Somali Cat Breed: Characteristics, Facts, Care & More
Have you ever seen a cat with the grace of a fox and the heart of a clown?
We’re talking about one of the popular long-haired cat breeds – Somali Cats! Known for their luxurious coats and playful personalities, Somali cats are a delight to have around. This captivating breed is widely recognized for its luxurious coat and infectious energy, making it a true gem in the feline world. Whether you’re a seasoned cat owner or simply curious about unique breeds, the Somali is sure to steal a piece of your heart.
Today, in this cat breed guide, I will share everything about the Somali cat breed. I’ve covered every detail, from its history and appearance to its temperament and potential health concerns. So, let’s dive deep into the world of Somali.cats!
Table of Contents
Overview
What is a Somali cat?
Here’s a quick overview of the key characteristics of the Somali cat breed:
Somali Cat Overview
Somali Cat Summary Origin: Australia
Other names: Fox cat
Height: Up to 26 inches
Weight: Up to 12 pounds
Lifespan: Up to 14 years
Coat: Medium-long hair
Coat colors: Red, ruddy, blue, fawn, and sorre
Eye color: Green or gold
Temperament: Active, intelligent, sociable, and affectionate
Needs for Grooming: High
Hypoallergenic: No
Club recognition (Associations): CFA, ACFA, FIFe, TICA
History…
- The Somali cat breed is a long-haired variety of its close relative, the Abyssinian. Both breeds are believed to be descendants of ancient cats revered in Egypt.
- The breed originated in the United States in the 1950s, when breeders noticed long-haired kittens appearing in Abyssinian litters.
- Initially viewed as anomalies, these kittens eventually captured the hearts of breeders and cat enthusiasts alike.
- By the 1960s, the Somali was officially recognized as a separate breed by major cat associations.
Fun Fact
Somali cats are nicknamed “Fox Cats” due to their fox-like appearance, with a reddish coat and a bushy tail.
Appearance…
What does a Somali look like?
Somali cat – A Fox in Feline Form!
- Somali cat breeds are known for their striking appearance and, specifically, their luxurious coat.
- Unlike its Abyssinian cousin, the Somali boasts a semi-longhaired coat that flows elegantly across its body. This coat, known as an “agouti” coat, is a marvel of nature.
- Beyond their captivating coats, Somalis possess a fox-like appearance.
- They have a medium to large build, muscular body, and bushy tail.
- Somali cats have large, expressive eyes that are typically amber or green in color, giving them a curious and alert expression.
How big is a Somali cat?
Here is the Somali cat size chart for your reference:
| Age (Months) | Weight (lbs) | Height (inches) |
| 2 | 1.5 – 2 | 6 – 8 |
| 4 | 3 – 4 | 8 – 10 |
| 6 | 5 – 6 | 10 – 12 |
| 9 | 6 – 8 | 11 – 13 |
| 12 | 8 – 10 | 12 – 14 |
| 18 | 9 – 12 | 12 – 15 |
| Adult | 8 – 12 | 12 – 16 |
Coat Colors…
Somali cats come in a range of vibrant colors, each with its unique charm. Some of the commonly found Somali cat colors are:
- Red
- Ruddy
- Lilac
- Cream
- Fawn
- Chocolate
- Silver
- Blue
Fun Fact
Somali kittens are born with tabby markings that fade as they mature, revealing their unique agouti coat.
Temperament…
Don’t be fooled by the Somali’s regal appearance; they are playful and friendly cats at heart!
- These felines are intelligent and curious cats that enjoy exploring their surroundings. Somali cats form strong bonds with their owners and are known to be loyal companions.
- Cat somali are also social and get along well with children and other pets.
- Somalis are highly intelligent and easily trained, making them great companions for those who enjoy interactive play and enrichment activities.
- These affectionate cats thrive on interaction and attention.
- Somalis are also surprisingly vocal and readily express themselves through gentle meows, chirps, and trills.
