Domestic Shorthair Cats are well known in the American continent. Statistics state that over 80 million such cats are found among households of America.
These cats are found in varied shapes and sizes as well as color. To best suit, your pet craze Domestic Shorthair Cats can be an alternate. They are friendly, easy to maintain which is why they can be considered a good family pet fit.
When it comes to cats, Domestic Shorthairs are often the unsung heroes of the feline world. Frequently confused with pedigreed breeds, these cats are known for their diverse genetics and charming personalities.
This article sheds light on the temperament of Domestic Shorthairs, their differences from British Shorthairs, the confusion with tabbies, their rarity, and the typical lifespan you can expect.
What is a Domestic Shorthair?
Generally, people have a tendency to misinterpret a Domestic Shorthair Cat with that of an American shorthair Cat as both types have similar physical characteristics. The Domestic Shorthair cat doesn’t have it’s own hereditary blend, unlike the American shorthair Cats.
The “moggie” as its commonly known is not an authentic breed but are considered to have Hybridised ancestry. Often we see that many of these cats belong to a particular cat family, this cannot be considered as an identification mark but more of a fortuity.
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Domestic Shorthair History
Egyptians were the people who trained and tamed the first cats in and around 2000 B.C. The cats had prey which was rodents, this was the reason the cats were bought in America. The Americans wanted to curtail the rise of rodents on their ship and the best solution that they could find was to use domesticated cats.
It was noticed that these cats had excelled in their job therefore, they were later considered as pets, and Barnyard cats many Americans. These cats evolved to what we now call American Shorthair Cats.
Popular Domestic Shorthair Cats
Americans considered Domestic Shorthair Cats to be good pets therefore over a period of time they were also called house cats. Few individuals referred them as alley cats even though these words had a negative implication. These are the few names keeping in mind their personality and uniqueness.
Domestic Shorthair Physical Traits
Have you have seen a Domestic Shorthair Cat? Do you own one? If yes, you will agree with my statement that these cats come in varied patterns and colors. They are solid in color, bicolor, tricolor, tabby, and so on.
The colors range from brown, tan, and white to even black, red, and orange. They tend to have beautiful eyes which have a unique dye like blue, green, brown, hazel as well as a combination of any two colors.
One way to distinguish between the male and female Domestic Shorthair Cats are that the female tends to be smaller in size and They weigh around 6 to 16 pounds and live for almost 12 to 14 years.
These cats need to be vaccinated and taken good care of as this could increase their lifespan which is why the owner should purchase cat insurance to cover up such costs. Few commonalities between the male and female cats are:-
- Muscular body types
- Rounded heads and paws
- Medium length tails
Domestic Shorthair Personalities
The Domestic Shorthair Cats are distinct personalities. These cats appear to be more reserved yet they are fun, independent, adventurous, clever and so much more. They are a combination of different personality traits.
Their behavior depends on their mood. Just throw a toy at them, and you’ll be able to witness how fun and enthusiastic they are, on the other hand sometimes you’ll just find them lying all alone at a corner in your house doing nothing.
How to Take Care of Domestic Shorthair Cats
When it comes to Persian cats the main drawback that pet owners tend to face is the high maintenance and grooming cost of these cats whereas when it comes to Domestic Shorthair Cats, these cats are self-groomers since they don’t have a lot of fur on their body.
All you got to worry about is combing their hair once in a few days. Therefore one could agree with this opinion “these cats are easier to maintain”.
In case you plan to buy a Domestic Shorthair Cat take into consideration keeping them indoors as this will ensure the safety of the cat against accidents, encounters with other animals, parasites, and contagious diseases, like feline leukemia.
These cats are hunting animals and can harm wildlife and other natural habitats therefore it’s best to keep them indoors. Visiting the veterinary hospital is a must in the first week once the kitten is bought home especially in case your cat is a female.
This will ensure that the cat is checked for any sickness it has and necessary medical care can be taken like the nutrition chart, exercise as well as the various vaccinations that need to give.
Domestic Shorthair Cat Health Problems
Just like human beings, these cats tend to be foodies and therefore end up being obese as well as encounter other health problems.
Joint pain, back issues, liver and kidney problems, heart disease, and illnesses like diabetes are commonly found in such cats, in my opinion, the only way to solve overeating amongst these type of cats is by measuring the amount of food before providing it to the cat for consumption.
