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Domestic Medium Hair

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
Published:  July 24th, 2023
fast facts

About Domestic Medium Hair

Weight
11-22 lb
Physique
Muscular, medium-sized
Lifespan
15-17 years
Best Suited For
First-time cat owners, any cat loving family, families with children and other pets, cat owners who are willing to regularly groom their pets
Temperament
Active, playful, energetic, docile
Comparable Breeds
Domestic Shorthair, Domestic Longhair
Height
9-14 inches

Domestic Medium Hair Breed History


Like the Domestic Longhair and the Domestic Shorthair, the Domestic Medium Hair is not a single, recognized breed. Rather, these cats are referred to as mutts because they are mixed breed felines that can have the looks and characteristics of a combination of different breeds. And because these cats are commonly found in shelters and feral colonies throughout the world today, they are one of the most popular and beloved breeds.


In terms of their history, it’s believed that these cats first arrived in America with the Pilgrims, who decided to bring them along on their ships in order to help control the rodent population. Many generations of mixed breeding among these felines created the Domestic Medium Hairs that are found in cat loving homes around the world.


However, as mentioned above, the thing to keep in mind is that a Domestic Medium Hair isn’t actually a specific feline breed. Basically, whether you are looking at a Domestic Shorthair, a Domestic Medium Hair, and a Domestic Longhair, you are looking at kitties from the same “breed.” And when they have kittens, these cats can showcase every length of fur, so this means that a Domestic Medium Hair could give birth to kittens that have long fur or short fur.  


So, what makes the Domestic Medium Hair special and what sets them apart? Well, the main difference between the Domestic Medium Hair, the  Domestic Longhair, and the  Domestic Shorthair is the fact that the Medium Hair has a – you guessed it – medium coat gene that produces its rarer, distinctive fur that’s somewhere between the length of short and long. But, because these cats are related, if you have experience with the Longhair or Shorthair, you will have a really good idea of what a Medium Hair cat will be like.


Breed Traits

Again, like Domestic Longhairs and Domestic Shorthairs, Domestic Medium Hairs have a diverse gene pool and can consist of a variety of different breeds mixed into one cat. Therefore, their temperaments and personalities range widely from super affectionate to independent, and really talkative or active to very quiet, laidback, and docile. 


A Range of Personalities Are Expected


Unlike other feline breeds that have particular traits that are expected to come shining through, especially as they grow from kittens to adults and become comfortable in their homes, when you meet one of these kittens, you may not be able to accurately predict what they will be like as they get older. Instead, getting to know each Domestic Medium Hair as an individual is the best way to figure out what their specific needs and preferences are. 


For instance, if you adopt a Domestic Medium Hair that wants to spend a lot of time around you, you can take steps to make sure those needs are met, perhaps by playing with a variety of fun toys, such as teaser wands, or snuggling on the couch together. On the other hand, if you have a kitty who’s more comfortable being independent and doing their own thing, you’ll know that too much attention might stress your pet out. So, basically, you’ll want to treat your kitty in a way that they’ll feel loved and secure, based on their personality.  


A Friendly Cat That Loves to Be a Part of the Family


On the whole, you can expect Domestic Medium Hairs to make great pets, and they will fit in well in any cat loving family. Many will get along wonderfully with children and other pets, including other cats. So, Domestic Medium Hair kitties are ideal for both small and large families, as well as singles. A feline that can be anyone’s friend!


Because Domestic Medium Hairs tend to have attractive and endearing personalities to match their equally lovely appearance, you may want to adopt more than one so they can keep each other company and give you even more attention and love. You’re sure to quickly fall for their adorable characteristics, their cuddly and inquisitive nature, and their peaceful and quiet demeanor throughout the day (except when it’s feeding time, of course!).


Provide Environmental Enrichment, Fun, and Loving Attention 


As with all cat breeds, Domestic Medium Hairs will thrive in a home where they can feel safe and secure, and where they have plenty of environmental enrichment to keep them occupied. Of course, putting up cat trees and a window perch, giving your kitty a variety of toys to play with, and setting aside time to interact with or cuddle with your cat will help them feel at ease and happy. 


