Rescue domestic shorthair cats for adoption and rehoming in England

What domestic shorthair cats are like to live with

Size and activity

Grooming

Health

Domestic shorthairs in UK rescue

Children, dogs and other cats

How many rescue domestic shorthair cats are available for adoption in England?

As of 30 September 2026, 90 domestic shorthair cats are listed for adoption in England on LocalPetFinder, from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Woodgreen Pets Charity, Care4Cats Rescue and Yorkshire Cat Rescue. Each profile links to the rescue, and you apply to adopt with them directly.

Are there domestic shorthair kittens for adoption in England?

Yes: 11 kittens of the 90 listed in England are 12 months or under by their listed age.

What is a domestic shorthair cat?

A domestic shorthair is a non-pedigree cat with a short coat, often called a moggy. PDSA says domestic cats are of mixed ancestry and are not a recognised breed, but domestic shorthairs, longhairs and medium hairs are still the most common type of cat owned in the UK.

When is kitten season in the UK?

Roughly March to September. Cats Protection says most kittens arrive in its care between March and September, with numbers rising from March to May and peaking from June to September, before falling in October and November.

How much does it cost to adopt a domestic shorthair in England?

Each rescue sets its own adoption fee. Battersea charges £100 for a cat over six months and £130 for a kitten, Cats Protection says you can expect to pay £80 to £120 on average for an adult cat and £100 to £120 for a kitten, varying between its branches, and Blue Cross fees start from £150 for cats aged 4 months to 7 years. The fee usually covers neutering, microchipping and first vaccinations, and each rescue confirms its own fee.

Are there domestic shorthair cats for sale in England?

No. We don't list animals for sale. Every domestic shorthair on this page is with a rescue or rehoming centre, and rescues rehome animals for an adoption fee rather than selling them: for example, Battersea charges £100 for an adult cat and £130 for a kitten. The fee goes towards the vet work already done, such as neutering, microchipping and first vaccinations. In England, Lucy's Law has meant since 6 April 2020 that kittens under six months can't be sold by a third party such as a pet shop or dealer: you buy direct from the breeder or adopt from a rehoming centre.

Can I get a free domestic shorthair in England, or one under £100?

Usually not. UK rescues normally ask for an adoption fee, which pays towards neutering, microchipping and vaccinations. Most rescue cat fees are well under £200: Battersea charges £100 for a cat and £130 for a kitten, and Cats Protection says £80 to £120 on average for an adult cat. An animal offered "free to good home" is a private advert, not a rescue. In England, cats must be microchipped before they are 20 weeks old, so ask to see the microchip details.

Is there a domestic shorthair rescue near me in England?

This page lists every domestic shorthair with the rescues we list in England and the places within it. Email alerts for new listings are coming soon.