Domestic Shorthairs 101

They’re called housecats or domestic cats. Science calls them "felis catus." Whatever you call them, the common feline is anything but common. Each has a unique color, markings and – dare we say it? – purr-sonality. Long kept for controlling populations of mice and other unwanted pests, today most of these shorthaired companions earn their living simply by sharing our lives.

What we love about Domestic Shorthairs

Sleek cats with easy-care coats

Size

12 to 16 inches tall

Weight

8 to 12 lbs

Lifespan

12 to 18 years

My pet’s health planner`SM`

Mature adult Domestic Shorthair

7 years to 10 years

Risk level for common Domestic Shorthair conditions

Dental disease

Diabetes mellitus

Ear hematoma

Senior Domestic Shorthair

11+ years

Risk level for common Domestic Shorthair conditions

Hyperthyroid disease (Hyperthyroidism)

Endocrine cancer

Diabetes mellitus

Domestic Shorthair kitten

0 to 1 year

Risk level for common Domestic Shorthair conditions

Respiratory infection

Conjunctivitis

Foreign body ingestion

Young adult Domestic Shorthair

2 years to 6 years

Risk level for common Domestic Shorthair conditions

Foreign body ingestion

Trauma

Asthma

Mature adult Domestic Shorthair

7 years to 10 years

Risk level for common Domestic Shorthair conditions

Dental disease

Diabetes mellitus

Ear hematoma

Senior Domestic Shorthair

11+ years

Risk level for common Domestic Shorthair conditions

Hyperthyroid disease (Hyperthyroidism)

Endocrine cancer

Diabetes mellitus

Domestic Shorthair kitten

0 to 1 year

Risk level for common Domestic Shorthair conditions

Respiratory infection

Conjunctivitis

Foreign body ingestion

Young adult Domestic Shorthair

2 years to 6 years

Risk level for common Domestic Shorthair conditions

Foreign body ingestion

Trauma

Asthma

Nationwide can help you save on your Domestic Shorthair's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Did you know?

One of the original "Internet cats," Grumpy Cat's real name was Tardar Sauce. This online sensation first gained fame in 2012.

Good grooming, feline style

Most cats, especially the short-haired ones, are pretty easy to keep well-groomed. In fact, your cat will do most of the work for you. Since many cats enjoy the feeling of being brushed, consider it a bonding time, as well as a practice that will minimize shedding. The fur you catch on a brush won’t end up on the furniture! Older cats may need a little more help, since arthritis may prevent them from grooming hard-to-reach places. (Neglected grooming can also be a sign that your cat isn't well, so talk to your vet if your cat's coat is looking dull, unkempt or matted.)

Consider keeping nail tips trimmed and brushing your cat’s teeth. Both procedures need to be gradually introduced with affection, patience and the yummiest of small treats, but they pay off in the long run for you both. Ask your veterinary healthcare team to demonstrate, or look up how-to videos by veterinary professionals online.

What's the best way to keep my cat happy indoors?

For health and safety reasons, it’s best to keep cats indoors. For cats, though, it means their sights, sounds and smells are limited to their home. That’s why feline experts recommend making sure your cat has plenty to do to keep their minds, bodies and senses engaged. Among the choices are food puzzles to satisfy their urge to hunt, cat trees and wall-mounting areas for climbing and scratching, interactive toys and games such as “cat-fishing” with a toy attached to a string on a pole. Best of all: Consider a “catio,” a screened enclosure for your cat to enjoy the outdoors safely, weather permitting. Providing your pet with environmental enrichment and opportunities to jump and exercise will keep them happier and healthier.

How can I keep my cat at a healthy weight?

While some may view chunky kitties as having "more to love," the extra weight is actually doing more harm than good. Obesity is linked to multiple health concerns, so keeping cats lean is key to better health. The first step is recognizing your pet’s body condition, because many people don’t realize their pets are overweight! Your veterinary healthcare team can help, both with assessing body fat and with guidance for reducing weight, including special diets.

Quick-loss diets can be deadly for cats, so aim for slow, steady reduction. First step: Close the kitty buffet and measure out a daily portion. “Wet” food, which has a higher water content, can help, as can food puzzles that slow down eating. Interactive toys and games will help burn calories, with the end goal of a cat who’s fit, not fat.

Is it better to have more than one cat?

Cats are often considered to be solitary, aloof animals, but in fact, unowned cats manage a complex web of social interactions in their communities. While it’s safer and healthier to keep cats inside, many of them prefer being with their own kind. The good news is that shelters have lots of feline friends to adopt! Consider adopting a bonded pair of cats, or a younger cat or kitten if you have an adult cat already.

Don’t rush the introductions: Let each cat choose how much – and how little – to interact, and provide separate food, water, litter boxes and cat trees. Even if both cats become good friends, they will likely still enjoy the privacy of their own space from time to time.

Dealing with instinctive behaviors

Double Trouble

Litter box rules

There are a few basic rules when it comes to litter boxes:

No sharing: One box per cat, plus one more
Privacy please: Put each box in a quiet, private location
No fancy fillers: Most cats prefer an unscented clumping litter
Clean frequently: No one likes a dirty bathroom

Since inappropriate elimination (accidents outside the litter box) is often a symptom of a health problem in cats, it’s best to consult your veterinarian first, especially if the problem is new. They can advise on the next steps, including how to address non-medical reasons for the problem.

Furniture Mauler

Scratch & Sniff

Scratching is necessary and satisfying for cats, so point their claws toward appropriate surfaces, using feline hormone spray and rubbing fresh catnip to encourage them. Entice them to shift away from furniture by:

Providing vertical and horizontal scratching choices
Offering a variety of materials, such as carpet, cardboard and rope
Putting tin foil or double-sided tape on surfaces you don't want them scratching
Trimming the tips of your cat’s nails regularly