Also, some of these kitties will absolutely love a catio, while others can be trained to travel or go for a walk on a leash or in a pet stroller. So, if you are looking for an adventure cat, this might be a good choice, but again, some will be more outgoing than others. 


Domestic Medium Hair kitties tend to do well when left alone for a few hours, provided that their needs are met, but they still require plenty of attention and interaction to stay happy and healthy. Of course, if you lead a busy life and you are seldom at home, a cat might not be the pet that you should be looking for. 


Always remember that, although sometimes independent and at times solitary, a Domestic Medium Hair cat will still require constant care, so make sure you can provide it before making a commitment and adopting one. Many people mistakenly think that cats can do just fine without their owner around, and they might think that cats are the perfect pet for people who work long hours. But cats are just like any other pet, requiring a healthy routine, plenty of care and attention, and a lot of love. 


Training a Domestic Medium Hair: What to Anticipate


You should expect that Domestic Medium Hairs will be playful and rambunctious kittens, but they tend to mellow out with age. Properly socialized when they are young, Domestic Medium Hairs will make great lifelong companions.


When it comes to training, it is a good idea to start while your pet is young, and using positive reinforcement is the best way to teach your kitty the rules without creating an environment where they feel scared, anxious, or uncomfortable. Setting rules early on can help ensure your cat will grow up to understand what’s allowed and what isn’t allowed. And with proper socialization, your pet will also get along well with anyone they meet. So, whether you want to stop your cat from scratching the furniture or jumping on the countertop in the kitchen, just keep in mind that the right positive training will help your feline companion understand what you want.


In addition to training your Domestic Medium Hair to follow the rules around the house, you can also have a lot of fun with this kitty by training them to do tricks or maybe even communicate with speech buttons. Depending on your cat’s personality, including how ambitious they are and how willing they are to learn, you might be surprised by how much you can train them to do. So, if you’d like, you can consider buying some cat training tools, like a clicker, target stick, and treats, to start teaching your kitty and using it as a way to bond with your furry companion.  


Overall Description


Domestic Medium Hairs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and markings, depending on the breeds that make up their ancestry – once again, just like Domestic Shorthairs and Domestic Longhairs. You might even decide to try one of those cat DNA tests to figure out which breeds came together to make your one-of-a-kind feline.  


While cats of some other feline breeds might all look really similar, particularly when it comes to their colors or markings (think: Siamese or Bengal cats), two Domestic Medium Hairs might look completely different. That’s how varied these kitties can be, and they’re all beautiful in their own unique ways! For example, some cats may be lean and long, while others may be short and stocky. 


In other words, there isn’t a strict set of physical characteristics with Domestic Medium Hair cats. A lot of it comes down to simple variations. No two cats are ever exactly the same, regardless of breed, but this can especially be the case with Domestic Medium Hairs. And that’s just another one of the many wonderful traits that these cats have: they are charming, pretty, and always one-of-a-kind.


Physical Traits of a Domestic Medium Hair Cat


Despite the myriad differences between cats that are categorized as Domestic Medium Hairs, there are some features that you might be able to easily recognize. For example, generally, the females tend to be smaller than males. Also, when compared to Domestic Shorthair cats, these kitties may weigh more.


Just like their coat is medium in length, these cats also have a medium sized body. And, like other cat breeds, these kitties are muscular, so they can have a lot of energy and impress you with their acrobatics.  


The overall appearance of a Domestic Medium Hair is absolutely adorable. With big round eyes that are bright and full of color, triangular ears that point straight up, and a round face that begs to be petted, these eye-catching cats might not be purebred, but they are definitely purely beautiful. 


It’s All About the Fur with the Domestic Medium Hair


When you first meet a Domestic Medium Hair, you might need to take a closer look at their appearance to be sure of the breed. But, by looking for certain characteristics, you can get your answer. For example, the main feature that all Domestic Medium Hairs have in common is their luxuriously soft and beautiful double coat. 


