What Kind Of Cat Is The Domestic Shorthair?

May 11, 2021

If you find yourself at a local animal rescue shelter looking for a new feline friend, chances are you’ll see mainly Domestic Shorthair cats up for adoption. So let’s take a closer look at this breed and learn more about its quirks and foibles.

According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), the Domestic Shorthair is a great family pet that gets along with every member of the family, including children, dogs and other pets. They are a sweet and affectionate cat that usually live a long and healthy life. A good addition to any household.

The Domestic Shorthair made its way to American shores from Europe during the 18th century. They were welcomed aboard cargo ships as they helped to keep the rat population down. The Tabby Cat became the first feline member to become recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 1896 at the Second Annual Cat Show at Madison Square Garden. In 1906, the Domestic Shorthair was one of the first five registered breeds with the CFA.

It wasn’t until the 1930s to 1950s that breeders took an interest in the Domestic Shorthair. By 1966 the Domestic Shorthair was well and truly a household name and became known from then on as the American Shorthair. 

Tabbies are the most commonly recognized in this class, ranging in colour from brown to silver to brown patched. The American Shorthair has a sleek soft coat with green, blue, gold or hazel eyes. Males can grow up to 11-15 lbs, while females usually reach 6-12 lbs. They reach maturity around 3-4 years of age and can live anywhere from 15 to 20 years with the proper care. They are low shed and require little grooming.

To maintain a long and healthy life, the CFA recommends raising your cats as indoor kitties, neutering or spaying them, and providing scratching posts to encourage natural behaviour. Declawing and tendonectomy surgery are discouraged.