Last Updated: 11/12/2025
Domestic Mediumhair Breed Guide
Everything you need to know about the Domestic Medium Hair. Our vets cover personality, health, and the specific grooming needs of this fluffy moggie. Learn how to manage hairballs and keep your cat happy and healthy.
Author: Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 7 minutes - short read
The Domestic Medium Hair is the fluffy, semi-longhaired cousin of Australia's beloved "moggie." Like their shorthaired counterparts, they are not a formal breed but rather a celebration of genetic diversity. This results in a stunning variety of coat colours, patterns, and personalities, all wrapped up in a beautiful, medium-length coat. They are adaptable and robust, making them a wonderful, eye-catching companion for many families.
All about Domestic Medium Hairs
Place of origin
Global (mixed ancestry)
Weight range
3.5-6.0kg (can vary)
Coat type
Semi-longhaired
Height range
20-25cm
Coat colours
All colours (tabby, solid, tortoiseshell, calico, bi-colour, etc.)
Life expectancy
12-18 years
Coat markings
All patterns
Grooming needs
Moderate
Shedding factor
Moderate to High
Health issues
Generally robust; prone to hairballs, matting, dental disease, obesity
Eye colour
All colours
Energy level
Medium
Family suitability
Suitable for most households
Tendency to vocalise
Low to Medium
Compatability with other pets
Medium to High (depends on individual)
Trainability
Medium
Nutrition
A high-quality diet is crucial for managing the specific needs of a Domestic Medium Hair, particularly for controlling hairballs and keeping their skin and coat in top condition.
Best food for adult Domestic Mediumhairs
Look for foods that are specifically formulated to help manage hairballs, as these contain higher levels of fibre to help move hair through the digestive tract. Formulas rich in omega-3 and -6 fatty acids will also help nourish their skin and coat from the inside out.
What to look for
"Hairball control" formula with increased fibre
Balanced minerals and pH for urinary health
Added omega-3 and -6 fatty acids for skin and coat health
Vet picks
Best food for DMH kittens
DMH kittens need a high-quality kitten formula to fuel their rapid growth and development. It's also a great idea to introduce them to a varied diet, including both wet and dry food, from an early age. This helps them get used to different textures and flavours, which can prevent pickiness later in life and ensure they receive a balanced range of nutrients. Always choose a formula specifically designed for kittens, or 'all-life-stages' to ensure they're getting all the essential vitamins and minerals their growing bodies need.
What to look for
Balanced energy, vitamins, and minerals for growth
Highly digestible formula to help prevent tummy upsets
DHA (from fish oil) for brain and vision development
Vet picks
Flea & worming
Year-round parasite protection is essential for all cats, and the DMH is no exception. Their thick, medium-length fur can easily hide fleas, ticks, and skin issues, making prevention even more critical.
Best flea and worming treatments for Domestic Medium Hair Cats
The easiest way to ensure complete parasite protection is to use a single, broad-spectrum "all-in-one" product. A spot-on product is often the easiest and most effective solution. When applying, it's very important to part the fur thoroughly and apply the liquid directly to the skin on the back of the neck, where they can't lick it off.
It is critical to always choose a product based on your cat's accurate body weight. Using the correct dosage is essential for the treatment to be both safe and effective.
What to look for
Covers fleas, heartworm, and intestinal worms, as well as ticks if in a paralysis tick area
Always double check the weight range to ensure an effective dose
All in one products for simplicity
Health
The main health issues for a DMH are directly related to their beautiful coat, alongside the common feline ailments of dental disease and obesity.
Best products for hairball control in Domestic Mediumhairs
For Domestic Medium Hair cats, managing hairballs is a common concern due to their lush coats. The best approach often involves a combination of products.
High-quality hairball control diets are specially formulated with a blend of fibres that help move ingested hair through the digestive system, rather than forming troublesome hairballs. Look for brands that are well-regarded and specifically state hairball control on their packaging.
Additionally, psyllium husk added to wet food can be beneficial in helping to capture the ingested hair and move it through the gut safety.
Laxative pastes can be very effective, but can cause nutritional deficiencies when used long-term, so these should only be used for 2-3 days at a time. These contain ingredients like lubricants like paraffin which aid in the smooth passage of hair.
Regular grooming with a good quality brush, like a deshedding tool, also plays a crucial role by removing loose fur before it can be ingested, significantly reducing the amount of hair your DMH cat swallows.
For more information, read through our article all about Hairballs in Cats.
What to look for
Hairball-specific retail diets, or therapeutic high-fibre diets
Hairball and fibre supplements
Deshedding tools to removed shedded hair before it's ingested
Best products for dental health in Domestic Mediumhairs
Dental health starts at home. For a Domestic Mediumhair cat, the "gold standard" for dental health is daily brushing with a pet-safe toothpaste and a small, soft-bristled toothbrush. However, if your cat won't tolerate brushing, there are excellent alternatives.
