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Domestic Medium Hair Cat Breed Info: Pictures, Care, Traits & Facts

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

Domestic Medium Hair Cat

Height: 9 – 14 inches
Weight: 11 – 22 pounds
Lifespan: 15 – 18 years
Colors: Many different colors and patterns
Suitable for: Pretty much anyone that loves cats
Temperament: Depends on the ancestry of the cat

Do you think a domestic medium hair cat would be a good fit for your home? If so, continue reading to learn everything you need to know about this breed! Domestic medium hair cats are known for being affectionate and good-natured. They enjoy spending time with their families and are generally very easygoing.

These cats also tend to be relatively low maintenance when it comes to care. They are typically not picky eaters and do not require much grooming. Another plus is that they come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, so you are sure to find one that suits your taste! Keep reading to learn more about the history of this breed and some health concerns to be aware of.

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Domestic Medium Hair Kittens

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

You can get a domestic medium hair cat from a variety of places. You can adopt one from a shelter or rescue, buy one from a breeder, or find one as a stray.

If you are interested in getting a domestic medium hair, it is important to choose a responsible breeder. This will help ensure that your cat is healthy and has a good temperament. A responsible breeder will be able to provide you with information about the parents and grandparents of your cat. They should also be able to provide you with a health certificate from a veterinarian.

When looking for a breeder, be sure to avoid those that are selling kittens in pet stores or online. These kittens are often sick and have not been properly socialized. It is also important to avoid breeders that allow visitors to handle their kittens too much. This can lead to the spread of disease and trauma for the kittens.

The best way to find a responsible breeder is to ask for recommendations from friends or your veterinarian. Once you have found a few breeders, be sure to visit their facilities and meet the cats before making a decision.hepper cat paw divider

3 Little Known Facts About the Domestic Medium Hair Cat

1. The domestic medium hair cat is not a single breed.

The domestic medium hair breed originated in the United States. These cats were originally bred from a mix of European shorthair and longhair cats. The goal was to create a cat that had the best traits of both breeds, and the result was the domestic medium hair! This type of cat became very popular in homes across America, and they are still one of the most popular breeds today.


2. No two cats are alike.

Because these cats are of such mixed ancestry, no two domestic medium hair cats will be alike. They can have a variety of coat colors and patterns. They can also have a variety of different temperaments. It all depends on the genetics of the cat and its parents, grandparents, etc.


3. They make great pets for first-time cat owners.

If you’ve never had a cat before, then a domestic medium hair cat makes the perfect pet. They generally have a very calm, docile, and affectionate temperament. But because there is such a variety of these cats to choose from, it won’t be difficult to find one that meshes well with the personality and lifestyle of you and your family.

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Temperament and Intelligence of the Domestic Medium Hair Cat

Although the exact temperament and personality can vary greatly depending on the cat, overall, the domestic medium hair is a great breed for those looking for an affectionate and easygoing cat. But let’s take a closer look at some individual personality traits that your domestic medium hair is likely to have.

Affectionate

Domestic medium hair cats are known for being very loving and affectionate. They enjoy spending time with their humans and love to cuddle.

Intelligence

The domestic medium hair is an intelligent breed of cat, which means they are easy to train. If you are looking for a cat that can learn tricks or behaviors, this may be the breed for you!

Social

These cats are also known for being very social, so they do well in homes with other pets. They love to play and explore, so they need plenty of space to run and roam.

Loyal

Another personality trait of domestic medium hair cats is that they are very loyal to their humans. They form strong bonds with their owners and will follow them around the house.

Independent

However, they can also be independent at times and do enjoy having some alone time.

Laid-Back

Domestic medium hair cats are generally very laid-back and easygoing. They make great family pets and do well in a variety of homes.

Do Domestic Medium Hair Cats Make Good Pets?

If you are looking for a loving and affectionate cat, the domestic medium hair is a great choice. They are also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to care. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. These cats can be prone to obesity, so it is important to feed them a healthy diet and give them plenty of exercise. They may also require more grooming than other breeds. But overall, the domestic medium hair is a great choice for those looking for an easygoing and social cat.

