Grooming your Domestic Shorthair

"Domestic Shorthair" covers every short-coated mixed-breed cat, so coats vary

"Domestic Shorthair" covers every short-coated mixed-breed cat, so coats vary: some are sleek and single-coated like a Siamese, others carry a dense double undercoat like a British Shorthair. Most fall somewhere in between — a medium-density short coat that sheds moderately year-round with a spring increase. Matting is uncommon but not impossible, especially in dense-coated individuals around the neck and flanks. The first step is knowing your cat's coat: part the fur — if you see a thick, downy layer beneath, you've got a double-coated shedder that needs more brushing.

Once a week, 5–10 minutes, tailored to the coat

Once a week, 5–10 minutes, tailored to the coat: a rubber grooming mitt or soft brush for sleek single coats; a slicker brush or undercoat tool for dense double coats. Brush against the lay of the fur first to lift dead hair, then smooth it down. This single habit does more for household fur control than anything else — most of what ends up on Memphis couches is loose undercoat that a weekly session would have caught. During spring shedding, go to twice weekly. Most DSH cats accept brushing readily, especially if it's been part of life since kittenhood.

Most DSH cats need baths only a few times a year

Most DSH cats need baths only a few times a year — when the coat feels greasy, looks dull, or after an adventure (or a litter-box mishap). The routine is simple: warm water, cat-safe shampoo, thorough rinse, complete towel dry. Cats that go on supervised outdoor time or live with dogs may need baths a bit more often. Between baths, a wipe-down with a damp cloth or unscented pet wipe keeps things fresh. As with all cats, never use dog shampoo or human shampoo — feline skin has a different pH.

Trim nails every 3–4 weeks

Trim nails every 3–4 weeks — this is the grooming task DSH owners skip most, and overgrown claws snag, split, and scratch furniture (and people). Provide a sturdy scratching post; it maintains claws between trims but doesn't replace them. Check ears weekly and wipe the visible outer ear with a damp cotton round. Brush teeth several times a week with enzymatic cat toothpaste — dental disease is the most common health issue in adult cats regardless of breed, and home brushing is the best prevention. Wipe eye corners as needed during grooming.

DSH owners book pro grooming for spring deshedding (the highest-impact visit of the year for a heavy shedder), for nail trims on cats that won't tolerate home clipping, and for the occasional deep-clean bath and dry. It's also the easiest way to get a full check-over — ears, nails, coat condition — in one appointment. At All About Pawz in Memphis, Bath Only starts at $45, and a quick nail trim is our fastest appointment.