Specially formulated dental diets and dental treats are designed with a unique size, texture and/or ingredients that helps to reduce plaque build up on the teeth. For cats with a history of dental disease, prescription therapeutic dental diets are often recommended, but these must only be used under the recommendation of your cat's treating vet.
Other effective, low-stress options include water additives or dental powders that you can add to their food or water to help reduce bacterial buildup and freshen breath.
For more information, read through our articles all about Dental Care for Cats, and How to Brush Cat Teeth.
What to look for
Dental diets, or therapeutic veterinary diets for cats with a previous history of dental disease
Cat-safe toothpastes and soft bristled toothbrushes
Dental chews, water additives and powders to support dental health
Training and activity
A Domestic Medium Hair is just as intelligent and playful as any other cat. They need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and weight gain, especially if they live indoors.
Best toys for Domestic Mediumhairs
Since their personalities vary, it's best to have a "toy library." Some love to chase, some love to "hunt," and others prefer a puzzle. Interactive play with a wand is a fantastic way to bond and get them moving.
What to look for
Teasers and other toys that foster play between human and cat
Interactive and puzzle toys to provide mental stimulation
Small, light solo toys (balls, mice) they can bat around
Grooming
This is a super important part of caring for a Domestic Medium Hair. Their semi-long fur requires regular grooming to prevent it from tangling and forming painful knots or "mats" close to the skin.
Best grooming products for Domestic Mediumhairs
A DMH needs to be brushed several times a week, if not daily. The key is to use a tool that can get through the topcoat and remove loose hair from the undercoat. A metal comb is excellent for finding small tangles, and a slicker brush is great for removing loose fur. A deshedding tool is highly recommended also, particularly for those times of year when there is increased shedding, such as during the change of seasons. Regular nail trimming is also important, especially for indoor cats.
What to look for
Slicker brushes and metal combs for regular grooming
Pet-friendly wipes for spot cleaning
Deshedding tools to capture dead shedding hair
Sleep, travel and home
Creating a comfortable and stimulating environment for your Domestic Mediumhair at home, such as providing scratching posts, cat trees, and interactive toys, is crucial for their physical and mental well-being. When travelling, using a secure carrier or harness and gradually introducing them to new environments can minimise stress and ensure a positive experience.
Best beds and cat trees for Domestic Mediumhairs
To ensure a Domestic Medium Hair (DMH) feels secure and stimulated, your home must cater to their core feline instincts. This involves providing vertical space, like cat trees or shelves, which allows them to climb, survey their territory, and feel safe from a high vantage point.
Equally important are appropriate scratching outlets, such as sisal posts or cardboard pads, which satisfy their natural urge to maintain their claws, stretch, and mark their territory.
Finally, offering secure hiding places - like cardboard boxes, tunnels, or enclosed beds - is crucial, as it gives them a safe "home base" to retreat to when they feel stressed, overwhelmed, or simply want to rest undisturbed. Meeting these three essential needs (climbing, scratching, and hiding) is fundamental to preventing stress and behavioural issues, allowing your cat to thrive.
What to look for
Elevated platforms such as shelves and window hammocks to add vertical space
Cat trees with multiple platforms
Hideaway beds for a secluded, quiet sleeping place
Best travel accessories for Domestic Mediumhairs
A high-quality, secure carrier is one of the most important safety items you can own for your cat. It's not just for long-distance travel; it is an essential tool for any trip outside the home, especially routine or emergency visits to the veterinarian. A carrier provides a "safe den" for your cat in unfamiliar environments and, most importantly, prevents them from escaping in a panic.
Ensure the carrier is well-ventilated with openings on multiple sides for good airflow, which helps keep your cat calm and prevents overheating. For maximum ease of use, seek out two key features:
- A top-loading door, which makes it significantly less stressful to place a reluctant cat inside.
- A design where the entire top half can be easily removed from the bottom. This allows a veterinarian to examine a very anxious cat while they remain securely in the familiar bottom half of their carrier, dramatically reducing their stress.
To keep your cat safe during stops, a well-fitted harness and leash are crucial for secure exploration. Finally, to reduce the anxiety of a new environment, consider a calming pheromone spray (like Feliway) to mist inside the carrier about 15 minutes before you leave.
For more information, read through our Guide to Cat Carriers.
What to look for
Carriers and backpacks that give your cat a safe way to take in the world
Vest style harnesses with a detachable lead
Soft crates for longer trips and overnight stays
Domestic Medium Hair FAQ
