Everything You Need To Know About Domestic Shorthair Cats

Do you have a busy lifestyle but would like to have a furry companion to share your home? The domestic shorthair cat may be just who you are looking for.

Low maintenance, friendly, and wearing a perpetual smile, the domestic shorthair cat is a breed that fits in just about anywhere. Wag! will tell you everything you need to know about domestic shorthair cats and help you decide whether this feline is your next furever friend!

We all love mixed breed dogs. In fact, they are top-notch when it comes to loyalty and affection. The domestic shorthair cat is the mixed breed of the feline world and is a very special combination of different cats, with their lineage coming from a long time ago. It is thought that these sweet four-leggers came over to America on the Mayflower!

Don’t mix these beauties up with the American Shorthair or the British Shorthair. These two breeds are separate and are not to be confused with the Domestic Shorthair. The American Shorthair is smaller in size than the British Shorthair typically, with the Domestic Shorthair falling somewhere in between.

Are you new to the world of caring for a pet? Then this happy-go-lucky tomcat is the purr-fect choice. They are not prone to specific illnesses, although they should have regular vet visits for vaccinations and general wellness checks just as all pets require.

Even though you will keep your kitty safe and sound indoors, they will love to stalk a bird or a squirrel when they look out the window. Taking them outside on a leash? Be prepared for them to be on the prowl and enjoying the chase of a leaf or bug. Cats do like to hunt at night, so if you hear your furry feline roaming the house in the dark, know they are acting on an innate instinct!

Keep an eye on your little alleycat when it comes to treats and tidbits. This hearty breed loves food and can become overweight if allowed to graze. Finicky domestic shorthair cats can exist, though. The safest bet for good health is to ask your pet veterinarian for a recommendation of kitty kibble.

Because this breed can have a relatively long lifespan (some live to 20 years!) and unspayed cats can quickly add to the feline population, these furiendly cats are often seen waiting for homes in adoption shelters. Don’t have your new cat yet? Choose one from a shelter and give a lonely cat a loving home.

We mentioned that this well-traveled cat came to America on the Mayflower. They worked for their passage on the ship by taking care of the rat and mouse problems onboard. Once here, they worked the farms and businesses by keeping critters at bay!

This climbing cat can be agile and athletic, reaching high places and jumping from one obstacle to the next. Because they love to run and play, it’s important to keep them at a healthy weight. Buy your cat toys they can chase, allowing them to romp and frolic at will.

Tabby, black, tri-color tortoiseshell, smoky grey, and orange are just a few of the colors these cats can produce. It’s quite amazing really, the variety of shades and patterns seen in this non-pedigreed pet.

No matter if you become the lucky pet parent of a curious kitten or an adorable adult cat, the domestic shorthair will work their way into your heart and home in no time. Who can resist their winning ways and loud motorboat purrs?

It has been said that the Domestic Shorthair cat is one of the smartest felines around. Think about teaching them tasks with these tips:

• Work on one command at a time. Once your cat has the task down pat, you can move on to the next. Try teaching your cat to sit the same as you would your dog.

• Use cat-safe tasty treats as motivation for training. Remember, cats can gain weight if they eat too much. Keep the treats small and healthy.

• Cats can be taught to fetch and may even do it on their own. Purchase a catnip mouse and see how often your feline friend brings it back to you. The scent and shape are sure to catch your cat’s attention.

• Work with your cat’s mood. One of the most endearing things about cats is their independence. When they come to you, take advantage of the opportunity to play with them and train.

• Don’t make training a negative experience. If you punish them or lack patience, you may lose their cooperation altogether.