Choosing your perfect cat companion is a big decision, as you’ll be sharing your home and heart with them for many years to come. Rather than committing to one breed, you could opt for a Domestic Shorthair or Longhair cat. These beautiful cats are like a mixed bag of lollies - you’re not quite sure what you’re going to get but they’re all great!

Typically easygoing and adaptable, Domestics make fantastic family pets and there are normally plenty of them waiting to be adopted. Read on to learn more about these fabulous felines and why you should consider adding one to your home.

A Domestic Shorthair by any other name is a moggie - that’s the affectionate term for them. A Domestic Shorthair isn’t an officially recognised breed of cat. That’s because they’ve got mixed ancestry which varies from cat to cat. Like there are mixed-breed dogs, the Domestic Shorthair is a mixed-breed cat. Although some Domestics might look like a certain cat breed, it’s just a coincidence.

As well as Domestic Shorthair cats, there are Domestic Longhair cats. The only difference between them is in their name: the Domestic Longhair has longer hair than the Shorthair!

The Domestic Shorthair’s ancestors are the cats who arrived in New Zealand with early European settlers. These early settlers used these cats to hunt rats who threatened their food supply. Later, these cats became working farm cats. As working cats, Domestics are hardy and have a healthy lifespan of around 15 years, with some living up to 20.

For over 150 years, Domestic Shorthair cats have lived happily in New Zealand, becoming our native domestic cat. Adaptable, they cope with the chilly mountainous regions, the wet subtropical regions, the dry, desert-like regions and the hustle of city life.

Because Domestics are mixed breed, it’s hard to define their appearance as each one can look slightly different. Domestics come in a wide range of colours, patterns and sizes, but generally they tend to be medium-sized and muscular. They tend to have round faces and eyes, with their heads, noses and ears in perfect proportion with the rest of their body.

Shorthairs have short, sleek coats while the Domestic Longhair’s coat tends to be between 5 and 15cm long. Some Longhairs have thick neck ruffs as well as ear and paw tufts which makes them look delightfully fluffy!

As a mixed breed, there’s no standard Shorthair personality. Their personality can span a wide range, from playful and affectionate to docile and calm, and from quiet to vocal. But there is some agreement, with all Domestics thought to be social cats who are loyal and devoted to their family.

They’re also not aggressive by nature and tend to be easy going. This makes Domestic Shorthairs and Longhairs great family pets. With early socialisation, Domestics can learn to live and play happily with other cats, dogs and pets.

With their history as working cats, Domestics have strong hunting instincts and are known for their balancing and leaping skills, making them playful cats. It’s important a Domestic has an outlet for this energy, so stock up on scratching posts that they can practise their climbing, jumping and balancing skills on. Cat toys, including feather wands and balls, allow them to hunt and pounce. Interactive toys that you can hide treats in appeal to Domestics too as they need to hunt them out.

Once playtime is over, Domestics love nothing more than a comfy bed (or lap) to snooze the rest of the day away on.

Hopefully now you know everything you wanted to know about Domestic Shorthair and Longhair cats! If you’re still not sure or have a question we haven’t answered, contact our friendly Pet Direct Customer Care team on 0800 200 240 or email support@petdirect.co.nz.