The Vet’s Guide to Domestic Shorthairs: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

Domestic Shorthairs are one of the most common and beloved cat breeds, known for their versatility and affectionate nature. These cats have a rich history and diverse genetic background, making them a hardy and adaptable breed suitable for various households.

Domestic Shorthairs are not a specific breed but rather a category of mixed-breed cats with short coats. Their ancestry can be traced back to ancient Rome, where they were valued for their hunting skills and ability to control vermin. Over centuries, these cats spread across Europe and eventually made their way to other parts of the world, including Australia. Their genetic diversity has resulted in a robust and healthy breed that can thrive in various environments.

Appearance: Domestic Shorthairs come in a wide range of colours and patterns, including solid, tabby, calico, and tuxedo. They are medium-sized cats with muscular builds and short, dense coats that require minimal grooming. Their eye colours can also vary, adding to their distinctive appearance. Each Domestic Shorthair is unique, with no two cats looking exactly alike, contributing to their charm and appeal.

Temperament: Domestic Shorthairs are known for their friendly and adaptable nature. They tend to be affectionate and enjoy human companionship, making them excellent pets for families, singles, and seniors alike. These cats are typically easygoing and get along well with children and other pets. Their intelligence and curiosity make them engaging companions who enjoy interactive play and exploration.

Activity Level: While Domestic Shorthairs do not have specific exercise requirements, they are active and playful cats. They enjoy climbing, chasing toys, and exploring their environment. Providing them with plenty of toys, scratching posts, and climbing trees can help keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Regular play sessions with their owners can also help strengthen the bond and keep these cats entertained.

Health: Thanks to their diverse genetic background, Domestic Shorthairs are generally healthy and resilient. However, they can still be prone to common feline health issues such as dental disease, obesity, and urinary tract problems. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight are essential for preventing these conditions. Early detection and treatment of health issues can significantly improve their quality of life.

Lifespan: Domestic Shorthairs have a relatively long lifespan, often living between 12 to 15 years or more with proper care. Their longevity can be attributed to their robust health and adaptability.

By providing them with a nutritious diet, regular veterinary care, and a stimulating environment, you can ensure that your Domestic Shorthair enjoys a long, happy, and healthy life.

Grooming your Domestic Shorthair is an important part of their overall care routine. Regular grooming helps keep their coat and skin healthy, reduces shedding, and allows you to check for any potential health issues.

Coat Types & Shedding Patterns: Domestic Shorthairs have short, dense coats that come in a variety of colours and patterns. While they are generally low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, they do shed throughout the year, with more pronounced shedding during seasonal changes in spring and autumn. Regular brushing helps manage shedding and keeps their coat looking sleek and healthy.

Grooming Requirements: Even though Domestic Shorthairs are relatively low-maintenance, they still benefit from regular grooming. Brushing your cat once a week with a soft-bristle brush or grooming glove can help remove loose hair, reduce shedding, and prevent hairballs. Regular brushing also helps distribute natural oils throughout their coat, keeping it shiny and healthy.

Bathing: Domestic Shorthairs typically do not require frequent baths, as they are excellent self-groomers. However, occasional baths may be necessary if they get into something particularly dirty or have a skin condition that requires medicated baths. Use a gentle, cat-specific shampoo and ensure the water is warm but not hot. Make the experience as stress-free as possible by speaking softly and handling your cat gently.

Dental Care: Maintaining your Domestic Shorthair’s dental health is crucial for their overall well-being. Regularly brushing your cat’s teeth with a cat-specific toothbrush and toothpaste helps prevent tartar buildup, gum disease, and bad breath. Aim to brush their teeth several times a week. Additionally, providing dental treats and toys can help keep their teeth clean and healthy between brushings.

Clean Ears: Regular ear cleaning is important to prevent infections and build-up of wax and debris. Check your cat’s ears weekly for signs of redness, odour, or excessive wax. Use a vet-recommended ear cleaner and a soft cloth or cotton ball to gently clean the outer part of the ear. Avoid inserting anything deep into the ear canal, as this can cause injury or discomfort.

Nail Trimming: Keeping your Domestic Shorthair’s nails trimmed is essential to prevent overgrowth and reduce the risk of injury or damage to furniture. Trim their nails every few weeks, using a cat-specific nail clipper. If you are unsure how to trim your cat’s nails, ask your vet for a demonstration. Regular nail trimming can also help minimise scratching behaviour and keep your cat comfortable.

By incorporating regular grooming practices into your routine, you can ensure that your Domestic Shorthair remains healthy, comfortable, and looking their best. Grooming is also a great way to bond with your cat and monitor their overall health and well-being.

While Domestic Shorthairs are generally healthy and robust cats, they can still be susceptible to certain health issues. Being aware of these common conditions can help you take proactive steps to ensure your cat’s well-being.

Dental Disease: Dental disease is a common issue in Domestic Shorthairs, as in many cat breeds. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth loss. Regular dental care, including brushing your cat’s teeth and providing dental treats or toys, can help prevent these problems. Annual dental check-ups with your vet are also essential for maintaining good oral health.

Obesity: Domestic Shorthairs have a tendency to gain weight if their diet and exercise routines are not properly managed. Obesity can lead to various health problems, including diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. To prevent obesity, ensure your cat has a balanced diet and gets regular exercise. Monitor their weight and consult your vet for dietary recommendations if needed.

Urinary Tract Issues: Urinary tract issues, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), can affect Domestic Shorthairs. Symptoms include frequent urination, straining to urinate, and blood in the urine. Ensuring your cat stays hydrated and providing a diet that supports urinary health can help prevent these issues. If you notice any signs of urinary problems, seek veterinary care promptly.

Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism is a condition that commonly affects older Domestic Shorthairs. It occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms such as weight loss, increased appetite, and hyperactivity. Regular vet check-ups and blood tests can help detect hyperthyroidism early. Treatment options include medication, dietary changes, and sometimes surgery.

Kidney Disease: Chronic kidney disease is another condition that can affect older Domestic Shorthairs. Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and lethargy. Early detection through regular veterinary screenings can help manage the disease and slow its progression. Special diets and medications can also support kidney health and improve quality of life.

Respiratory Infections: Domestic Shorthairs can be prone to upper respiratory infections, particularly if they have been exposed to other cats in shelters or multi-cat households. Symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge, and coughing. Keeping your cat up-to-date with vaccinations and ensuring they have a clean, stress-free environment can help prevent respiratory infections.

While Domestic Shorthairs are generally well-behaved and adaptable cats, they can sometimes develop behavioural issues. Understanding and addressing these problems early can help maintain a harmonious household and ensure your cat's well-being.

Scratching Furniture: One common behavioural issue in Domestic Shorthairs is scratching furniture. Scratching is a natural behaviour for cats, used to mark territory, stretch muscles, and maintain claw health. To prevent damage to your furniture, provide plenty of scratching posts and pads around your home. Place them near areas your cat likes to scratch and reward them for using these alternatives. Covering furniture with protective materials like double-sided tape can also deter your cat from scratching inappropriate surfaces.

Aggression: Aggression in Domestic Shorthairs can manifest as hissing, swatting, or biting. This behaviour can be triggered by fear, territorial disputes, or frustration. To address aggression, identify and remove the source of stress or conflict. Gradual introductions and controlled interactions can help reduce territorial aggression between cats. Providing plenty of toys, playtime, and mental stimulation can also help alleviate frustration and reduce aggressive behaviours. If aggression continues, consulting a vet or a professional animal behaviourist can provide additional guidance.

Excessive Meowing: While some vocalisation is normal, excessive meowing can be a sign of underlying issues in Domestic Shorthairs. Cats may meow excessively due to hunger, boredom, attention-seeking, or health problems. Ensure your cat has a regular feeding schedule, plenty of interactive toys, and enough attention and playtime. If excessive meowing persists, consult your vet to rule out any medical conditions and determine the best course of action.

Overgrooming: Overgrooming, where a cat excessively licks or chews their fur, can lead to hair loss and skin irritation. This behaviour is often a response to stress, allergies, or skin conditions. Identify and eliminate potential stressors in your cat’s environment, and ensure they have plenty of enrichment activities. If you suspect allergies or skin issues, consult your vet for appropriate treatments and advice.

Keeping your Domestic Shorthair active is essential for their physical health and mental well-being. Engaging in regular activities helps prevent boredom, obesity, and behavioural issues, ensuring a happy and healthy cat.

Daily Needs: Domestic Shorthairs need daily physical and mental stimulation to stay fit and content. Aim for at least 20-30 minutes of active playtime each day, split into several shorter sessions. Interactive play and enrichment activities are crucial for fulfilling their natural instincts and keeping them engaged.

Enrichment: Enrichment activities are crucial for keeping your Domestic Shorthair mentally stimulated and preventing boredom. Consider the following options:

1. Puzzle Toys: Puzzle toys that dispense treats or kibble challenge your cat’s problem-solving skills. These toys provide mental stimulation and encourage your cat to work for their food, mimicking natural hunting behaviour.

2. Interactive Toys: Toys that move or make noise, such as battery-operated mice or balls, can keep your cat entertained and engaged. Rotate toys regularly to maintain their interest.

3. Cat Trees and Scratching Posts: Providing cat trees and scratching posts allows your cat to climb, scratch, and explore, fulfilling their natural instincts. Place these items near windows to give your cat a view of the outside world, adding an extra layer of enrichment.

Environmental Enrichment

Enhancing your cat’s environment can also provide enrichment and stimulation:

Window Perches: Set up window perches or cat shelves that allow your cat to observe the outside world. Watching birds, wildlife, and other outdoor activities can be highly stimulating for indoor cats.

Hideouts and Tunnels: Create hiding spots and tunnels using boxes, cat condos, or purchased tunnels. These spaces provide a sense of security and encourage exploration and play.

By incorporating a variety of activities and enrichment options into your Domestic Shorthair’s daily routine, you can ensure they remain active, engaged, and happy. Regular playtime, mental challenges, and social interaction are key to your cat’s overall well-being.

Proper nutrition is essential for your Domestic Shorthair's health and vitality. Understanding their dietary needs at different life stages ensures they live a long, healthy life.

General Nutrition Needs: Domestic Shorthairs need a balanced diet with high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Choose a high-quality commercial cat food that meets nutritional standards. Ensure fresh water is always available.

Kitten Needs: Domestic Shorthair kittens have different nutritional needs compared to adult cats. During their rapid growth phase, they require a diet rich in protein, fat, and calories to support healthy development. Look for kitten-specific formulas that provide the right balance of nutrients for growth and development. Kittens typically need to be fed multiple times a day—three to four small meals are ideal until they are about six months old, after which you can gradually transition to two meals per day.

Adult Domestic Shorthairs: Adult Domestic Shorthairs need a balanced diet to maintain energy levels and overall health. Opt for high-quality adult cat food and monitor their weight, adjusting portions as needed. Typically, two meals a day are sufficient.

Senior Domestic Shorthairs: Senior cats may require lower-calorie diets to prevent weight gain while still providing enough protein. Senior cat foods often include nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids for joint health. Regular vet check-ups can help adjust their diet as needed.