Somali Cat Breed: Characteristic, Health & Fun Facts!

The Somali cat has long, luxurious hair, an athletic body, and is clever and energetic. The Somali likes mingling with people and does not adapt well to monotony.

It is known for its playful curiosity. If you spend most of your time at home or have other pets to keep you company, the Somali makes a great cat friend. However, lone Somalis are infamous troublemakers.

About The Breed

If you adore the Abyssinian’s confident demeanor and athletic build but prefer the splendor of a longhaired cat, have a look at the Somali kitten, a foxy lady if there ever was one.

In addition to having enormous ears, a masked face, a full ruff, britches on the legs, a bushy tail, and a ticking coat in ruddy, red, fawn, and blue, the Somali has a wild appearance similar to that of the Abyssinian. It’s common to compare the Somali kitten’s mischievous disposition to that of a monkey.

Somali Cat Breed History

In the late Victorian era, exhibiting cats was all the rage. An Abyssinian, “caught in the late Abyssinian War,” was one of the uncommon breeds displayed at the 1871 Crystal Palace Cat Show and won third place.

The first known written reference to the breed is a story on a cat show that appeared in Harper’s Weekly on January 27, 1872.

The origins of the cats are unfortunately unknown, although there are many tales and theories that suggest they were once the property of the pharaohs or that they were developed in Britain by mating silver and brown tabbies with cats that had “ticked” coats.

Somali Cat Breed Job Card/Overview

Breed Name	Somali
Origin	Australia
Height	7 – 11 inches
Weight	6 – 10 pounds
Life Expectancy	11 – 16 years
Temperament	Sociable, Bold
Colors	Red, ruddy, fawn, and blue.

Characteristics 

Somali cats are a delightful breed recognized for their specific traits. Their most extraordinary characteristic is their beautiful lengthy, furry tail that resembles a fox’s tail. Their fur is smooth, semi-lengthy, and is derived in a lot of colorations, with an awesome ticking pattern, giving them a wild appearance.

They are medium-sized cats with a sleek and athletic construct. Somalis have expressive almond-shaped eyes that often come in sun shades of green.

These cats are recognized for their playful and friendly nature, making them fantastic companions. They are curious and intelligent, often seeking out interplay with their proprietors.

Energy- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sociability – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Adaptability – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Child-friendly- ⭐⭐⭐

Shedding level- ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Grooming- ⭐⭐⭐

Health problems- ⭐⭐

Stranger friendly- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Affectionate- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Canine friendly- ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Intelligence-⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Personality

The Somali embraces life to the fullest, much like his sister, the Abyssinian. He plays harder and scales higher and further. This extremely perceptive and bright cat finds everything, which makes a living with him both constantly fascinating and consistently hard.

A Somali takes the quick reflexes of Fred Astaire, the intelligence of Einstein, and a never-ending sense of humor to stay up with him or even simply keep up.

Although you can predict that your Somali would want to look into everything you have or are doing intently, you never know what he’ll get into next.

Pros And Cons Of The Somali Cat Breed 

Appearance

General Appearance

These tom cat beauties have a placing, lengthy-haired coat that’s tender and luxurious to the touch. Their furry tails are a standout characteristic, regularly defined as a plume of beauty. With almond-fashioned, expressive eyes that come in a number of colors, Somalis can melt your heart with a single gaze

Their medium-sized, swish bodies are finely proportioned, and they move with a herbal grace. Their coat boasts a rich, warm shade, usually in sun shades of pink, ruddy, blue, or fawn. This breed’s overall appearance is a harmonious mixture of colorful colors and a vibrant personality.

Coat Color And Grooming

Red, ruddy, fawn, and blue are the four Somali coat colors recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association breed standard.

The fine, silky coats of Somali cats need to be brushed often (once or twice a week) to prevent mats from forming. Grooming Somali kittens is generally enjoyable, which makes the task much simpler.

Due to their susceptibility to periodontal disease, these cats also benefit from routine teeth brushing. Occasional veterinarian dental cleanings will also aid in preventing the emergence of gum or tooth problems.

Shedding

Once or twice a week, this breed’s smooth, silky coat needs brushing. Usually, it does not matt and does not shed much.

Health 

Among the issues that Somalis may face are the following:

• Periodontal disease with an early start.
• When caressed or petted, cats with the neurological condition known as hyperesthesia syndrome may respond excitedly and overgroom themselves, causing hair loss.
• Patellar luxation is a minor to severe hereditary displacement of the kneecap. Surgery can be used to treat severe instances.
• A degenerative eye condition is known as progressive retinal atrophy.
• Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD), for which carriers can be found via a genetic test.
• Renal amyloidosis is a heritable illness that affects Abyssinians largely through kidney deposition of the amyloid protein type. Kidney failure inevitably results from it.

Maintenance And Care

They are not cats you want to leave on there alone for an extended period of time because of their very gregarious nature, according to Taylor.

The Somali is prone to separation anxiety if left at home alone without any playmates. She will require access to engaging toys, scratching posts, and puzzles whenever she is alone to keep her mind engaged.

These are cats that get along with just about everyone else in the home, whether they have two legs or none. Children of school age are a perfect fit for the Somali’s high level of energy and liveliness.

Strangers, other cats (particularly Abyssinians or other Somalis), cat-friendly dogs, and even bigger rodents like ferrets and rats are always welcome.

Food And Nutrition

Somalis require high-quality cat food with lots of protein to be in good form since they are so active and muscular. Avoid meals with extra fillers or grains with little nutritious value and stick to dishes made with high-quality meat-based components.

Exercise And Activity Level 

In comparison to other cat breeds, Somalis are rambunctious, clever, and energetic cats with relatively high activity requirements. Play with your Somali cat frequently to help it burn off energy and deepen your relationship with it.

You can even walk your Somali cat on a leash if you’re feeling very daring. This is advantageous for Somalis since they enjoy being outside and interacting with others. Additionally, Somali cats are simple to teach due to their high intelligence and eagerness to play.

They are taught instructions like “sit” and “stay,” and they occasionally play fetch. Just be careful to maintain rewarding and enjoyable sessions.

Little Known Facts

Here is a list of the amazing facts about this breed-

• The Somali is known as the “Fox Cat” breed due to its dazzling coat, big ears, and fuzzy tails.

• There are a total of 28 colors for Somali cats. Breed registries don’t always accept all hues.

• To prepare for an entertaining game of fetch, Somali cats frequently form the habit of bringing a favorite toy to a human partner.

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