Featured Breed and Pet

DOMESTIC MIXED-BREED (DMB) CATS 

Are you one of the wonderful families that adopted or rescued a kitten from the shelter or a rescue recently? If so, thank you! And, though there are many cat breeds to be adopted and/or rescued, the most popular are the Domestic Mixed Breed (DMB) felines AKA house cats. Instead of being classified by a breed name, mixed breed cats are typically categorized by their fur length (domestic short hair, domestic medium hair, and domestic long hair cats). Domestic Mixed Breeds are very intelligent. However, due to the mix of traits from the different breeds, personalities of the DMB cats can vary dramatically between individual felines. The strength of the house cat is in their uniqueness and lower risk of any genetic disorders compared to the purebred cats.

History

It is believed that these cats were first domesticated in the Middle East, specifically around the time that humans began developing agriculture. Used to protect harvested crops and stored grains from rodents, cats proved to be so good at their job that many are still used for that same position even today. Over time, the domestic cat population eventually spread across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe. It wasn’t until European explorers began sailing to new lands that these cats were introduced to the Americas and Australia. During their voyages, the explorers always made sure to bring along their feline friends for rodent control—cats have proven time and time again that they excel at this job.

Grooming

Another reason to love DMBs is that they don’t require extensive grooming. A regular brushing will help keep your feline’s coat clean and healthy, in addition to decreasing hairballs. Your cat will also require a routine nail trimming and teeth brushing.

Almost all Domestic Mixed Breed Cats enjoy playing, cuddling, and spending time with their owners
- on their own timeline and terms, of course!

Common Health Issues

In the wide world of cats, mixed cats rank among some of the healthiest. Just like any other type of cat, though, these felines are still susceptible to some health issues. The top conditions that affect mixed cats are:

• Gastrointestinal issues
• Vomiting
• Decrease in appetite
• Skin irritation
• Urinary conditions
• Obesity

A great way to keep your cat healthy and safe is to keep them indoors. When outside, they can become exposed to a long list of hazards. These may include: other animals, various diseases, weather elements, and vehicles. Not to mention, your cat could get lost or stolen if they wander off of your property.

Fun Facts

Of course, there are more fun facts to learn about the DMB cats...

• Due to each cat having their own unique genetic history, there are no set characteristics or physical appearances that are expected in each mixed cat. Each one will be charismatic in their own way.
• DMBs have always thrived in practically all living environments. Whether in a cold or hot climate, a small apartment or large house, or in the city or on a farm, these felines are not picky, and they seem to make the best of any situation.
• On average, house cats can live anywhere from 14-20 years of age, which is older than most purebreds.
• The DMB is perfect for first-time cat parents and people looking for a fairly low-maintenance pet.
• DMBs are very common, so it should be pretty easy to find the one that is a perfect match for you.

The general consensus from DMB pet parents is that they make for wonderful companions. Their personalities, while unique to each cat, are loving and fun. DMBs tend to be fairly energetic and athletic. They will meow on occasion, and almost all enjoy playing, cuddling, and spending time with their family. So, congratulations if you adopted or rescued a Domestic Mixed Breed!