Moggie cat breed

Moggie cat breed information and advice

A moggie (also known as a domestic shorthair) is a non-pedigree cat of mixed or unknown ancestry. They’re the feline equivalent of a mongrel dog. They’re friendly, low maintenance and generally pretty healthy. This makes them ideal pets for families with children and other pets, single households and first-time pet owners. It’s no surprise that they’re the most common cat in the UK.

Moggie cat facts

Moggies tend to be quite muscular cats. They have round faces and eyes.

Moggie cat insurance

It’s important to protect your moggie with cat insurance. This can help with the cost of any unexpected vet bills and treatment. This can include treatment, surgery as well as any ongoing medication.

Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance

With Sainsbury’s Bank, you can take out a cat insurance policy as long as your cat is over 8 weeks and less than 10 years old. But if you take out a policy before they reach their 10th birthday, they’ll be covered for their remaining years as long as you keep renewing your policy without a break.

How to care for a moggie

Moggies are easy to care for. They need a balanced diet and lots of exercise to keep them in good condition. They’re known to enjoy their food and can easily become overweight. This is a problem especially if they’re kept indoors. They have low grooming needs and so are considered to be low maintenance.

Temperament and behaviour

Just as moggies come in a variety of colours and patterns, shapes and sizes, they can have a variety of personalities. Some may be shy and clingy, others more independent and adventurous. However, most are affectionate and easy going and will fit in with other family pets, including cat-friendly dogs. They are generally good with children and make great pets for first-time cat owners. If you want a lap cat, they’ll be happy to curl up on your lap for an afternoon nap.

They have a high prey drive so expect them to be good hunters. They’ll happily spend their time looking for extra food so be prepared for ‘small gifts’.

Common health problems

With their mixed parentage and varied genetic makeup, moggies tend to be healthier and more intelligent than pure-breed cats. They can be prone to obesity and the various health problems linked to this. The usual problems associated with ageing can also be seen.

What is a moggie?

A moggie is a mixed breed cat and doesn’t belong to any particular breed. This means that they are a lot less expensive than a purebred cat. The moggie shouldn’t be confused with the American Shorthair, British Shorthair or other ‘shorthair’ breeds which are recognised as separate breeds of cats.

Do moggie cats shed?

Moggies can live to between 15 and 20 years if well cared for. Moggies and non-pedigree cats tend to have a longer life expectancy than purebred cats.

Are moggies hypoallergenic?

No, unfortunately, they’re not hypoallergenic. Despite not shedding much hair, moggies still produce the allergen in their saliva that causes cat allergies. Unfortunately, no cat is completely hypoallergenic.

Is a moggie right for you?

Moggies are low maintenance, healthy and have good temperaments. They make great family pets and are ideal for first-time pet owners. They can be kept indoors but love to be outdoors where they can use their impressive hunting skills.