You might also notice that the hair is longer around certain parts of the body, such as the tail and the neck, but shorter in other areas, like the back. In fact, compared to other Domestic cats, the Medium Hairs have a tail that will grab your attention as well, thanks to its unique appearance due to the longer fur – it’s described as feathery or fluffy. Super cute!


In other words, the Domestic Medium Hair is a cat with a combination of longer and shorter hair all over the body. This is not something that you see with a Domestic Shorthair, who will have short fur all over their body, or a Domestic Longhair, who will have long fur from head to tail.   


These Kitties Are Not All That Common


Also worth noting: these cats are not as common as their Domestic Shorthair counterparts. You might not come across them as easily as you would a Shorthair or even a Longhair, so when you do, you’ll know that it’s quite special.


Colors

While some feline breeds might only have certain coat colors or patterns, the possibilities are pretty much endless when it comes to Domestic Medium Hairs. So, if you are looking for an orange cat, a white one, a calico, or anything in between, you might not need to search long before finding a Domestic Medium Hair that matches your preferences. But, as mentioned above, bear in mind that these kitties are generally rarer than their Longhair and Shorthair counterparts. 


The Domestic Medium Hair comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, as well as eye colors. Some of the most common patterns include tabby, tortie, patched tabby, solid, and smoke. This means you could have one Domestic Medium Hair cat that is solid black, while another boasts a black and white color combination and another has the stripes of a brown tabby, as just a few examples. And, in terms of eye color, some examples include green, amber, and blue. 


Ultimately, the appearance of each cat will depend on their ancestry and genes. Even if you have a mother cat who is ready to give birth, you may not be able to predict what her kittens will look like, unless, perhaps, the parents are almost the same. But, even in that case, you might be surprised when the offspring comes out looking completely different from the parents. It’s just another endearing quality of these varied yet standout felines! 


Grooming Requirements


Domestic Medium Hair cats will do a fantastic job of keeping themselves nice and clean by regularly grooming themselves. However, they might really enjoy being brushed, so give it a try to see how it makes them feel. This could be a great way to bond with your pet, and can also help prevent hairballs.


Speaking of hairballs, because Domestic Medium Hairs feature a thick, double coat, they may require regular grooming sessions that will help prevent mats and hairballs. There are various brushes that are designed specifically for felines, and they can make grooming your pet a lot easier and quicker. Basically, with the right brushes and a consistent routine, you can help your Domestic Medium Hair look and feel fabulous by removing loose fur and keeping the skin and coat healthy, soft, and smooth.


Remember, these cats will have a coat that is longer than the average shorthair kitty, so they may require a bit more attention when it comes to grooming them. Generally, a weekly brushing is highly recommended, though owners can opt to groom their cats more often, if necessary. See what your cat needs. For example, if your Domestic Medium Hair is getting older and isn’t able to groom themselves as well as they used to, you might want to brush them more often to help them. Or, you might want to brush your cat more often simply because their luxurious coat is irresistibly soft and you’ll want to relax and unwind with your pet in this manner. 


Specialized grooming salons for cats might also help you with the brushing if you need it, but this typically is not required. While an occasional visit could leave your feline friend looking elegant, graceful, and endlessly pretty, if it’s too much of a stressful experience, it’s best to stick with grooming your kitty gently at home. Of course, as it goes with all cats, some loose hair cannot be avoided, especially when you have a pet with a thicker coat, so it’s a good idea to invest in one of the many lint rollers and pet hair cleaners that can come in handy when it comes to keeping your home clean.


