Miau · Breeds
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.
Common questions
- How does Miau identify a breed?
- It reads the cat's features — face shape, ear set, coat type and colour pattern — and matches them against dozens of breeds, returning the closest match with a confidence score.
- How accurate is it?
- Very accurate for distinctive purebreds like Maine Coons or Siamese. For domestic shorthairs and moggies, it shows the closest matches and a confidence score rather than forcing a single answer.
- Does it work for mixed-breed cats?
- Yes. For a moggy it shows the breeds your cat most resembles, so you still get a useful answer.
- Can I identify a cat from a saved photo?
- Yes. Scan live with your camera or upload any photo from your gallery.
- Is Miau free?
- Yes. Miau is free to download and use, with no account required.
Get the app
Miau — Cat Breed Identifier
Curious about a cat right now? Open the app page: Mixed-breed cat identifier.