Domestic Shorthair

Coat and looks how to spot one

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.245

Personality what they are like

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.45

Daily activity how busy a day looks

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.41

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

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.4

Home where they are happiest

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.41

Food basics what goes in the bowl

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.14

Company who they like around

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.45

The story where it all began

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.134258

Recognised by the official bits

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 allowed2

Cat fancy (general)

Not a recognised pedigree breed; household pet classes exist in most major registries2

How many About 220 million owned cats and 480 million stray cats worldwide (all domestic cats, the great majority non-pedigree)1