Domestic Shorthair Cat: The Everyday Cat Explained

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Most of the cats in the world are domestic shorthairs. They are the tabbies, tuxedos, calicos, black cats and ginger tomcats who curl up on sofas, patrol gardens and wait in shelters for homes. They are not a breed, but they are, in many ways, the best of all cats.

What is a domestic shorthair?

A domestic shorthair is a cat of mixed or unknown ancestry with a short coat. The term is used in shelters, vet clinics and cat shows (in the household pet class) to describe a cat that does not belong to a particular breed. In Britain, similar cats are called moggies. Because they come from many different lines, domestic shorthairs vary in size, body type, color, pattern and personality.

Do not confuse the domestic shorthair with the American Shorthair, which is a recognized breed with a specific look. Also see the domestic longhair for its fluffy cousin.

Where they come from

All pet cats trace back to the African wildcat, domesticated in the Near East thousands of years ago when cats began to hunt rodents around early farms. They spread with people across the world, interbreeding with local cats. Most modern domestic cats are the product of this long, unplanned mixing, and only in the last century or two have people created pedigreed breeds with controlled ancestry.

Looks and coats

Domestic shorthairs come in nearly every color and pattern.

• Tabby. Stripes, swirls or spots. See tabby cats and orange tabby cats.
• Solid. Black, white, gray, orange or cream. See black cats.
• Bicolor and tuxedo. See tuxedo cats.
• Calico and tortoiseshell. See calico cats and tortoiseshell cats.

See cat coat colors and patterns for the genetics behind them. Most weigh eight to twelve pounds, though some are smaller and some larger.

Personality

There is no breed profile for personality, because each cat is an individual. Genes, early experience, socialization and environment all shape behavior. Some domestic shorthairs are lap cats, some are explorers, some are shy and some are bold. A shelter can help you find a cat that suits your household by telling you how the cat behaves with people, children and other animals. See adopting a cat from a shelter and cat personality types.

Care

Care follows the same basics as for any cat.

• Food. A complete and balanced diet, with measured portions. See how much should I feed my cat and wet vs dry cat food.
• Grooming. A weekly brush is enough for most. See how to brush a cat.
• Vet care. Vaccines, parasite control, dental care and checkups. See cat vaccination schedule.
• Enrichment. Play, climbing and scratching. See indoor cat enrichment ideas.
• Safety. Keep your cat indoors or in a catio, and microchip it. See how to build a catio and cat microchipping and identification.
• Spay or neuter. See when to spay or neuter a kitten.

Health

Mixed-breed cats often benefit from genetic diversity, which reduces the risk of inherited diseases that are concentrated in some breeds. That said, they can still develop:

• Dental disease. See cat dental disease.
• Obesity and diabetes. See diabetes in cats.
• Kidney disease and hyperthyroidism in older cats. See chronic kidney disease in cats and hyperthyroidism in cats.
• Heart disease. See hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats.
• Urinary problems. See feline idiopathic cystitis.

Regular checkups catch problems early. See senior cat care guide.

Is a domestic shorthair right for you?

For almost everyone, yes. Domestic shorthairs suit families, singles, seniors and first-time owners, and they cost less to acquire than most pedigreed cats. They are the right choice if you want a healthy, friendly cat and are willing to get to know an individual rather than a breed standard. See best cat breeds for first-time owners.

Where to find one

Shelters and rescues have large numbers of domestic shorthairs, both kittens and adults. Adult cats are often overlooked but make wonderful pets, and shelter staff can describe their personalities. See adopting a cat from a shelter and how to choose a kitten.

When to see a vet

See a vet within a few days of adoption and whenever your cat seems unwell. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic, and see cat vet visit costs.