Domestic Shorthair — The World's Most Common Cat

Your vet wrote 'domestic shorthair' on the form — but what does that actually mean? Less than you might think. Here's what's really going on.

'Domestic shorthair' is not a breed

It's a description — a short-haired cat of no particular breed. It's the cat equivalent of 'mutt'. Around 95% of cats in the world are domestic shorthairs or longhairs.

What's in the mix

Domestic shorthairs are the result of generations of uncontrolled matings between cats of many different ancestries. The genetic mix is often surprisingly diverse.

Why it matters

• Coat colour and pattern come from the mix, not one breed.
• Temperament is individual, shaped partly by ancestry and partly by upbringing.
• Health predispositions are harder to predict than in purebreds.
• But hybrid vigour often makes moggies remarkably robust.

What a breed identifier can tell you

A photo identifier won't name a 'breed', but it will show you the recognised breeds your cat most resembles in appearance — a fun and often surprisingly accurate window into the mix.

Curious about a cat right now? Open the app page: Mixed-breed cat identifier.