What’s the difference between a short haired and a medium haired cat?

And what do those funny acronyms mean?

There’s quite a bit of confusion over this! So, let me help to clarify this in words and pictures.

Acronyms
“D” stands for Domestic. Domestic cats are your loveable “moggie”, so they aren’t any specific breed as such (like say a Persian, Siamese or a Birman). The majority of New Zealand cats are domestic cats. The acronyms DSH (Domestic Short Hair), DMH (Domestic Medium Hair) and DLH (Domestic Long Hair) are used for identification purposes by SPCAs, shelters, vets and the NZ Companion Animal Register. It helps us all to use the same language to identify, and match, lost and found cats.

 

Desexed is best to avoid pet loss

Not only does desexing mean less unwanted animals are born, and help to reduce certain cancers - it also reduces the chances of your pet being lost.

Lost Pet? Act Quick!

You know your pet best. So, if he or she suddenly doesn’t turn up like clockwork for a meal - assume he is lost and act immediately.

A Poodle named Jack was lost for only a few minutes when his owners realised he was gone. They quickly started asking neighbours, searching up and down the street.

Things to do BEFORE your pet is lost

Avoid kicking yourself if your pet is lost in future...

Here’s some proactive steps you can take now to help your pet come home sooner if they do go missing.

Beware being stuck on one theory only for a lost pet

As pet detectives we look at all possibilities.

We zone in on possible search areas and behaviours of highest probability based on the animal, its nature and the circumstances of its loss.