Cat breed · Mixed ancestry
Domestic Shorthair
The most common cat in the world and the majority of cats in shelters. Personality varies enormously, so meet the individual rather than relying on a type description.
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Mixed ancestry
- Origin
- Worldwide
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 3.5–6 kg (8–13 lb)
- Height
- 23–25 cm
- Lifespan
- 13–18 years
- Coat
- Short, any colour or pattern
- Temperament
- IndividualAdaptableVaried
History
Descended from working farm and ship cats that spread with human trade across every continent.
Appearance
Moderate build in every imaginable colour and pattern, from tabby to tortoiseshell to solid.
Exercise and activity
Two or three short play sessions daily with wand toys and food puzzles.
Care and grooming
Weekly brushing, litter trays kept scrupulously clean, and vertical space for climbing.
Health considerations
- Dental disease
- Obesity
- Chronic kidney disease with age
- Hyperthyroidism
- Urinary tract disease
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Domestic Shorthair
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: Two or three short play sessions daily with wand toys and food puzzles. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Dental disease, Obesity, Chronic kidney disease with age, Hyperthyroidism, Urinary tract disease), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- International Cat Care — cat health, behaviour and welfare advice