Ussuri vs Domestic Shorthaired Cat - Breed Comparison

Not much is known about the Ussuri cat but it does seem to be a rare natural cat breed. The cat originates from Russia but is rare even in that country.

A breed standard for this cat was published in the 1990s, but nothing has been heard since and its breed status isn't clear. It does seem that the Ussuri's numbers are dwindling due to interbreeding with local domestic cats. Also, the cat doesn't have a breeding program and it is expected that the cat will just quietly disappear.

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 Ussuri cat can be described as a medium-sized cat that weighs between 3 and 6kg. The ears often have those tufts, similar to that of a lynx. The body of the Ussuri cat is muscular. The neck is firm, the legs medium length and muscular with rounded paws. The tail has a rounded tip. The coat is short and glossy and there is a thick undercoat. It has a mix of spots with lines around the face.There are also line on the legs and the tail is ringed. It definitely lives up to looking like a wild cat.

Temperament

The Ussuri has a wild heritage, and domesticated, they are smart and intelligent. Of course, being on the wild side, they like to hunt and will present you with mice, rats, and birds. They are quite capable of forming strong bonds with their human owners, and tend to gravitate particularly to one member of the 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.

Ussuri Cats are very smart cats and they are able to adapt fairly quickly to their surroundings. Think twice before you invest in a Ussuri as they have different needs to your regular domestic cat. These are cats that won't slot easily into indoor life and that is why you need to think carefully before you bring such a cat home as a pet. While they can be affectionate to their human family, they are restless cats, wanting to get away to that wild life they once knew.

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.

These are strong, robust cats, but even so, for your own peace of mind, a visit to the vet every now and them can be a good thing to make sure everything is aright with your cat. Healthy they may be, but they can still pick up any one of the many common cat diseases there are. With a good diet, plenty of exercise and a caring environment, they can reach 16 years of age or older.

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,

The short coat of Ussuri cats is glossy and close-lying, and a brush once a week will be fine for this cat. Provide your pet with an outside enclosure. These are cats with a wild side, and to ensure you don't get frustrated with him, an enclosure with climbing equipment will be a good idea. Ensure the cat gets plenty of exercise. You will need to invest in interactive toys that encourage this intelligent cat to think things out. Only the very highest quality meat-diet will be good enough for this cat. Ensure he has a constant supply of fresh cool water. In his outside enclosure, you can include a paddling pool, and in the wilds, cats like to paw at water and wade in. Provide your pet with a comfortable sleeping area.

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.