Worldwide. Not a breed but the everyday mixed-ancestry shorthaired house cat. The domestic cat itself was first domesticated in the Near East around 7500 BCE, then spread along trade routes and on ships to every inhabited continent.134
Because there is no single breed behind them, personalities vary from cat to cat. Many are sociable and affectionate, often relaxed and sensible around the home, and able to fit in with children, older people and other pets. Some are chatty, some quiet, some lap cats and some independent explorers, so meeting the individual cat tells you more than any label.25
how to spot oneDomestic Shorthair coat and colours
short, close-lying coat of any colour or pattern
A domestic shorthair has a short, smooth coat that sits flat against the body and feels soft and sleek. There is no set look: build ranges from slim and fine-boned to sturdy and muscular, and heads, ears and eye colours all vary. Cats of European or American background tend to be solid and well-rounded, while some Asian house cats are slimmer and longer in line. After a few generations of free mixing, populations tend to drift back toward the classic tabby pattern.325
Coloursany colour or patterntabby (mackerel, classic, spotted, ticked)solid (black, white, blue/grey, red/ginger, cream)bicolour and tuxedotortoiseshellcalicosmokecolourpoint6723
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Domestic Shorthair. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Nail trimevery 3 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
Litter scoopevery day
Litter changeevery week
PlayAbout 30 minutes of play a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
how busy a day looksDomestic Shorthair exercise needs
Moderate, varying by individual. Most keep a strong hunting drive and enjoy stalking, pouncing and chasing games, and many are busiest around dawn, dusk or at night. Daily interactive play with wand toys, climbing spots and puzzle feeders keeps an indoor cat fit and content.21
the hands-on bitsDomestic Shorthair grooming and care
Easy. A weekly comb or brush with a rubber or fine metal grooming tool removes loose hair and adds shine, a bit more during seasonal shedding. Trim claws regularly, brush teeth with cat toothpaste and check ears now and then.2
where they are happiestDomestic Shorthair at home
Happy in flats or houses. Provide a scratching post, a clean litter tray, high perches or shelves, hiding and resting places, and toys. Indoor-only cats need extra enrichment; access to a safe garden or catio is a bonus where appropriate.21
what goes in the bowlDomestic Shorthair food and feeding
Cats are obligate carnivores and need a meat-based diet; nutrients such as taurine and arginine are essential and are supplied by complete commercial cat food. Many house cats like their food a lot, so measured portions and play help keep them trim. Fresh water should always be available.12
who they like aroundDomestic Shorthair with people and other pets
Usually sociable with their people and often fine with other pets after a gradual introduction. They enjoy daily company, play and a stable routine, though many are also comfortable spending part of the day alone.25
where it all beganDomestic Shorthair history
The domestic shorthair is the everyday cat whose story is the story of cat domestication itself. Wildcats began living alongside farming communities in the Near East roughly 9,500 years ago, drawn by rodents around stored grain; a cat buried near a person at Shillourokambos on Cyprus dates to about 7500-7200 BCE. Cats from Egypt later spread around the Mediterranean from the 8th century BCE on trading ships, and reached Viking settlements by the 7th century CE. During the age of exploration, ships carried cats to control rats on board, and many stayed ashore at each new port, which is how shorthaired house cats reached the Americas, Australia and beyond. In North America they became the working barn and farm cats of pioneer settlers. Almost all pedigree breeds were developed only in the last 150 years, many of them from this same pool of ordinary house cats, which still make up the vast majority of cats worldwide. Today cat registries welcome them in household pet classes, where they are judged on condition, grooming and personality rather than looks.142358
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Around 98-99% of the world's cats are non-pedigree 'moggies', and in the United States fewer than 2% of cats are purebred.3
2
Roughly 95% of cats in the United States are domestic shorthairs.3
3
Able Seacat Simon, the ship's cat of HMS Amethyst, is the only cat ever awarded the Dickin Medal, for his service during the 1949 Yangtze Incident.4
4
Trim, ship's cat to explorer Matthew Flinders, became the first cat to sail around Australia (1801-1803) and has a statue at the State Library of New South Wales.4
5
Cats typically sleep 12 to 16 hours a day, with 13 to 14 hours being average.1
6