Photo credit: alexmak72427/Bigstock; hannadarzy/Bigstock; VadimGuzhva/Bigstock

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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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If they can’t get your attention to take them outdoors, an indoor potty provides them with somewhere to take care of business while still respecting the rules of the house. Medical Issues or Injury Recovery If your dog’s mobility is limited due to an illness, disease, or injury, they may have difficulty getting outdoors to go to the bathroom. This often requires changes in your routine or around your home to accommodate their needs. It could be for a short-term need, like recovering after surgery, or a long-term change due to an ongoing medical condition. Setting up a bathroom space in your home will make it easier to help your dog to the right spot to do their business. This is especially important if hurdles like stairs prevent them from easily moving through the home or heading outside. The Golden YearsDo you share your heart and your home with a senior dog? Whether your dog is experiencing limited mobility due to arthritis or struggles to make it outside due to incontinence, an indoor potty station may help reduce accidents around the home while avoiding the guilt older dogs often feel when they know they have done something they shouldn’t. Another condition often faced by dogs in their later years is canine dementia. As part of this, your dog may struggle to remember the route to the back door, making it nearly impossible to avoid accidents unless they are near an exit point. Setting up a potty station or two in your home, where they spend the bulk of their time, will ensure an easy-to-find bathroom spot is available. Harsh Weather Taking your dog out to go to the bathroom, rain or shine, is a commitment you make as a dog parent. However, there are times that extreme weather conditions make it unsafe to go outdoors, preventing your dog from heading out to their usual bathroom location. Some examples we have seen recently in the United States include a potential tornado or the arrival of a severe hurricane. Unfortunately, during these weather events, your dog will still need to go to the bathroom. An indoor potty station can easily be set up in the safety of your home, allowing your dog to remain near the rest of the family while avoiding unnecessary accidents. Lack of Convenient Outdoor Space If you have an easily accessible backyard or garden space, this struggle may not cross your mind. But for some dog parents, taking their pup out to go to the bathroom may require a lot more effort. For example, if you live in an apartment on one of the upper floors of a high-rise apartment, the journey to take your dog outside could take a surprisingly long time. Your dog is probably used to the time it takes to make their way outside. However, there are times when they may have to go so badly that it makes it difficult or uncomfortable to hold it that long. For example, if your dog has been inside for a longer time while you’re at work or you’re just waking up after a full night’s sleep. In these situations, having an indoor potty will allow your dog to relieve themselves without running the risk of accidents along the way. Physical Limitations We already addressed the possibility that your dog may experience limited mobility, but what about you? If you were to suffer an injury or be recovering from an illness, taking your dog outdoors could be a significant challenge. Struggling to keep up with your regular routine doesn’t make you a bad dog parent, but you must consider alternatives to meet your dog’s needs. Setting up an indoor potty for your dog is a great short-term solution until you have recovered enough to take them outside more frequently.

Rescue Dog Joins Oh Norman! As Chief Treat Officer

Founded by popular actress Kaley Cuoco in 2023, Oh Norman! is dedicated to supplying pet parents with high-quality, eco-friendly, and affordable dog products. The brand is quirky in its marketing, with product names like “Stop Effing Itching!” and “Calm the Eff Down!”But recently, the company made what we believe to be one of their best business decisions to date – the appointment of their new Chief Treat Officer, Hoagie.The selection process started with an open job posting, inviting interested canine candidates (or their families) to submit their applications.Primary job responsibilities of the Chief Treat Officer include testing and reviewing all of Oh Norman!’s new products and innovations before they are sent to market and promoting the brand across social media. For this, they asked that candidates have a keen sense of taste and smell – skills necessary for assessing and identifying only the best goodies for pups everywhere.“As we’ve continued to build out the Oh Norman! team, it’s become evident that we need to bring in an expert,” Cuoco explained. “By bringing in a dog to serve as our chief treat officer, we are ensuring that every dog has a voice in the process.”Applications were accepted from June 13 to September 13, 2024. It included filling out an online application and submitting a 30-second video explaining why the interested pup was the best fit for the role.Over 5,000 pups showed interest and applied for the role. After a public vote, Cuoco herself selected the “top dog” from the front runners. The company excitedly announced the winning candidate, Hoagie.A year ago, he was rescued from Mutt Scouts in San Diego by his loving family, Emily Reas, and Julia Ptasznik. Before his adoption, the sweet boy had been passed from foster to foster, but the journey was well worth it when he realized how loved and cared for he was in his new forever home. The fun-loving dog is a massive fan of tasty goods, making him an expert in treat-tasting. His favorites include sardines and carrots, but there are very few (if any) treats he doesn’t love.“I’m so excited that Hoagie will be joining the Oh Norman! team as our new chief teat officer,” Cuoco announced. “After reviewing thousands of applications, it became clear that he was the perfect fit for the position and stood for everything our company represents. Oh Norman! was created to make a difference in the lives of dogs and raise awareness for the rescues who are making a difference on the frontlines. We’re thrilled to be able to partner with a dog and a family that upholds those values. We can’t wait to see what Hoagie does as our chief treat officer.”To follow Hoagie’s working life, you can find him on his Instagram account @hoagieshaus or through his appearances on the Oh Norman! company profile. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.

