Everything you need to know about the domestic shorthair cat

Everybody wants to be a Domestic Shorthair cat! Or does everyone want to own one? As one of the most popular types of cats on the planet, the Domestic Shorthair comes in a variety of coat colors, sizes, and shapes. Sometimes called the British Shorthair, they are not an actual breed of cat, instead, they are made up of lots of different types of breeds and mixed ancestry. 

But what is a Domestic Shorthair cat, how do you recognize its shape and size, and where the heck did these fluffballs come from? Well, sit back, relax, and follow us as we take you on a journey to learn about the Domestic Shorthair.

Domestic Shorthair characteristics

According to the World Cat Federation (WCF), Domestic Shorthairs ‘should have a balanced, solid body structure, with a head, nose, and ears that are proportionate to her body’. Some describe them as being the most cat-like of domesticated cats, which might make sense to some more than others…

As their name suggests, they have short fur which can come in loads of different colors and patterns including tabby, tortoiseshell, black and whites, gray to silver, and even calico.   

Domestic Shorthair cat personality

There’s a reason these furballs are called ‘house cats’, they are purr-fect family companions. Energetic, playful, and cuddly, they’re generally as happy snoozing in the sun alone as they are chasing a cat teaser. If you welcome just one Domestic Shorthair into your home, be sure to keep those kitty craniums busy with lots of playtime and toys.

What’s the ideal home for a domestic shorthair?

To quote Robbie Williams, “Let me entertain you!” Domestic Shorthairs love a home equipped to entertain them. Toys and time are needed in the home of Domestic Shorthair cats, as well as plenty of places to hide and snuggle up when they’ve tired themselves out.

Like most cats, they prefer homes that aren’t too chaotic and where a routine can easily be kept up with. If you regularly have other humans over, be sure to socialize with your furbaby from a young age to make sure the presence of strangers doesn’t stress them out.

What’s the idea human for a Domestic Shorthair?

Pet parents of Domestic Shorthair cats know how much these guys love playtime. If you’re thinking of adding a short fur kitty to your home, they’ll need at least one human a lot of the time for attention and to play. Although they can be independent when they want to be, Domestic Shorthairs do form strong bonds with their humans and will miss their lap naps if you’re away too much.

Grooming for Domestic Shorthairs

The amount of grooming required for a Domestic Shorthair will depend on its genes and its breed. For example, a Domestic Shorthair with genes from a Siamese cat will need to be brushed more than a cat classified as a tortoiseshell. As cats go, the Domestic Shorthair is pretty low maintenance but should be brushed every few weeks to avoid any unwanted furballs and to help with home cleaning.

The history of the Domestic Shorthair cat

As we mentioned before, the Domestic Shorthair has a mixed ancestry. However, their genes can be traced back to as far as 2000 BC in Ancient Egyptian times. Back then, they were purely used to control the rodent population around food stores and markets. But, as they grew closer to us humans, they soon found themselves taking up residency in human homes.

Fast forward to about 500 years ago and Domestic Shorthair cats were once again employed as rat catchers, only this time on ships board for the New World. Landing in what is now the United States, their knack for controlling the rodent population made them firm favorites with settlers. And so, once again, the Domestic Shorthair cat napped its way into the hearts of humans!

How much are Domestic Shorthair cats?

Well, this will depend on their breed mix. We highly recommend checking with your local ASPCA shelter to see if they have any Domestic Shorthair cats or kittens ready for adoption. Because of how abundant and popular these types of kitties are, your shelter will probably have at least a few needing a home. There are loads of other animal shelters and charities around the United States that are always looking for feline fanatics to home these purr-babies.

For those who decide to find a new furry family member from a breeder, you’ll be looking at a cost of a few $100 to over $1000 per kitten, depending on their heritage and genes. Make sure you always do your research about a breeder before contacting them - they should be licensed with reviews from other pet parents online.