Tabby vs Domestic Shorthaired Cat - Breed Comparison

The Tabby isn’t a cat breed but rather a certain cat pattern. So the Tabby has lots of different coat colors and patterns and the cat comes in different sizes.

You get the mackerel Tabby, the classic Tabby, the spotty Tabby and the ticked Tabby. The Tabby is a domestic cat. It is thought that today’s Tabby’s originated from the African wild cat because the markings are so similar.

The Domestic short-haired cat has also got mixed ancestry and can have lots of different looks. In the UK they are often referred to as Moggie.

It is one of the most common cats in the United States. The roots of this cat go back to the pioneer settlement in North America where they were thought of as working cats. Nobody seems clear on where they originated from.

Hardy and unaffected, they quickly became a sought after cat that stood up well to all kinds of conditions. Even though this cat is a non-pedigreed cat, it is accepted by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) in the Household Pets category.

The Tabby is any domestic cat. They’ve got a distinctive 'M' shaped marking on their forehead.

The Tabby cat isn’t a breed of cat but actually a coat type and in fact, there are quite a few cat breeds with the Tabby pattern.

Tabby is a color pattern in other words and it means you will find stripes, spots, and whorls of color. Tabby cats can range in size because of the different breeds. They can be medium to large and weight between 3 and 7kg.

The eye and ear shape will also vary according to the different breeds as well as the thickness of the tail.

Temperament:

Your Tabby is a friendly, social cat. He makes an excellent pet and companion. The orange and ginger tabbies are more feisty and strong-willed. These cats cat can be any personality really and you might have an aloof cat but you could also have a highly social, vocal Tabby.

Most times you will get an active, playful, friendly cat that will love the company of his human family.

The Domestic short-haired cats can be so many things – different coat colors and different patterns as well as being different shapes and sizes.

They can all have different shaped eyes and colors and their ears and tails can differ from cat to cat. The reason for this is that these cats don’t belong to a specific breed.

It has a mixed ancestral history. The Domestic Shorthaired varies in colors and size and their coats can be any color, solid or patterned. The length of the coat is short and is silky and shiny.

It’s a low shedding cat and grooming will be easy. Every cat has its own physical characteristics, and some can have a slight build while others are heavier built and more muscular.

You could find their eyes can be different colors too – blue, green, copper or brown.

Temperament:

Just like the Domestic Shorthair has lots of different looks, the temperament too varies. There is no set standard for these cats and when you choose a kitten, you can’t really be sure how they will turn out.

Your cat may be quiet, very vocal, active, placid, loyal loving, independent, playful or lazy – who knows with these wonderful cats?

Certainly, most of them are friendly, loving and loyal. They make wonderful pets for new cat owners, singles, couples, families and seniors.

People love them as they aren’t high maintenance pets – they are undemanding.

When you bring a Tabby cat into your home, you can't tell what personality he will have. A lot depends on the lifestyle you provide him with.

Some Tabby cats are social and friendly while others are more shy. One thing is sure, they all thrive on the love and attention of their human families. This popular cat is guaranteed to make you a most wonderful pet and companion.

As we’ve already suggested, the Domestic Shorthaired has an easy-going personality, not demanding much from you except nutritious food and lots of love and attention.

It’s important to provide your cat with a lifestyle that keeps him happy and content.

Rather than buy your pets lots of expensive cat accessories, your cat will be happier to do with less but to have more attention from you. This cat is willing to give you so much love and companionship ad he asks the same from you.

Many cats can develop liver and kidney troubles as they get older so it’s important to visit a vet regularly in order to make sure they are in good health.

Most domesticated tabby cats live for 12 to 15 years and this means you can enjoy many years of good friendship from your Tabby.

Liver Disease in cats:

The liver is an important organ with a host of functions. We know it plays an important role in removing toxic substances from the blood. Because this organ works to rid the body of so many different substances, it can become damaged.

Liver disease results in inflammation, which is known as hepatitis. If left, it can lead to loss of function because of scar tissue. Luckily, liver disease in cats can be treated and managed,

Proper nutrition is most important for managing your cat’s liver disorder.

Age, certain diseases and certain breeds of cats are more susceptible to liver disease. Obesity too, can contribute to liver disease. The signs of liver disease are weight loss, increased thirst, vomiting, drooling, jaundice and loss of appetite.

The urine of your cat may also be particularly dark-colored.

If your cat is diagnosed with liver disease, speak to your vet about a special diet for your cat.

Remember to keep your cat's vaccines up to date.

Because of their mixed breed, these Domestic Shorthaired cats don’t sicken easily and they are healthy cats and robust – less vulnerable to the genetic problems that plague purebred cats.

Nonetheless, he can succumb to illness and then you need to get him to the vet immediately. There are come cat illnesses that can kill your cat in just a few hours. Look at bloat as an example – this is when your cat’s stomach becomes swollen and your pet is weak and vomiting. It’s a life-threatening condition that can kill your cat in half an hour,

When your cat is a Tabby, he could have short or long fur, and a weekly brushing will be necessary to remove dead hairs and dust from the coat.

While you brush your cat, feel for any irregularities such as lumps or cuts. A lump should be examined by the vet.

Ensure your cat has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

As already mentioned, good food is key to good health, and as your cat is a carnivore, he will require meat. There are many excellent cat food manufacturers who produce cat food with all the nutrients your feline friend requires.

Supply your cat with a litter box and remove the feces every single day.

If your pet needs to be transported anywhere, such as to the vet, make sure he can be carried safely by putting him in a cat carrier box.

Provide your pet with a warm, soft bed.

Just like you prepare for a human baby’s arrival, prepare for your Domestic Shorthaired’ arrival.

Have food and water bowls, a nice, dry, warm bed, toys to stimulate mind and body, litter box, scratching post, climbing tree and collar.

Have your cat neutered or spayed. This is to avoid unwanted kittens. You’ll often see these cats in animal shelters and you don’t want to add to the burden of these shelters. By neutering and spaying your cat, they behave in a better way. They are far less likely to want to roam away from home as well. A cat that have been neutered or spayed also enjoys a host of health benefits, and this common surgical operation is highly recommended.

Food for your cat is very important for good health. Do research and you’ll discover how imperative good gut-health is. A poor diet and the wrong diet can cause your cat to battle with a lot of poor health issues and digestive problems.

You’ll end up spending a fortune on your cat’s vet bills. A cat is a carnivore and it is most important to feed your cat meat. Check out the labels on the cat’s commercially manufactured food and choose the ones that make meat a top ingredient.