Lyft is Making it Easier Than Ever to Travel With Pets!

Great news! Lyft, the popular ride-sharing app, has now introduced a new feature that’s sure to create excitement for pet parents everywhere: Pet Rides! This feature lets pet parents connect with pet-friendly drivers, guaranteeing your companion can join you on your adventures. Pet Rides officially launched on National Dog Day – celebrating the role dogs (and other pets) play in our lives. The convenient feature provides more flexibility for pet parents on the go.To use the feature, you will need to select “Pet Ride” when searching for ride availability. This will ensure that your options exclusively include drivers who have opted to allow pet travelers in their vehicles. The additional $4 (plus tax) fee for the Pet Ride will be factored into the upfront price shown in the app. However, an extra cleaning fee may be charged if your pet leaves an excessive mess or damages the vehicle during the trip.Of course, this is for companion pets, not service animals. Drivers are still required to accommodate service animals, per the Americans with Disabilities Act.The Pet Ride feature allows for one pet per pet-friendly ride, with no restrictions related to breed or size. Additional pets may be permitted on the ride at the driver’s discretion, but it is not guaranteed. Pet rides are currently only available in the United States.This feature is similar to the Uber Pet feature offered by the most popular competitor, Uber.“At Lyft, we believe that everyone belongs, and that includes our four-legged family members,” stated Audrey Liu, the Executive Vice President and Head of Rider and Community Safety at Lyft. When asked about the feature, she explained that it will make it “easier than ever for pet owners to get where they need to go with their pets.”While there are no specific rules or requirements in terms of how a pet can travel in the vehicle, pet parents are asked to be respectful of the driver and other riders by keeping their pet in a carrier, on a blanket to keep any mess contained (like muddy paws or shed fur), or seated safely at your feet while the vehicle is in motion. If a dog does create an unsafe situation, serving as a distraction and putting the driver and any passengers in the vehicle at risk, the ride may be canceled.Traveling with pets can be stressful, especially if this is your first time. From trying to find pet-friendly accommodations to determining whether public transit options will even allow your pet to ride, a fun adventure can quickly become frustrating and overwhelming.By offering a pet-friendly ride option, Lyft is the latest company to demonstrate its commitment to creating options for pet-friendly travelers. But this isn’t the first time that Lyft has stepped up to create a safe and accommodating solution for a particular population among the app’s users. For example, Women+ Connect allows females and non-binary riders to request a female or non-binary driver, addressing safety concerns they may experience when getting into a vehicle with a stranger. As a pet-friendly traveler myself, I’m excited to see what companies in the travel industry will be the next to revolutionize travel as we know it with our furry (feathered, scaly, etc.) friends in mind!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter   here.

Should I Be Worried if My Cat's Nose is Dry?