Here is the characteristic table of the Somali cat:
| Somali Cat Characteristics | |
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | High |
| Kid-Friendly | Medium |
| Pet-Friendly | Medium |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | High |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to Vocalize | Low |
Diet and Nutrition…
- Like all cats, Somalis require a balanced diet rich in protein and essential nutrients. To stay healthy.
- It’s essential to feed them high-quality cat food, canned food, or a combination of both, which can be suitable options.
- Avoid feeding them table scraps or human food, as this can lead to obesity and other health problems.
- Always provide freshwater and monitor their weight to ensure they maintain a healthy body condition.
- It is also recommended that you consult your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your individual Somali based on age, activity level, and specific health needs.
So, how much should you feed a Somali cat?
Here is the general feeding chart for the Somali cat:
| Somali Cat Feeding Chart | ||
| Age (Months) | Frequency | Daily Portion (cups) |
| 2-3 | 4 times a day | 1/4 – 1/3 |
| 4-5 | 3 times a day | 1/3 – 1/2 |
| 6-11 | 2 times a day | 1/2 – 2/3 |
| 12+ | 1-2 times a day | 2/3 – 1 |
NOTE
The above chart is a general feeding schedule, and if your cat has health issues or different food requirements, you should consult a vet. They will prepare a diet chart for your cat’s activity level and lifestyle.
Training and Exercise…
How much exercise do Somali cats need?
- Somali cats are intelligent and can be trained to perform tricks and use a litter box.
- They can learn tricks, walk on a leash with proper training, and even participate in agility courses.
- They enjoy doing outdoor activities that stimulate their minds and bodies.
- Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and climbing structures can help keep them entertained and prevent boredom-related behaviors.
Fun Fact
Somali cats are known for their love of heights and can often be found perching on high shelves or climbing tall furniture.
Grooming…
How to groom a Somali Cat?
- Due to their long coats, Somali cats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles.
- Brushing them a few times a week will help remove loose hair and keep their coat looking shiny and healthy.
- This will not only keep their coat healthy but also strengthen the bond between you and your feline friend.
- Use a fine-toothed comb to remove tangles and a slicker brush to maintain the coat’s natural shine.
- It’s also important to trim their nails regularly and clean their ears to prevent infections.
- Somalis are relatively clean cats, but occasional baths are recommended.
Common Health Issues…
Somalis are generally healthy cats with a lifespan of 12-15 years. However, some hereditary conditions can affect the breed. These include:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Patellar Luxation
- Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency
- Dental problems
- Gingivitis
- Obesity
Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet can help prevent these issues and keep your Somali cat happy and healthy.
Are Somali Cats Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, no cat breed is truly hypoallergenic. However, Somalis are considered a low-shedding breed, which can be beneficial for individuals with mild allergies.
Price
How much are Somali cats?
The Somali cat price can vary depending on factors such as pedigree, breeder reputation, and location. On average, Somali cats can cost anywhere from $500 to $1500. It’s vital to purchase from a reputable breeder to ensure you are getting a healthy and well-socialized kitten. You can also search for “somali cat for sale” to get the best deals.
FAQs
Are Somali cats good with children?
Yes, Somali cats are known for their playful and friendly nature, making them great companions for children.
Are Somali cats good for apartments?
They can adapt to apartment living, but providing enough vertical space (cat trees, shelves) is crucial to accommodating their climbing needs.
Are Somali cats vocal?
Somali cats are not overly vocal but will communicate with their owners through soft chirps and meows.
Do Somali cats like water?
Some Somali cats may tolerate baths, but most don’t particularly enjoy them.
Final Thoughts
A Somali cat is more than just a beautiful cat; it’s a playful companion and a loving friend. This breed is known for its beauty, intelligence, and playful nature. If you’re looking for a loving and loyal companion, the Somali cat breed might be the perfect choice for you. However, they need attention, playtime, and enrichment to thrive. If you can fulfill these requirements, Somali cats will bring joy and companionship to your home.
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