Fast-rising as one of the most popular cat breeds in the United States, they found the domestic shorthair cat in a lot of homes of recent. Although not recognized as a breed, it has a special place in the hearts and homes of many. Their kind is well known for their loving, peaceful, and playful qualities.
They are just perfect for pet owners who do not have the patience to deal with the long hours and effort of pet grooming. This is because they have a characteristic short coat, making them less stressful to deal with. And, while their jackets may come in a variety of colors and patterns, you can rest assured that the length will be manageable. Brushing them once a week is still recommended to keep their coat in good shape.
Therefore, if your cat preference is on the agile, playful yet peaceful, and less stressful side, consider getting a domestic shorthair cat. You will not regret it!
That said, here we will let you know all you should know about this particular kind of cat. Keep reading to know what they look like, their characteristics, and other facts about them.
What Kind of Cat Is a Domestic Shorthair?
This breed has gone a long way in contributing to its popularity. The domestic shorthair cat, known for its muscular physique and lovable nature, is a dream cat for any cat lover. The cat has a diverse range of temperaments, which is often attributed to its mixed-breed identity, and as such, their origins matter a lot. They are said to be descendants of British shorthairs.
Variably, the personalities of domestic shorthair cats could be observed as playful and vocal or peaceful and quiet in altering orders. They get along with other pets around them and even children. Regardless of the personality of the domestic shorthair cat, they make a delightful addition to families.
They can be very playful and energetic. This would call for scheduled playtimes because when left alone these cats might get some other mischievous ideas for games.
Note that this cat is not entirely a breed on its own but is of mixed ancestry and cannot be boxed as any acknowledged breed. You can identify a domestic shorthair cat generally by its smooth shiny short-furred coat, round head and paws, muscular build, and average length.
Though these attributes are common to domestic shorthair cats, they may not accurately describe all of them as they often vary in unique qualities. Their coat colors could range from brown to orange, white, black, etc. arrayed in singular colors or spotted. They may also appear patterned; some may be patched or possess a different color of tail than their other parts.
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Domestic Shorthair Cat Characteristics
As earlier mentioned, the characteristics of the domestic shorthair breed vary greatly. Generally, they are a friendly breed of cats. They are regarded as smart and friendly pets and when introduced carefully and properly can be a family’s best friend.
While considering what a shorthair cat should look like, bear in mind that they come in a range of different appearances and colors. You may not be able to accurately give a completely distinct description of what they should look like. They possess beautiful eyes that can get you to love them any day. They can be seen as blue, green, hazel, or gold. It might interest you to know that they have an impeccable night vision.
Cat Size and weight
If you are wondering how much a domestic shorthair cat should weigh or how big they can get. Well, their statures can range between 6 to 16 pounds.
On average, most domestic shorthair cats should weigh about 10-15lb. Though in most cases, the female cats tend to be smaller in size than the males.
Be careful enough not to overfeed your shorthair to avoid getting them overweight. If you want your dog to live a long life, obesity is one thing to look out for in your pet’s health. It will go a long way in increasing your domestic shorthair cats’s lifespan.
Also, they have an average height of 8-10 inches and a body length of 12-15 inches.
Colors
These cats are known for their coats with predominantly short fur seen in various colors and patterns. They can be patched, patterned, or singular. Their beautiful coats however could come in colors like brown, blue, gold, or green.
No matter the color, these cat breeds are still as attractive and cute as can get,
Lifespan
When well taken care of, these cats can live a long, vibrant, and quality life. The domestic shorthair cat has a typical lifespan of about 12-15 years. Some of them live a long-fulfilled life of up to 20 years. Proper pet health care cannot be overemphasized when it has to do with how long your pet can live.
How Much Does a Domestic Shorthair Cat Cost?
One major concern of pet enthusiasts is cost. How expensive is a domestic shorthaired cat?
Domestic shorthair cats are considered one of the most affordable breeds of cats anyone can get. It will cost you just about $100 to $600 to acquire one of these directly from a breeder.
However, if you are looking to adopt, you are just in luck as domestic shorthair cats are quite easy and cheap to acquire. In some cases, you can get a domestic shorthair for free or at the meager cost of the adoption process. It only costs about $75-$150 to adopt one.
If you are thinking of how to find a domestic shorthair cat near you, accredited facilities like ASPCA shelter can help you find the best choice of a domestic shorthair cat near you for adoption or you can visit adoptapet.com.
Here are a few tips a pet parent should consider when taking care of a domestic shorthair cat.
Training
In training a domestic shorthair cat, you might not encounter many difficulties once you apply the right techniques and watch out for some measures. Though cats can never be as duly trained as dogs can be, you can get them to settle into some basic habits and do away with some horrible ones.
Do not give multiple commands at once; concentrate on a single command at a time. You can go on to the next job once your cat has mastered the previous one. Try teaching your cat to sit in the same manner as a dog.
Meanwhile, while training, you can motivate the cat to do more by using some cat snacks as an incentive, but not too much. When the cats have too much, they could gain weight.
