. So, each cat is unique and can behave differently. Their intelligence also varies. Like people, these cats have their personalities, likes, and behaviours. When choosing a cat or kitten, spend time with a few to see which matches your home best.
Domestic Shorthair Cat diet
Proper nutrition is key to the long term health of your domestic shorthair cat. Your vet can help you pick the best food based on how much your cat weighs, how healthy they are, how old they are, and how active they are. Cats need different amounts of nutrients and calories depending on these things. Whether you choose wet or dry food, it’s crucial to ensure it has all the right nutrients your cat needs, following WSAVA guidelines for cat nutrition.
Exercise of Domestic shorthair cat
All cats need to have some fun every day. Some cats like to play alone, so it’s good to have scratching posts, special outdoor areas called catios, and toys they can play with independently. But if your cat is more social, they’ll probably want to play with you! Playing together is a great way to build a strong bond with your cat.
Social cats might enjoy playing with toys like teaser wands, or they might even like playing fetch. Whatever games your cat likes, it’s important to make sure they get moving daily. Cats that don’t exercise can get sick and become overweight. So, it’s important to keep your cat active and happy.
Training Your Domestic Shorthair Cat
Cats are pretty smart, even though people don’t always realize it. Believe it or not, you can train many cats to do tricks and play games. But sometimes, cats can be stubborn, so they might only sometimes listen to you immediately.
When you’re training your cat, they must learn a few important things. First, they must know how to use their litter box properly. They also need to understand when you say “no” to something, and they should learn to come when you call their name. These are the basics of teaching your cat how to be a good pet!
Grooming Of Domestic Shorthair Cat
Caring for your Domestic Shorthair cat‘s fur is usually easy because their coats are short. Most of these cats are good at keeping themselves clean. However, giving them a gentle brush once a week can help remove any loose fur and dirt, and it also helps spread the natural oils on their skin to keep their coat healthy.
Some cats, especially if they’re older, overweight, or just not into grooming, might need more help. Even though their fur is short, they can still get tangles or mats if not grooming properly. If you notice this happening, brushing them more often is important. Sometimes, though, those mats might need to be cared for by a vet or professional groomer to ensure your cat stays comfortable and healthy.
Domestic Shorthair Cat Lifespan
Domestic Shorthair cats are usually healthy and can live for quite a long time. On average, they live between 12 to 14 years, but some can live even longer! However, like other pets, they can still get sick or injured unexpectedly. That’s why taking them for regular vet check ups is important and ensuring they get their vaccines on time. This helps keep them healthy and happy for as long as possible.
Domestic Shorthair Cat Colors
Domestic Shorthair cats have a vast range of colours and patterns. Since they’re mixed breeds without a specific breed standard, their colouration can vary widely based on their ancestry. Here are some of the most common colours found in Domestic Shorthair cats:
1: Domestic Shorthair Tabby Cat
Tabby cats are the most common type of Domestic Shorthair. They come in various tabby patterns, each with its look.
There’s the classic tabby with swirls on its coat, which most people think of when they picture a tabby. Then there’s the mackerel tabby with thinner stripes and the spotted tabby with spots in lines instead of stripes. Another type is the ticked tabby, which has tiny spots all over.
These tabby patterns can appear in different colours, but usually, one colour stands out more. For example, a brown tabby has dark brown stripes and a light brown body. Brown tabbies are common, but any colour is possible.
Tabby cats don’t have multiple colours in their patterns. So you won’t see a cat with cream fur and grey tabby stripes. To be called a tabby, the whole coat must be the same colour, just varying shades.
2: Solid Colors Shorthair Cat
Some cats can be one solid colour all over their body. These colours can be any, but some are rare because they’re usually seen more in certain cat breeds. Like chocolate and lilac, cats are rarely seen in Domestic Shorthairs. Instead, you’ll find more fawn, white, or black cats.
Blue cats are also rare. Many are British Shorthairs, but you can also find this colour in Domestic Shorthairs. This usually happens when different kinds of cats have kittens together. All these kittens are considered Domestic Shorthairs, regardless of their parents’ breeds. Because of this, these cats can have any solid colour, even those not seen very often.
3: Torby Shorthair Cat
A torby cat is a mix of a tortoiseshell cat and a tabby cat. These cats have a tortoiseshell base coat with tabby markings on it. They’re not fully tabby cats because of the tortoiseshell patches, but they’re not entirely tortoiseshell either because of the stripes.