Non-pedigree cats can win real show titles: CFA and FIFe run household pet classes where friendliness counts for a lot with the judges.5
7
Left to mix freely for a few generations, house cat populations tend to return to the classic tabby pattern of their wild ancestors.3
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The name 'Domestic Shorthair' refers to short-haired cats of mixed ancestry that are not a recognized breed, distinguishing them from pedigreed cats by their coat length and non-pedigree status.9
stars of the breedFamous ones
Stubbs Honorary mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska, for 20 years9
Dusty Holds the Guinness World Record for most kittens born to a single cat (420)9
Tibbles Owned by lighthouse keeper on Stephens Island, New Zealand, credited with hunting the flightless Stephens Island wren to extinction9
I wake before dawn and pounce on my human's toes. After a quick breakfast, I patrol the house, sniffing corners. I chase a red dot across the wall, then flop on a rug. I watch a squirrel from the windowsill, chattering softly. I climb my cat tree and survey my kingdom. I greet my human with a head bump when they get home. I play fetch with a crumpled paper ball. I curl on the sofa for a purry nap. I'm a sensible cat who knows how to enjoy a good day.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
the official bitsRecognised by
FIFe
Not a breed; shown as 'House Cat Shorthair' (HCS) under a shared House Cat standard that allows any eye colour, any coat colour or pattern and any build, judged mainly on health, cleanliness and friendliness6
CFA
Not a breed; non-pedigree cats compete in the Household Pet class, judged on condition, appearance and personality. Cats over eight months must be spayed or neutered and must not be declawed8
WCF
Household cats accepted for showing, with some colours (chocolate, cinnamon, lilac, fawn) and the pointed pattern not allowed3
Cat fancy (general)
Not a recognised pedigree breed; household pet classes exist in most major registries3
How many About 220 million owned cats and 480 million stray cats worldwide (all domestic cats, the great majority non-pedigree)1
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Domestic Shorthair tip
For a Domestic Shorthair, keep treats to no more than 10-15% of daily calories and choose high-protein, low-carb options, as this breed is prone to obesity and food allergies. Always introduce new treats gradually and watch for any digestive upset.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Domestic Shorthair, and at what times?
Feeding schedules vary by your cat's age, weight, and activity level. Your vet can recommend the best routine and portion sizes. Always provide fresh water.
What should a Domestic Shorthair eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Domestic Shorthairs need a meat-based complete commercial cat food that provides taurine and arginine. Dangerous foods include chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and xylitol. Stick to cat food and treats, and ask your vet about any changes.1210
Does a Domestic Shorthair need baths?
Domestic Shorthairs rarely need baths; their short coat stays clean. Only bathe if they get very dirty or sticky, as per general cat care guidance.11
How often does a Domestic Shorthair need brushing?
A weekly brushing with a rubber or fine metal comb keeps their coat shiny and reduces shedding. Brush more often during seasonal sheds. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests weekly brushing.211Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Domestic Shorthair's claws, and how often?
Trim claws every 10 to 21 days, starting with just a couple of claws per session. Use proper cat nail clippers and avoid the quick. Pet Wiki's plan suggests every three weeks.211Pet Wiki plan
How much play does a Domestic Shorthair need?
Domestic Shorthairs need about 30 minutes of interactive play daily, using wand toys and puzzle feeders. This satisfies their hunting drive and keeps them fit.21Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Domestic Shorthair's teeth and ears?
Brush your cat's teeth daily with a cat-safe toothpaste to prevent dental issues. Check ears weekly for dirt or redness, and clean gently if needed.2Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Domestic Shorthair live?
Domestic Shorthairs typically live between 13 and 20 years, with many enjoying a long, healthy life.12
Is a Domestic Shorthair good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are generally sociable and can get along well with children and other pets when introduced gradually. Each cat has its own personality, so meet them first.25
Can a Domestic Shorthair be left alone?
Domestic Shorthairs can be left alone for part of the day, but they thrive on daily company and play. Provide enrichment like toys and perches to keep them happy.25
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Domestic Longhair
Domestic Mediumhair
American Shorthair
British Shorthair
European Shorthair