Also, you can engage them in games like fetch, which will help sharpen their senses and train them to be more obedient. Don’t make training boring and religious for them. If your cat perceives it as a chore, you will see them lose interest.
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Exercise
Domestic shorthair cats can be extremely energetic. In which case, exercise cannot be overlooked. Throughout the day, you may discover your cats frequently display short spurts of playful activity. You can take care of this by letting them race around the house or play with toys.
Domestic Shorthairs must be exercised daily. However, this does not imply that you must take them for walks. If you have created a play zone for your cat at home, you will worry less about them destroying properties when they play.
This would also serve at night. Cats are mainly nocturnal. You might also discover that your cat is most active at night. Their play area can be your saving grace for a good night’s rest.
Domestic shorthair cat grooming
Grooming a domestic shorthair cat is not just easy but also a very cheap process. Most cats are known for keeping themselves as clean as they can. They try to take care of themselves. This does not mean that they should be left without grooming. To avoid unfortunate incidents like the formation of hairballs, pet parents have to see to their cats’ grooming.
Their fur can be brushed weekly or more regularly; as you would prefer. Cats are generally susceptible to gum diseases and, should have their teeth washed twice a week. Along with brushing them through, clip their claws at least every two weeks. Cats have claws that could grow and carry all kinds of dirt and germs if not properly trimmed.
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Health conditions of a shorthair cat breed
No matter how tough you are, as a pet lover, you might get sick just thinking about your poor cat suffering. If you have or considering getting a domestic shorthair cat, then you might just have little to worry about.
When compared to other cat breeds, the Domestic Shorthair is an extremely robust and healthy cat. This is most likely because of their mixed-breed heritage and genetic makeup. However, there are a few conditions that can affect them.
Like all cats, they can get ear mites, skin problems, upper respiratory infections, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, and so on.
Some other conditions a domestic shorthair cat can suffer from include kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and respiratory problems. These are the most dangerous of these disorders. These, however, aren’t unique to the Domestic Shorthair and aren’t very prevalent. Skin allergies, obesity, and urinary tract diseases are some of the minor ailments people suffer from, and they are all preventable.
Is The Domestic Shorthair Cat Good?
The domestic shorthair cat is not just a good choice for cat pets but also a very special breed of cat. Their mixed-breed characteristics give them balanced, unique, and admirable qualities.
The domestic shorthair cat is a breed that can be found almost anywhere. They are also good-natured, low-maintenance, cheerful, and always smiling.
Also, domestic shorthair cats are perfect for first-time pet owners because they are not susceptible to specific ailments. However, they should still visit the veterinarian regularly for immunizations and basic health checks.
Furthermore, this cat can be quick and agile and is a very fun companion to keep. The range of colors and patterns found in this non-pedigreed cat is very stunning.
Domestic shorthair cats will quickly win your heart.
Whether you get a curious kitten or an appealing adult cat as a pet, the domestic shorthair cat will find its way into your heart and house.
FAQs
Is a Domestic Shorthair Cat Hypoallergenic?
No. a domestic shorthair cat is not hypoallergenic.
How Bad Does a Domestic Shorthair Cat Shed
With the domestic shorthair cat, you will witness constant shedding. It is a good idea to brush the cat’s coat and grooming it regularly to avoid an extended case of hairballs. Definitely there will be a lot of shedding, so be ready to vacuum often.
Much Should a Domestic Shorthair Cat Eat?
Feeding your cat is a rather simple procedure. To be strong and healthy, they only need roughly one cup of high-quality cat food every day.
Just keep in mind that Domestic Shorthairs are prone to obesity. They will enjoy eating a lot. So, make sure you keep track of their eating habits. And don’t fall for their tricks if they start begging for more.
When Does a Domestic Shorthair Cat Stop Growing?
A domestic shorthair cat stops growing between the age of 18 months to 2 years.
Are domestic shorthair cats talkative or noisy?
Domestic shorthairs are not known to be very vocal. This will be beneficial to light sleepers who might have to keep up all night from hearing continuous cat noise. They can be very calm and quiet.
Conclusion
The domestic shorthair cat, with its mixed-breed identity, is a healthy cat breed. It is perfect for pet owners who do not want to worry about long-term illnesses.
If you are on the lookout for a friendly but peaceful cat that weighs just enough when properly fed, consider getting a domestic shorthair.
Regardless of their not-so-fancy heritage, they can be just as lovable as those purebred cats. Do not confuse these lovely ladies with the American or British Shorthair. These are two distinct breeds that should not be confused with the domestic shorthair.
The American Shorthair is normally smaller than the British Shorthair, while the Domestic Shorthair is in the middle.
They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, giving you a variety to choose from. You might not need to spend as much on them as you would on any other cat breed. They are low maintenance and pocket friendly. From the point of purchase or adoption through all stages of its care, it can be a minor walk in the park.
References
- petbarn.com – Domestic Shorthair cat
- petfinder.com – Domestic Shorthair
- wagwalking.com – Domestic Shorthair
- excitedcats.com – Domestic Shorthair
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