Felis catus
Domestic shorthair cat
The everyday cat — diverse, generally healthy and endlessly varied in personality. The best choice for most first-time cat owners.
FelidaeLifespan 12–18 years, many reach 20Care complexity 1/5Suitable for beginners
Representative cats photography; individual appearances vary.
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Felis catus
- Family
- Felidae
- Origin
- Worldwide
- Lifespan
- 12–18 years, many reach 20
- Adult size
- 3.5–6 kg
- Weight
- 3.5–6 kg
- Temperament
- The full range — from lap cat to independent hunter; upbringing shapes personality more than ancestry
- Activity level
- Moderate; varies by individual and age
- Social needs
- Varies; many enjoy feline company if introduced carefully
- Intelligence
- High; learns routines, names and puzzle feeders
- Noise
- Low to moderate
Housing and environment
- Housing
- Adapts to flats and houses with enough vertical space and enrichment
- Space requirement
- Minimum one room with vertical territory; more is better
- Temperature
- Normal home temperatures
- Humidity
- Not critical
- Exercise
- Daily play sessions; climbing and scratching outlets indoors
- Grooming
- Weekly brushing; short coats are low-maintenance
Diet and feeding
Complete cat food; wet food helps hydration
Behaviour and compatibility
Crepuscular — most active at dawn and dusk
- With children
- Most do well with children who handle them respectfully
- With other animals
- Careful introductions needed for other cats and dogs
- Training difficulty
- Moderate
Health
- Dental disease
- Obesity
- Chronic kidney disease in later life
- Hyperthyroidism in seniors
Annual checks, vaccination and parasite control; twice-yearly checks from age 10.
Special care requirements
None beyond normal good care.