Are Domestic Medium Hair Cats Good for Families? 👪

Yes, domestic medium hair cats are generally good for a variety of family dynamics, but particularly for those with kids. They are known for being patient and tolerant, which makes them great companions for families with children. Of course, every cat is different, and some may not do well in a home with small children. If you have young kids, it is best to introduce them to your cat slowly and supervise all interactions.

domestic medium hair cat lying indoor
Image by: Surapong, Shutterstock

Do Domestic Medium Hair Cats Get Along with Other Pets?

Yes, domestic medium hair cats usually get along with other pets. They are generally social creatures that enjoy the company of others. However, some may not do well with dogs or other animals that are too active. If you have another pet, it is best to introduce them slowly and see how they get along.

Also keep in mind that if you have small pets, such as hamsters, mice, birds, and even lizards and fish, that you keep them out of reach of your cat. Although you may view these pets as members of the family, your cat may not see them that way and may mistake them for something it can hunt. Small pets make great “toys” for cats so it is best to avoid any tragedies by not allowing your cat easy access to them.

Can Domestic Medium Hair Cats Be Outside Cats?

The domestic medium hair is not well-suited to life as an outdoor cat. They are not as resilient as other breeds and may succumb to injury or illness if left outside. Additionally, they are not good hunters and are more likely to become prey themselves. If you do want your cat to enjoy the outdoors, it is best to build them a safe enclosure where they can explore and sun themselves in safety.

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Things to Know When Owning a Domestic Medium Hair Cat

Food and Diet Requirements 🐡

Domestic medium hair cats don’t generally need a special diet. It is best to feed them food that is high-quality and full of proteins and healthy and nutritious ingredients. Being obligate carnivores, cats benefit from a diet that is mostly meat-based. Choosing food with a meat-based protein as the first ingredient is the best thing for your cat.

Exercise 🐈

Energy and Activity Level

This breed of cat has a moderate energy level, which means they enjoy playing and being active but are not overly hyper. They typically do well in homes with families or other pets.

What Are the Exercise Needs of Domestic Medium Hair Cats?

Domestic medium hair cats have moderate exercise needs. They should be given plenty of opportunities to run, jump, and play. A good way to provide your cat with exercise is to invest in a scratching post or cat tree. This will give them a place to climb and explore, which will help to keep them active.

What Are The Stimulation Needs Of A Domestic Medium Hair Cat?

Domestic medium hair cats need a moderate amount of stimulation. They should have plenty of toys to keep them entertained, as well as a few hiding places where they can go to relax. It is also important to provide them with access to the outdoors so that they can explore and get some fresh air.

Training 🧶

Domestic medium hair cats are a pretty intelligent breed. It shouldn’t take long for them to pick up on things such as using the litter box. Remember that cats are not dogs, so they aren’t usually as responsive to being trained the way that dogs are. However, with a little patience, you may be able to teach them to walk with a leash or even do tricks.

How to Teach Your Cat to Do Tricks

Now that you know how intelligent they are, you may be wondering how to teach your cat tricks. The best way to do this is to start with simple commands such as sit, stay, come, and down.

To teach them simple commands, use a treat or toy as motivation. Once they learn the commands, you can move on to more advanced tricks such as playing fetch or using the toilet.

Once they have mastered these, you can move on to more complex tricks like fetching or playing dead.

As with any type of training, it is important to be patient and consistent. Be sure to praise them when they do something right and give them treats as a reward. With a little time and effort, you will be able to teach your cat all sorts of tricks!

Grooming ✂️

The domestic medium hair has relatively low grooming needs. However, they may require more grooming than other breeds if their fur becomes matted. It is important to brush your cat’s fur regularly and keep an eye on their nails. Other than that, your cat will take care of their own grooming.

Domestic-Shorthair
Image by: castleguard, Pixabay

Shedding

One thing to keep in mind with the domestic medium hair is that they are moderate shedders. This means they will shed more than some breeds, but less than others. If you are not a fan of cleaning up cat hair, this may not be the breed for you.

Are Domestic Medium Hair Cats Hypoallergenic?