We often refer to our cat’s noses as adorable and irresistible, but have you ever stopped to consider what else they can tell us? Those cute “boopable” snouts are complex organs with many vital functions, including breathing, smelling, and regulating body temperature. They can also serve as a barometer of their overall health, warning us when something’s wrong. A persistently dry nose can sometimes indicate an underlying health problem. Understanding the potential causes and when to seek veterinary help is crucial for ensuring your cat is happy and healthy. This guide will explore the common reasons for a dry nose in cats and how to determine if it’s a cause for concern (as not all dry noses are). We’ll also discuss additional factors related to your cat’s nasal health and how to keep your feline friend feeling their best. Why Are Cat Noses Wet? Whether you’re a first-time cat parent or have had cats for years, you’re likely familiar with the wetness that most cats have on their noses. But why exactly are their noses wet?When you touch a healthy cat’s nose, they often feel slightly wet and cool. This wetness could result from several factors, including sweat, licking their noses, drinking water, drainage from their tear ducts, or outside environmental factors (like rain and snow). Their noses are obviously used to breathe and smell things, just like humans. However, there is one significant difference: A wet nose can help keep your cat cool on a hot day. Our kitties don’t sweat all over like we do. Instead, they sweat solely through their noses and paw pads. Luckily for your cat, that wet nose can improve their sense of smell. When scent particles come in contact with the damp surface of their nose, they stick. This allows your cat to get an even better whiff of whatever smell they have encountered. Causes of Dry Nose in Cats Your cat’s nose may be a little dry or even cracked for several reasons, ranging from everyday experiences to potentially life-threatening health complications. To identify whether your cat’s dry nose is an issue, you’ll need to watch for other symptoms of trouble. Here are a few of the most common causes of dry nose in cats and what to look out for: It’s Your Cat’s “Normal” I will list a wide variety of reasons to consider here, but first, let’s get this one out of the way. Some cats will have a dryer nose naturally, even when they are completely healthy. You know your cat best. If you have kept up with your cat’s annual vet visits, been given the all-clear, and your cat still has a dry nose, it may be the way it is. Dry Air Conditions One of the most common causes of a dry nose is the air conditions in your home. Whether you are running the central heating system excessively during the cold of winter or relying heavily on the air conditioning unit during the summer, you can unintentionally create dry air conditions in the home. While dry air doesn’t require an emergency vet visit, it is something that you should address. Dry air can cause many problems for both you and your cat, including dry skin and respiratory issues. One of the easiest ways to correct the problem is to purchase a warm or cool mist air humidifier. Close Proximity to a Heat Source Do you have a cat who enjoys sleeping on the air vents or in front of your fireplace? Your cat’s dry nose may simply be the result of the moisture drying up while basking in the heat. Given a bit of time, the moisture will return on its own. If you suspect this is the case, keep an eye on your cat to ensure everything returns to normal and no other underlying causes are at play. Dehydration Cats are notoriously bad for not drinking enough water, resulting in many living in various states of dehydration. If your cat isn’t taking in as much water as they need, they may not have the moisture to sweat as much, resulting in a dry nose. Unaddressed, this could lead to severe consequences, including organ failure, heat stroke, cardiac problems, or neurological damage. Additional signs of dehydration to watch out for include: Sticky, pale gums Sunken eyesLoss of appetiteDark colored urine  ConstipationLethargy Weakness or collapseThere are many potential causes of dehydration, including health conditions that require veterinary treatment. Call your vet and share your concerns. To prevent dehydration, consider feeding canned food or a mix of canned food and kibble to include more fluids in their diet. Try different water bowls, water bowl locations, or water fountains to find your cat's preferred arrangement. Our cats use the Catit Flower Fountain, which has significantly increased their water intake!Sunburned Nose Think back to the last time you suffered a sunburn. You can probably recall how dry the damaged skin felt. We often overlook the risks of the sun’s UV rays because our cats are protected by their fur. However, some body parts are still left exposed – including the nose. Other signs your cat has suffered a sunburn include swelling, redness, irritation, or skin flaking.  Even if your cat doesn’t enjoy spending time outdoors in the sun, they may still be exposed to sun damage while basking in the hat indoors. You can reduce the risk of sunburn by closing the blinds to keep the sun out, installing a UV protective window film, or using a pet-friendly sunscreen on your cat’s nose.

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