Depending on the cat’s genes, you can have different combinations of tortoiseshell and tabby patterns. For example, a tortoiseshell cat might have brown tabby markings, or a diluted tortoiseshell cat might have classic tabby stripes. The colour variations can be quite diverse. Domestic Shorthair cats may also have some white markings, but these usually cover a small part of their body. If less than half of a cat’s body is covered in white, it’s still considered a toy.
4: Calico Shorthair Cat
Calico cats are similar to tortoiseshell cats, but they have more white in their fur. Their patches of colour are clear and often round. They may look like they have spots, while tortoiseshell cats have random splotches of colour. Usually, at least half of a calico cat’s body is white.
There are also diluted calico cats. They have the same pattern as regular calicos, but their colours are softer. Instead of dark black, their black spots might look more like grey, and the orange spots might appear closer to cream. Sometimes, you can see lighter tabby stripes inside their spots, although they’re not very noticeable.
5: Bicolor Shorthair Cat
Bicolour cats are mainly white with patches of black on their bodies. Their legs, face, and belly are typically white, while the rest of their body is black. They can have various patterns of black and white, as long as each colour covers around half of their body.
Are Domestic Shorthair Cats Friendly?
The Domestic Shorthair cat is a wonderful friend to have around. They’re laid back and calm, making them easy to be around. They’re affectionate and enjoy spending time with everyone in the family.
Even though they enjoy playing, they’re only always demanding attention when they feel like playing. They might bring you a toy to join in, but they’re also happy to entertain themselves. This makes them a great pet for people who live alone because they’re good at keeping themselves company.
Are Domestic Shorthair Cats Intelligent?
Yes, domestic shorthair cats are smart. They haven’t been bred as much by humans, so they have a wider range of traits from their ancestors. Because of this, they can breed quickly. They’re also good at remembering things, like their name, because their memory is sharp.”
Health And Common Conditions Of Domestic Shorthair Cats
Domestic Shorthair cats are generally sturdy and don’t often have health problems, thanks to their mixed breed background and strong genetics. However, like all cats, they can still experience some health issues.
Minor Conditions:
Upper respiratory infections are like a cold in humans and can cause sneezing, coughing, and runny nose or eyes.
Fleas: These pesky bugs can irritate your cat’s skin and cause itching.
Intestinal parasites: Worms and other parasites can sometimes affect a cat’s digestive system.
Allergies: Cats can have allergies to things like pollen or certain foods, which can cause itching and skin problems.
Arthritis is more common in older cats and can cause stiffness and discomfort, especially in their joints.
Serious Conditions:
Kidney disease can affect a cat’s ability to filter waste from their blood, leading to serious health problems.
Liver disease: Issues with the liver can impact a cat’s digestion and overall health.
Heart disease can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.
Diabetes: Cats can develop diabetes, which affects their blood sugar levels.
Obesity: Being overweight can lead to various health issues, including joint problems and heart disease.
Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD): This can cause issues with urination and discomfort for the cat.
Hyperthyroidism: This is when the thyroid gland produces too much hormone, which can lead to weight loss and other problems.
Dental disease includes issues like gum disease and tooth decay, which can be painful for cats.
Male vs. Female Domestic Shorthair Cats
Male and female Domestic Shorthair cats differ in several ways. Male cats are bigger than females and may develop a tomcat like visage if they stay intact for a year. Neutered males are more loving and gregarious with humans and other cats than females, who are more standoffish, timid, or independent.
You can tell if a cat is male or female by looking at its genitalia under its tail and rectum. Female cats have a slit shaped vulva, whereas male cats have a spherical hairless penis. As an exclamation point and a colon, male and female cat genitalia are easy to distinguish. Cat sexing can be difficult, especially with young kittens, so your vet may aid you.
Conclusion
Domestic Shorthair cats are diverse in appearance and personality and suitable for any home. They’re generally strong and adaptable, but their behaviours and looks vary greatly because they’re a mix of different cat breeds. Spending time with a cat before adopting helps you understand its nature, aiding in choosing the perfect fit for your home and the cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Domestic Shorthair Cat Rare?
No, domestic shorthair cats are not rare. They are the most common type of cat in the United States, comprising about 96% of the cat population.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Domestic Shorthair Cat?
Domestic shorthair cats typically live between 12 to 14 years or even longer.
What Is Domestic Shorthair Cat Price?
The price range for a Domestic Shorthair cat is typically around $50 to $200 if you adopt or $500 to $1500 if you buy from a breeder.
What Is Domestic Shorthair Cat Weight?
Domestic Shorthair cats usually weigh between 6 and 16 pounds on average.
Source
Wikipedia, Domestic short haired cat
Domestic Shorthair Cat Health Problems
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