Do not allow it to hunt or graze outside. Keep a track of all the sugars and calories you allow your cat to consume. Doing this will keep your cat healthy, this reminds me of the quote ” health is wealth” so, therefore, take good care of your cat.
5 Things You Didn’t Know About The Domestic Shorthair
1. Domestic Shorthair Cats Are Always On The Hunt
Do you’ll remember the journey and reason why Domestic Shorthair cats were bought to America? As rightly answered these cats are good hunters and were bought to America to curtail the rodent population on the ship.
Studies show that these cats hunt for almost 6-8 hours per day. By nature, these cats are hard workers and tend to spend a maximum amount of time hunting and exploring outdoors.
2. They Have Common Characteristics
these cats come in varied patterns and colors, they are solid in color, bicolor, tricolor, tabby, and many more. The colors range from brown, tan, and white to even black, red, and orange.
They tend to have beautiful eyes which have a unique dye like blue, green, brown, hazel as well as a combination of any two colors. They’re generally known for overeating and therefore the owner needs to maintain their diet. Overall these cats are known to be amazing pets.
3. They Are Easy Peasy Kitty Cats
These cats come with low maintenance cost as the owner need not to spend heavily on grooming and medication. A basic set of vaccines need to be given. They are a family cat as they get along with children as well as elders very easily. In case your planning to own this breed to cats, try adopting one from a local shelter.
4. They Are A+ Students
when it comes to the smartest cats in America, Domestic Shorthair cats tend to top the list. This is because these cats are easy to train, grasp habits quickly, and quickly respond to names. They are quick learners and tend to have a sharp memory.
This is because of their genetic breeding and natural composition without any human interference, which has led to such an amazing output.
5. They Can Adopt You
One day you wake up and suddenly hear someone mewing at your door. You open it and find a cat, has this happened to you too? This could be a Domestic Shorthair Cat as these cats are amazing friends to have and they tend to adopt families rather than a family adopting them.
They are fun and adventurous too. They are known for their loyalty. In case you’re looking for a pet to adopt, Domestic Shorthair Cats are the best alternative.
Are Domestic Shorthair Cats Friendly?
Domestic Shorthairs are renowned for their friendly and social nature. They are often good with children and can get along well with other pets, making them excellent companions for families, singles, and seniors alike.
However, like all cats, individual temperaments can vary, and it’s important to spend time with a specific cat to gauge its compatibility with your lifestyle.
What is the Difference Between a Domestic Shorthair and a British Shorthair?
Though they both have “shorthair” in their names, these two categories of cats are quite different. The British Shorthair is a pedigreed breed with specific characteristics, including a round face, dense coat, and stocky build.
Domestic Shorthairs, on the other hand, are not a specific breed but rather a category that includes mixed-breed cats with short coats. They can come in various sizes, shapes, and colors, unlike British Shorthairs, which have standardized features.
Is Domestic Shorthair the Same as Tabby?
A common misconception is that Domestic Shorthair and tabby cats are the same. While it’s true that many Domestic Shorthairs sport the tabby pattern, the term “tabby” refers to a coat pattern rather than a breed or category of cat. Domestic Shorthairs can come in many colors and patterns, including but not limited to tabby.
Are Domestic Shorthair Cats Rare?
Domestic Shorthairs are not rare; in fact, they are among the most common types of cats in the United States and many other countries. Because they are not a specific breed, they are often found in a variety of environments, from shelters to homes, and their diverse genetic background contributes to their widespread population.
What is the Lifespan of a Shorthair Cat?
The lifespan of a Domestic Shorthair cat can vary significantly depending on factors such as health, diet, and care. On average, these cats live between 13 to 16 years, although many can live to be 20 or more with proper care.
Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and a safe living environment are key factors in ensuring a long, healthy life for any cat, including the Domestic Shorthair.
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Conclusion
Domestic Shorthair cats are easy to maintain as well as a great pet cat to have due to their loyal and adventurous nature. A few vaccinations is all you require to own a Domestic Shorthair Cat indoor. This will ensure your safety. We have put in our best efforts to provide our readers a broad idea about these cats. Hope you enjoyed it.
Domestic Shorthairs are a versatile, friendly, and diverse group of cats that make excellent companions for a wide range of owners. While they are different from pedigreed breeds like the British Shorthair, they bring a unique charm and personality to any home.
They are not rare, often live long lives, and can come in a variety of colors and patterns, including tabby. Understanding these aspects can help prospective cat owners make an informed decision about bringing one of these delightful creatures into their lives.
