Domestic Medium Hair is a coat description rather than a breed. It covers mixed-ancestry house cats with fur between short and long: fluffier than a shorthair, often with a plumed tail, tufts between the toes and a soft undercoat, but without a heavy ruff. They come in every color and pattern, from tabby and tuxedo to calico and solid black.
Because their ancestry is mixed, size, personality and health vary from cat to cat. Most are medium-sized and sturdy, weighing roughly 6 to 14 pounds, and many live well into their teens. Expect more brushing than a shorthair needs, especially when the coat changes in spring and fall. In Alexandria's damp climate, regular combing also keeps fur from matting. Spending time with the cat is the best guide to its personality.