The domestic medium hair is not a hypoallergenic breed. However, they are considered to be moderate-shedding. This means that they will shed less than some breeds, but more than others. If you are allergic to cats but still want to adopt one, the domestic medium hair is a good choice provided that you stay on top of cleaning and removing pet fur and dander from around your home.

Do Domestic Medium Hair Cats Have Any Special Care Needs?

No, domestic medium hair cats do not have any special care needs. They are relatively low-maintenance pets that are easy to care for. However, it is important to brush their teeth and keep them up-to-date on vaccinations.

Health Concerns 🏥

Despite their mixed heritage, domestic medium hair cats are generally very healthy. However, there are a few health conditions to be aware of, which can vary among domestic medium hair cats of different lineages.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

One is feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), which is a virus that can weaken the immune system. It is important to get your cat tested for this virus if you think they may have been exposed to it.

Heart Disease

Another condition to be aware of is heart disease, which is relatively common in domestic medium hair cats. If you notice your cat coughing or having difficulty breathing, be sure to take them to the vet right away.

Obesity

One health concern to be aware of with domestic medium hair cats is that they are prone to obesity. This is because they tend to have a very high metabolism and can easily become overweight if they do not get enough exercise. It is important to make sure your cat gets plenty of playtime and enjoys a healthy diet.

Digestive Issues

Another health concern to be aware of is that some domestic medium hair cats are prone to digestive issues. This is because they have a very sensitive stomach and can easily get upset if they eat something that does not agree with them. If you notice your cat vomiting or having diarrhea, be sure to take them to the vet right away.

Diabetes

One health concern to be aware of with domestic medium hair cats is that they are prone to diabetes. This is because they tend to have a very high metabolism and can easily become overweight if they do not get enough exercise. It is important to make sure your cat gets plenty of playtime and enjoys a healthy diet.

Overactive Thyroid

The last health concern to be aware of is that some domestic medium hair cats are prone to overactive thyroid. This is because they have a very high metabolism and can easily become overweight if they do not get enough exercise. It is important to make sure your cat gets plenty of playtime and enjoys a healthy diet.

Minor Conditions
  • Obesity
  • Overactive Thyroid
  • Digestive Issues
Serious Conditions
  • FIV
  • Diabetes
  • Heart Disease

How Often Should I Take My Cat To The Vet?

You should take your cat to the vet at least once a year for a check-up. This will help to ensure that they are healthy and up to date on vaccinations. If you have any concerns about your cat’s health, it is best to consult with your vet.

Male vs Female

There are very few differences between male and female domestic medium hair cats in terms of gender. Males may be slightly bigger, but other than that, you aren’t going to notice much difference in their appearance. Whether you get a male or a female, spaying or neutering your cat can help reduce certain behaviors and health conditions in domestic medium hair cats.

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Tips for a Happy Cat

Now that you know a little more about the domestic medium hair, here are some tips to help keep your cat happy and healthy!

  • Make sure they get plenty of exercise. This can be done by playing with them regularly or getting them a scratching post or cat tree to climb.
  • Feed them a healthy diet. This means avoiding foods that are high in fat and calories.
  • Keep their nails trimmed and their coats brushed. This will help reduce shedding and keep them looking their best.
  • Take them to the vet for regular checkups. This will help ensure they stay healthy and catch any problems early on.

What Essential Supplies Will I Need For My Cat?

There are a few essential supplies that you will need for your cat. These include food, water, a litter box, litter, and a scratching post or cat tree. You may also want to consider investing in a carrier so that you can take your cat to the vet or on trips.

As for stimulation and exercise, your cat will need access to plenty of toys and hiding places. It is also important to provide them with a scratching post or cat tree so that they can stay active.

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Conclusion

Are you thinking about adding a domestic medium-hair cat to your family? If so, here are a few things to keep in mind! These cats make great pets for families with kids and other pets. They are affectionate and social animals that enjoy spending time with their loved ones. They are also relatively low maintenance when it comes to care, although they do require some grooming.

Be sure to talk to your vet about any health concerns you may have and keep an eye on their weight to prevent obesity. With a little love and attention, your domestic medium-hair cat will be a happy and healthy member of the family!


Featured Image Credit: Surapong, Shutterstock

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