Domestic Short Hair Cats

The cat associations do not consider the domestic short hair cats as a particular breed. However, this has not deterred many cat lovers from bringing home these random bred, ordinary short coated cats as pets. The domestic short hair cats win the popularity contests hands down as they are no less than any of the aristocratic breeds of cats.

History of Domestic Short Hair Cats

The domestic short hair cats have been the first of the wild felines to have been domesticated. The domestic short hair cats today, are the descendents of Felis silvestris lybica, the short-haired African wildcat.

The history of domestic short hair cats dates back to over hundreds of years when human settlers grew and stored food. These wild cats were smart enough to understand that humans would provide them with a steady source of food, that is, rodents plaguing their food supplies. The cats lived around the settlements and soon men proved to be smarter as they discovered these cats could help them get rid of the savage rodents. Then around 4000 years ago, the Egyptian cats became popular pets and soon the Egyptian cat cult became a sacred manifestation of their goddess Bast.

The Egyptians protected their felines and did not allow them to be smuggled or traded outside the country. However, the Phoenician traders transported them to Europe and the British Isles. And the Romans smuggled them to other conquered regions of Europe. The cats were taken over to the oriental Asia by the Buddhist monks.

Soon, cats began to be transported to other areas around the world. The ships traveling far and wide, carried cats along and they spread globally, even to the New World. Soon, these short hair domesticated felines came to America and today are known as the domestic short hair cats.

Domestic Short Hair Cat Information

The domestic short hair cat is often confused with the American short hair cat or the British short hair. These two breeds are recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), whereas, the domestic short hair cat is not. The domestic short hair are cats that have unknown parentage and the American short hair cats are those cats with a true pedigree variety.

These random bred domestic cats have a healthy mix of genes, making them one sturdy cat breed. They are available in variety of colors, styles and personality. If you live in a colder climate, you will find domestic cats with thicker coats and stocky builds. And in warmer regions, these cats have lighter colors and thinner coats.

Personality
The personality of these cats is as colorful as their coat colors. Those who own a domesticate short hair, will vouch for their different and varied temperaments. This is because one cannot say for sure which is their line of ancestry and therefore, one cannot predict the behavior of an adult cat. You can bring home a really vocal cat, you can be sure no voice is heard above hers. Or you may get home the silent types who like to explore its surroundings quietly. Or may be your kitten grows into a really large domestic short hair cat or stays small. Maybe it has a really outgoing personality or is a bit reserved, withdrawn cat. The domestic short hair cats are comparatively livelier than the long hair cats. The level of socialization and care of the cat will determine the domestic short hair care personality.

Life Expectancy
The domestic short hair cat's life expectancy depends on the amount of care and affection you shower on him. A domestic short hair cat can live for about 8 - 20 years. There are cats that have crossed their 20s. So the domestic short hair cat life expectancy can be 2 to 5 years longer when they are sprayed or neutered. A proper cat food diet, lot of love and less of cat health problems will help increase your feline's life expectancy.

Allergies
The domestic short hair cat allergies are as good as none. These cats cause few cat allergies as compared to the long hair cats. The amount of grooming required for these cats is very minimum. Also, the cat allergen or cat 'dander' that is found in cat saliva tends to stick to the long hair cats fur more than the short hair cats. Thus, people suffering from cat allergies can think about getting home domestic short hair cats as pets. These cats will lead to minimum cat allergies due to dander.

Domestic Short Hair Cat Facts

The domestic short hair cat is an ideal pet for families with or without children. They are great cats for first time cat owners as they require minimum care and maintenance. They have a short, sleek coat that comes in varied colors. They are also a safe bet for people with cat allergies. The domestic short hair cat requires minimum grooming and an adequate diet will ensure a well toned body and healthy skin of the cat.

This was all about domestic short hair cat facts and personality. You can develop a strong bond with your cat with love and care. Make sure you visit the vet regularly to keep cat illnesses at bay.