Last Updated: 19/11/2025
Domestic Shorthair Breed Guide
Discover everything about the Domestic Shorthair (moggie) in our expert vet guide. Get tips on nutrition, health, grooming, and behaviour to help your adaptable, lovable cat thrive. Read now to learn more from our Pet Circle vets.
Author: Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 6 minutes - short read
The Domestic Shorthair, affectionately known in Australia as the "moggie" or "DSH", is by far the most popular cat. They are the lovable, jack-of-all-trades of the feline world, celebrated for their diverse appearances and personalities. Being a mix of many different cat ancestors, they are generally robust and adaptable, making them a fantastic companion for almost any household, from single-person homes to busy families.
All about Domestic Shorthairs
Nutrition
Feeding a high quality diet that is tailored to your cat's age and size is one of the best ways to keep a Domestic Shorthair healthy, helping to manage their weight and support urinary health.
Best food for adult Domestic Shorthairs
As many DSH cats live indoors and can be prone to weight gain, choosing an "indoor" or "light" formula is often a great choice. These cats also benefit from diets that support urinary health, as urinary tract issues are one of the most common reasons they visit the vet.
What to look for
Calorie-controlled formula to help maintain a healthy weight
Balanced minerals and pH for urinary health
Added omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
Vet picks
Best food for DSH kittens
To support your kitten's growth, they need a kitten-specific formula with the right balance of protein and calories. Look for an easily digestible option, ideally with prebiotics, to promote good gut health and reduce the risk of tummy upsets.
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
Even if they live indoors, keeping a Domestic Shorthair protected year-round against parasites is essential. Fleas can be carried in on shoes or by other pets, and mosquitoes (which transmit heartworm) can easily get inside.
Best flea and worming treatments for DSHs
The easiest way to ensure complete parasite protection is to use a single, broad-spectrum "all-in-one" product. These are typically convenient spot-on treatments that you apply to the skin, and they are formulated to cover multiple parasites - like fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal worms - at once.
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
While genetically hardy, the DSH's health is often closely tied to its lifestyle. The three most common health concerns are obesity, dental disease, and urinary tract issues.
Best products for urinary health in Domestic Shorthairs
Hydration is key to your moggie's urinary health, as it dilutes urine and reduces the risk of crystal formation. You can increase water intake by incorporating wet food, providing a water fountain (since many cats prefer running water), or using water supplements.
If your DSH has a history of urinary issues, your vet will likely prescribe a therapeutic diet with balanced minerals and an optimal pH to prevent recurrence. It is crucial to consult your vet before making any changes to this prescribed diet. Regular urine tests are also essential for monitoring. While not a substitute for vet care, health-monitoring litter (which detects blood or pH changes) can be a useful at-home tool.
For more information, read through our articles all about Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease and How to Increase Your Cat's Water Intake.
What to look for
Therapeutic veterinary diets for cats with a previous history of urinary crystals or stones
Urine health monitoring litter to monitor pH or detect blood in the urine
Products to boost water intake like wet food, water fountains and water supplements
Best products for dental health in Domestic Shorthairs
Dental health starts at home. For a Domestic Shorthair 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
Don't let the "moggie" label fool you—DSH cats are intelligent and require stimulation. Play is vital for their physical health (and to prevent obesity) and mental well-being (to prevent boredom and destructive behaviours).
Best toys for Domestic Shorthairs
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
Grooming a Domestic Shorthair is quite simple, as their short, dense coats are low maintenance. While they are efficient self-groomers, a quick brushing session once a week is highly beneficial. This helps remove loose fur, which reduces shedding on your furniture and helps to minimise the amount of your cat ingests.
Best grooming products for Domestic Shorthairs
A quick brush once or twice a week with a grooming glove or soft-bristle brush is usually all that's needed to remove loose hair (reducing hairballs and shedding on the furniture) and check their skin. Regular nail trimming is also important, especially for indoor cats.
What to look for
A sturdy pair of cat nail clippers
Pet-friendly wipes for spot cleaning
Grooming glove, soft-bristled brushes or rubber curry combs
Sleep, travel and home
Creating a comfortable and stimulating environment for your Domestic Shorthair 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 Shorthairs
Cats feel safe when they are high up or hidden away. A tall cat tree provides a fantastic outlet for climbing, scratching, and surveying their territory. A cosy "igloo" or hideaway bed gives them a secure place to nap.
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 Shorthairs
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 Shorthair FAQ
