Glossary

Moggy

A British word for an ordinary non-pedigree cat of mixed ancestry, usually short-haired and often a tabby.

Also called: moggie, mog, non-pedigree cat, mixed-breed cat

Moggy, also spelled moggie, is an informal British and Irish word for a cat with no pedigree. It is used affectionately for the typical pet cat, much as Americans say house cat or alley cat.

A moggy has mixed or unknown ancestry, so it can be any colour or coat length, although the most common are short-haired and tabby. The formal label used by vets and shelters is domestic shorthair or domestic longhair. The word is also common in Australia and New Zealand.

Moggies are by far the most numerous cats in homes, shelters and rescues. Because they come from a wide gene pool, they tend to avoid some of the inherited conditions seen in tightly bred lines, but they are still affected by common cat illnesses, so regular vet care matters. Moggies can take part in the household pet class of many shows, where judges consider health, condition and temperament instead of a breed standard.

Last reviewed November 7, 2026

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Related terms

Domestic shorthair The everyday short-coated cat of no particular breed, the most common type of pet cat in the world and in shelters. Domestic longhair A long-coated cat of mixed or unknown ancestry rather than a recognised breed, such as a fluffy shelter or household cat. Pedigree A cat whose parents, grandparents and earlier ancestors are recorded by a registry, showing it belongs to a recognised breed. Tabby A coat pattern of stripes, swirls or spots with a dark M-shaped mark on the forehead, found in many breeds and in mixed-breed cats. Cat show An event where cats are judged against the written standard for their breed or, in a household pet class, on condition and temperament.

Related guides

How to choose a cat breed How to match a cat to your home by size, energy, coat, voice and health, and when a mixed-breed cat is the better choice.