Domestic Shorthair (Moggy)
Not a breed but the everyday 'moggy' — the mixed-ancestry cats that make up most of the UK's pets. Their varied genetics often means robust health and a huge range of looks and personalities, from lap-loving to fiercely independent. A moggy suits almost any home: each is an individual, and rescue centres are full of wonderful ones looking for families.
Overview
Not a breed but the everyday 'moggy' — the mixed-ancestry cats that make up most of the UK's pets. Their varied genetics often means robust health and a huge range of looks and personalities, from lap-loving to fiercely independent. A moggy suits almost any home: each is an individual, and rescue centres are full of wonderful ones looking for families.
Good to know — a Domestic Shorthair (Moggy) is moderately affectionate and copes with some time alone. Every cat is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Domestic Shorthair (Moggy) is moderately affectionate and good with children. They tend to be moderately chatty and copes with some time alone. As with any cat, give them space to retreat, teach children to handle them gently, and introduce them to a new home calmly.
- Families with respectful children
- People happy with an independent cat
- Homes with normal daily routines
Energy & play
A Domestic Shorthair (Moggy) is generally moderate energy. They enjoy a healthy mix of play and rest; a couple of short play sessions a day keeps them happy.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is wash-and-go and shedding is moderate. The coat is generally easy to care for; an occasional brush keeps it tidy and cuts down loose hair. All cats benefit from regular nail checks and a clean, quiet place to groom themselves.
Grooming brushes for this coat →Feeding considerations
Cats are obligate carnivores, so a Domestic Shorthair (Moggy) should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced cat food appropriate for its life stage — this provides essential nutrients like taurine that cats can only get from animal products. Portion to your cat’s ideal body weight and activity to avoid weight gain, and provide plenty of fresh water. Treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
The good bits
- Hugely varied personalities and a healthy, robust mixed heritage
- Plenty waiting in rescues — adopting gives a cat in need a loving home
Things to consider
- Temperament varies from cat to cat, so meet them first to find your match
- Short coat still sheds and benefits from the occasional brush
Similar breeds
Maine Coon
One of the largest domestic breeds — a gentle giant that is sociable, intelligent and known for soft chirps and trills.
View breed guide →British Shorthair
An easygoing, dignified and undemanding breed with a plush coat — affectionate on its own terms rather than a clingy lap cat.
View breed guide →Scottish Fold
A sweet, mellow breed known for its folded ears — calm, affectionate and happy to potter quietly around the home.
View breed guide →Birman
A gentle, sociable semi-longhair with striking blue eyes — affectionate and well-mannered without being demanding.
View breed guide →Frequently asked questions
What is a Domestic Shorthair or 'moggy'?
A Domestic Shorthair, affectionately called a 'moggy' in the UK, is a short-coated cat of mixed or unknown ancestry rather than a recognised pedigree breed. They are the most common cats in the country and come in an enormous variety of colours, patterns, sizes and personalities.
Is a moggy a specific breed?
No. The term simply describes a non-pedigree cat of mixed heritage, so no two are exactly alike. Because they aren't bred to a single standard, moggies vary widely in appearance and temperament, which is part of their charm and means each one is genuinely individual.
Are Domestic Shorthairs healthier than pedigree cats?
Often, yes. Thanks to their diverse genetic background, moggies tend to avoid many of the inherited conditions that can affect some closely-bred pedigree cats, a benefit sometimes called 'hybrid vigour'. They can still develop common feline health issues, so regular veterinary care remains important throughout their lives.
What is a Domestic Shorthair's temperament like?
Because moggies come from such mixed backgrounds, personalities vary enormously, from quiet and independent to playful and affectionate. Early socialisation and environment shape them more than breed does. Many make wonderfully adaptable, friendly family pets, but it is always worth meeting an individual cat to gauge its character.
Are Domestic Shorthairs good family pets?
Very often, yes. Many moggies are sociable, adaptable and good-natured, settling happily into family life with children and other pets. As temperament varies between individuals, spending time with a cat or asking a rescue centre about its character helps ensure a good match for your household.
How much grooming does a Domestic Shorthair need?
Very little. Their short coat is easy to care for and usually needs only an occasional brush to remove loose hair and reduce hairballs, with grooming more often during seasonal moults. Otherwise they need the same routine care as any cat: good food, vaccinations, parasite control and vet check-ups.
How long do Domestic Shorthair cats live?
Many moggies are long-lived, commonly reaching their mid-teens and frequently beyond, especially when kept at a healthy weight with good veterinary care. Indoor or safely supervised cats tend to live longer, as they face fewer risks from traffic, fights and other outdoor hazards.
Are Domestic Shorthair (Moggy)s good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide they are tolerant and sociable in a family home. Always teach children to handle cats gently and give the cat space to retreat.
Are Domestic Shorthair (Moggy)s affectionate?
Moderately affectionate. Domestic Shorthair (Moggy)s enjoy attention but also like their own space.
Are Domestic Shorthair (Moggy)s vocal?
Moderately chatty. They are moderately chatty.
How much grooming does a Domestic Shorthair (Moggy) need?
Wash-and-go; shedding is moderate. The coat is generally easy to care for with the occasional brush.
Can Domestic Shorthair (Moggy)s be left alone?
Copes with some time alone. They manage some time alone but appreciate company and enrichment.
Are Domestic Shorthair (Moggy)s energetic or playful?
Moderate energy. They enjoy a good mix of play and rest.
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Every cat is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet cats in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet.