Domestic Short Hair Cats for Adoption in Goodyear, AZ

Domestic shorthair cats typically live about 12 to 18 years, and many indoor cats reach their late teens or early twenties. Large UK veterinary studies have found mixed-breed cats tend to live slightly longer than pedigreed cats on average. Spaying or neutering, indoor living, a healthy weight, dental care and regular checkups all help a cat enjoy a longer life.

No, domestic shorthair cats are not hypoallergenic. The main cat allergen, a protein called Fel d 1, comes from saliva and skin glands, so short fur does not prevent reactions. Allergen levels vary between individual cats, and some people react less to certain cats. Spending time with a specific cat before adopting is the best way to test your response.

A domestic shorthair cat is a short-coated cat of mixed or unknown ancestry rather than a member of a pedigreed breed. It is the most common type of cat in the United States and in shelters. Domestic shorthairs come in every color and pattern, and their size and personality vary widely depending on their varied genetic background.

Yes, domestic shorthair cats shed, usually moderately and year-round, with heavier shedding in spring and fall. Weekly brushing removes loose hair, reduces hairballs and gives you a chance to check for skin problems. Indoor cats under artificial light may shed fairly steadily. Bald patches, excessive grooming or a dull, flaky coat are reasons to see a veterinarian.

A healthy adult domestic shorthair cat usually weighs about 8 to 12 pounds, though small-framed females may weigh 6 pounds and large males 14 or more without being overweight. Body shape is a better guide than the scale: you should feel ribs under a slight fat layer and see a waist. Your veterinarian can confirm your cat's ideal weight.

Domestic shorthair cats are usually medium-sized, standing roughly 8 to 10 inches at the shoulder and weighing about 8 to 12 pounds as adults. Because they have mixed ancestry, some stay petite while others grow large and muscular, particularly males. A kitten's eventual size is hard to predict, so adopting an adult shows exactly how big the cat will be.

DSH stands for domestic shorthair, the label shelters, rescues and veterinary clinics use for a short-coated cat of mixed or unknown ancestry. Similar abbreviations include DMH for domestic medium hair and DLH for domestic long hair. DSH describes coat length, not a breed, so it tells you nothing specific about the cat's color, size or personality.

Most domestic shorthair cats reach close to adult size around 12 months old. Many keep filling out with muscle and frame until about 18 months to two years, and larger males often mature last. Weight gain after that point is usually fat rather than growth, so adjusting portions after spaying or neutering and kittenhood helps prevent obesity.

Domestic shorthair cats descend from the Near Eastern wildcat, which began living alongside early farming communities roughly 10,000 years ago. Cats then spread worldwide with people, traveling on trade routes and ships to the Americas. Today's domestic shorthairs come from that long history of natural, unplanned breeding rather than from any single place or designed breed.

We have 1 rescue with Domestic Short Hairs available: West Valley Animal Rescue. You can see every rescue with Domestic Short Hairs available in the list above these questions, or scroll to the top to see the Domestic Short Hairs near Goodyear.