Domestic Shorthair
duh-MES-tik SHORT-hair
Adaptable, Variable, Resilient, Individual. Origin: Worldwide (mixed ancestry).
An adult Domestic Shorthair weighs 8-12 lbs (male) or 6-10 lbs (female), needs 150-350 calories daily, and lives 12-20 yrs. The breed's primary health watch is obesity. All numbers below come from breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Domestic Shorthair needs 150 to 350 calories per day. An average male (10 lbs / 4.5 kg) needs around 260 kcal; a female (8 lbs / 3.6 kg) roughly 220 kcal.
Estimate for a typical adult Domestic Shorthair. For kittens, seniors, or specific conditions, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
The Domestic Shorthair encompasses mixed-breed cats with short coats, representing the most common type of cat in the United States. Their diverse genetics offer significant health advantages. No single inherited condition dominates. The main health concerns are those affecting all cats: obesity (especially in indoor-only cats), dental disease, kidney disease in senior years, and urinary tract issues. Life expectancy is 12 to 18 years.
Exercise and activity
Varies widely by individual. Most DSH cats benefit from 15-30 minutes of interactive play daily. Puzzle feeders help engage their hunting instincts. A balanced mix of active play and quiet companionship suits most Domestic Shorthair cats. They adapt to their owner's lifestyle but should not be entirely sedentary.
Care and traits
Domestic Shorthair cats have a short, dense, variable colors coat. Origin: Worldwide (mixed ancestry).
Domestic Shorthairs aren't a breed; they're cats of mixed or unknown ancestry with short coats. This genetic diversity generally makes them healthier than purebred cats. They come in virtually every color and pattern. Shelter cats are overwhelmingly DSH cats and make wonderful companions.
The Domestic Shorthair is not a specific breed but a category encompassing mixed-breed cats with short coats. This means wide variation in temperament, size, health, and appearance. Their genetic diversity often provides hybrid vigor, resulting in fewer hereditary health conditions than purebred cats. What they lack in pedigree predictability, they make up in individuality. Each Domestic Shorthair is genuinely unique. Shelters are full of healthy, affectionate Domestic Shorthairs waiting for homes.
Tools for Domestic Shorthair owners
Frequently asked questions
Plan for 150 to 350 calories per day for an adult Domestic Shorthair. An average individual at 10 lbs falls near the middle of that range. Two measured meals daily keeps most medium cats at a healthy weight. Avoid free-feeding unless your cat self-regulates well, which many do not. Use our calorie calculator with your cat's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males: 8-12 lbs (3.6–5.4 kg). Females: 6-10 lbs (2.7–4.5 kg). Feel for ribs along the sides. They should be easy to find under a thin layer of flesh. View from above: a visible waist narrowing behind the ribs indicates healthy condition.
Among Domestic Shorthair cats, obesity is the most commonly flagged condition. Regular veterinary screening helps catch obesity early, when treatment is most effective. Other conditions to monitor include dental disease, urinary tract disease. Not every Domestic Shorthair will develop these conditions, but awareness and regular vet checkups make a real difference.
Moderate play needs that most owners can easily meet. One or two interactive play sessions of 10-15 minutes daily, combined with access to a cat tree and window perch, keeps this breed content. They enjoy play but are equally happy relaxing. Every cat, regardless of breed, benefits from some daily play and enrichment. Even five minutes of chasing a wand toy is better than nothing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on TICA/CFA standards and veterinary sources. Individual cats vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your cat. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026