Domestic Shorthair — cost & care
Adaptable, friendly, varied. Medium mixed cat.
A Domestic Shorthair costs roughly $18,100 over its lifetime (12–18 years), or about $1,150/year: ~$220 food, ~$290 insurance, ~$400 routine vet, ~$40 grooming. Purchase price runs $50–$300.
📍 Costs in USD (United States) — see this breed in another country.
0.9cups of food / day (~6.5 lb/mo)
1.0cups of water / day
15 yraverage lifespan (12–18)
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Your estimate: / year · lifetime
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Get Domestic Shorthair insurance quotes — average plan ~$290/yr. See quotesRecommended food
A Domestic Shorthair eats ~6.5 lb/month. Shop medium-breed foodFull cost breakdown
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Purchase (one-off) | $50–$300 |
| Food / year | $220 (0.9 cups/day) |
| Pet insurance / year | $290 (est.) |
| Routine vet / year | $400 |
| Grooming / year | $40 |
| Supplies & misc / year | $200 |
| Total annual | $1,150 |
| Lifetime total | $18,100 |
Breed stats
| Size | Medium |
| Avg weight | 10 lb |
| Height | 8–10 in |
| Lifespan | 12–18 yrs |
| Group | Mixed |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Temperament & care
| Energy | 3/5 |
| Affection | 4/5 |
| Vocalness | 2/5 |
| Shedding | 3/5 |
| Grooming need | 1/5 |
Common health conditions
- Obesity
- Dental disease
- Urinary issues
How we calculate: food cost = breed weight → vet RER/MER calorie formula → cups/day → US food-price average. Insurance = NAPHIA US average adjusted by breed health-risk tier and size. Estimates — verify with your vet and insurer.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Domestic Shorthair cost per year?
About $1,150 a year — roughly $220 food, $290 insurance, $400 vet and $40 grooming.
What is the lifetime cost of a Domestic Shorthair?
Around $18,100 across its 12–18-year lifespan, including purchase and first-year setup.
How much does a Domestic Shorthair eat?
About 0.9 cups of food a day (~6.5 lb per month).
How much water should a Domestic Shorthair drink?
About 1.0 cups of water a day — verify with your vet for your animal.
Is the Domestic Shorthair hypoallergenic?
No — the Domestic Shorthair sheds and is not considered hypoallergenic.