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What health conditions might affect the Domestic Shorthair? The DSH is a very healthy cat, especially compared to pedigrees. This is thanks to their diverse genetic pool, meaning that health conditions which are recessively inherited are less commonly seen. Health issues you should be aware of include:
Osteoarthritis: A staggering 90% of cats over the age of 12 will have some degree of joint disease. Many owners will miss the signs as they are subtle and are easily missed. They can include a reluctance to play as much and hesitation before jumping. Over time, you may notice your cat grooms less and loses muscle around their spine and hips. Arthritis can be managed by keeping cats slim and providing joint supplements as well as ongoing medicine such as pain relief and anti- inflammatories.
Hyperthyroidism: When a DSH cat has an overactive thyroid, we tend to see signs including hyperactivity, being excessively vocal, diarrhoea and visible weight loss. Cats are usually over the age of 10 when first affected. Thankfully, there are a range of treatment options and this condition is something we should be able to manage. Treatment may consist of oral medicine, aural cream (cream that is applied to the ear), a surgery to remove the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) or radioactive iodine therapy.
The purr-pular Domestic Shorthair Cat
A Domestic Shorthair (DSH) is any cat that is not a pedigree, with short fur. They are a hugely popular pet around the world and they are the most prevalent cat type there is. Amazingly, it’s estimated that over 90% of all cats in the UK are Domestic Shorthairs. While western DSHs have a rather stocky build, those found in Asia tend to be more slender; resembling the silhouette of the Siamese. This reflects how their genetic makeup varies depending on where in the world they are. While this collection of cats encompasses a range of different personality types and appearances, many things hold true amongst the DSH population. As they aren’t specifically inbred, they tend to be hardy and are not prone to as many health issues as pedigrees. Most are
sociable, docile and confident, as long as they have been well socialised in their early weeks.
DSHs come in a wide range of coat types and colours and the average weight is about 4kg. Their lifespan is from 13 to 17 years, with many living into their later teens. Is the Domestic Shorthair the cat for me? The DSH cat is a popular choice of pet for good reason. They are prevalent around the world and tend to have a sweet nature. They blend well into the family home and get on well with grown-ups and children alike. Their short coat is easy to maintain and they are arguably the healthiest cat ‘breed’ in existence.
Cystitis: An inflammation of the bladder that is often confused with a urinary infection. The bladder wall becomes inflamed and the affected cat has the urge to strain, so may urinate often and sometimes outside of their tray. Blood may be visible within the urine. For many, cystitis will be triggered by a stress of some kind. Treatments include joint supplements, a specific diet and anti-inflammatories. Long term, the aim is to minimise stress and to ensure all of our cat’s needs are met.
Chronic Kidney Failure: A hugely common disease in the older feline, DSHs are prone to chronic kidney disease in the second half of their life. Signs can start off slowly and tend to include excessive thirst, increased urination, nausea and weight loss. A vet can diagnose kidney failure through blood and urine tests. While there is no cure, this condition can be managed with diet and medication and many cats go on to live for years past their diagnosis.
Cats are full of surprises
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