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FREEZE-DRIED RAW · CAT FEEDING GUIDE

How to feed a Domestic Shorthair

The Domestic Shorthair isn't a pedigree breed — it's the all-American house cat, a genetically diverse mixed-lineage cat that makes up the majority of pets in U.S. homes. That diversity gives them sturdy health and a wide range of looks, but it doesn't change the one thing every cat shares: they are obligate carnivores, built to run on meat.

Because most Domestic Shorthairs live indoors with modest activity, the feeding goal is simple — concentrate real animal protein and moisture into a measured portion that keeps them lean. Freeze-dried raw does exactly that: meat-first nutrition without the carb-heavy filler that drives indoor weight gain.

  • Adult weight8–15 lb
  • Lifespan12–18 years
  • TemperamentAdaptable, easygoing, affectionate
  • CoatShort, dense, low-maintenance

The most common cat in U.S. homes

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A healthy Domestic Shorthair cat
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What your Domestic Shorthair actually needs

Cats are obligate carnivores — they're built to run on meat, organ and moisture. Here's what matters most.

  • Obligate-carnivore metabolism

    Needs: High animal protein, minimal carbohydrate

    Freeze-dried raw is meat-first, delivering the concentrated animal protein a Domestic Shorthair is built to run on.

  • Indoor, modest activity level

    Needs: Calorie control to prevent weight gain

    A measured, protein-dense raw portion keeps an indoor house cat full and lean without the empty carbs of kibble.

  • Low natural thirst drive

    Needs: Moisture in the meal

    Rehydrated raw adds the water a Domestic Shorthair won't drink on its own, supporting urinary and kidney health.

  • Short, dense coat

    Needs: Omega-3 fatty acids for skin & coat

    Fish-based raw recipes supply the omega-3s that keep the coat sleek and reduce shedding and hairballs.

  • Naturally hardy mixed lineage

    Needs: Taurine for heart, eyes and overall vitality

    Raw meat and organ are naturally taurine-rich — foundational support a healthy house cat needs lifelong.

How much to feed your Domestic Shorthair

Quick answer: a healthy adult (8–15 lb) needs about 1.0–2.0 oz of freeze-dried raw per day, split across two or more small meals. Freeze-dried is calorie-dense and measured dry — much less by volume than kibble. Feed to a lean body and adjust every few weeks.

Ideal adult weightFreeze-dried per dayPer meal (×2)
8 lb 1.0 oz 0.5 oz
10 lb 1.3 oz 0.7 oz
12 lb typical 1.6 oz 0.8 oz
14 lb 1.8 oz 0.9 oz
15 lb 2.0 oz 1.0 oz

Starting points for a moderately active adult cat (~0.13 oz of freeze-dried per lb of ideal weight). Kittens need roughly double per pound; indoor and senior cats a little less — always adjust to body condition, not the bag.

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What to feed your Domestic Shorthair

Build the bowl around complete-and-balanced freeze-dried raw, rotating poultry and fish recipes so a Domestic Shorthair gets varied amino acids and omega-3s for a glossy coat. Rehydrating the food adds the water this naturally low-thirst cat won't drink on its own — important everyday support for urinary and kidney health.

Land Animal's cat recipes are high in animal protein and taurine and low in carbohydrate, which suits the modest energy needs of an indoor house cat. The freeze-dried raw format keeps the nutrition close to what a cat is built to eat, with none of the starchy fillers found in conventional kibble.

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Feeding by life stage

  • Kitten: Domestic Shorthair kittens grow fast in the first year — feed a generous, protein-rich plan across 3–4 small meals a day to fuel development.
  • Adult: Shift to measured lean maintenance around 12 months; indoor adults gain weight easily, so portion by ideal weight and feed two meals a day.
  • Senior: Prioritize highly digestible protein and extra moisture to protect muscle mass and support aging kidneys.

Common concerns — and the diet connection

  • Indoor weight gainLess active indoor cats gain weight easily; measured, protein-dense meals keep a Domestic Shorthair lean and satisfied on fewer calories.
  • Urinary & bladder healthThe moisture in rehydrated raw helps dilute urine — meaningful support for a low-thirst house cat.
  • Hairballs from groomingOmega-3s and balanced nutrition support a healthy coat and digestion, helping reduce the shedding that leads to hairballs.
  • Dental & oral healthA low-carbohydrate, meat-first diet supports oral health; pair good nutrition with routine dental care.

Diet supports health but doesn't replace veterinary care — ask your vet about any specific condition.

Feeding your Domestic Shorthair: what to know

A typical adult Domestic Shorthair (8–15 lb) needs only a small, protein-dense portion each day, so accuracy matters more than volume. Feed to a lean body condition — you should feel the ribs under a light layer of fat and see a visible waist from above — rather than topping up a bowl on demand.

Split the day into two or more small meals and add a little warm water to rehydrated raw to lift moisture and aroma. Free-feeding dry kibble is the fastest route to a pudgy indoor cat; a measured raw meal keeps a Domestic Shorthair satisfied on fewer, better calories.

Cat feeding questions

How much should I feed a Domestic Shorthair?
A healthy adult Domestic Shorthair (8–15 lb) needs roughly 1 to 2 oz of freeze-dried raw per day — about 0.13 oz per pound of ideal weight — split across two or more meals. Feed to a lean body condition, not to current weight.
How much should I feed an indoor cat?
Indoor cats burn fewer calories, so measure every meal and portion by ideal weight rather than free-feeding. A protein-dense raw meal keeps an indoor Domestic Shorthair full on fewer, better calories.
Is raw food good for a Domestic Shorthair?
Yes. As obligate carnivores, house cats thrive on meat-first nutrition. Freeze-dried raw delivers high animal protein, taurine and moisture with very little carbohydrate — close to what a cat is built to eat.
How do I get a picky house cat to eat raw?
Rehydrate the food with a little warm water to release the aroma, transition gradually over 7–10 days by mixing raw into the current food, and serve at room temperature. Most Domestic Shorthairs take to the strong meaty smell quickly.
Does diet help with hairballs?
A balanced, omega-3-rich raw diet supports a healthy coat and digestion, which can help reduce shedding and the hairballs that come with it. Pair it with regular brushing.

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  • Obligate-carnivore formulated
  • AAFCO complete & balanced
  • Pathogen-tested every batch

  • "My picky indoor cat actually finishes her bowl now — and she's drinking less because the food has real moisture back in it."

    — Dana & Miso

  • "Switching our senior to raw was easier than I expected. He's more playful and his coat looks incredible."

    — Theo & Pepper
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Portions are starting points for freeze-dried raw and AAFCO complete-and-balanced recipes. Always feed to your individual cat's body condition and ask your vet about specific health needs.