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 Somali
Cat Breed Profile
Related Links
Somali Breeders
Somali Photos
Somali Photos and breed profile
courtesy of
Vivace Cattery
Fun,
bubbly, affectionate, clever, confident and very attractive. Sounds like the
perfect party guest? Of course it does, and I am talking about the Somali cat.
They are not only delightful guests but also live-in companions, as they love to
help with the housework!
It appears that longhairs had been appearing in Abyssinian litters for many
years and from the 1960s onward several dedicated breeders in Australia, the USA
and England worked to attain full recognition and acceptance of the
semi-longhaired cousin of the Abyssinian. The Somali is now accepted in
registries worldwide. Breed Standards (the description of the ideal breed
specimen) closely resemble the Abyssinian’s aside from the coat length.
Somali
Appearance and Colours
The Somali has an elegant, athletic build that is medium in size. Males tend
to weigh in at 4 - 5 kg, females
slightly smaller. The face retains the tabby markings of the 'M' on the
forehead, however the rest of the cat should be free of tabby markings. The ears
are large and pricked forwards and the expression is alert and curious. Eyes can
be green or amber, the richer colour the better.
In Australia Somalis are commonly available in the four eumelanistic colours of
Tawny (called ruddy in the USA, usual in the UK), Cinnamon (also called sorrel),
Blue and Fawn The above four colours are also possible in a silver version,
called respectively Black Silver, Cinnamon Silver, Blue Silver and Fawn Silver.
In silver colours, a particular gene inhibits the base coat colour, leaving the
ticking on a white undercoat. Each colour has its own special appeal. In some
states chocolate and chocolate silver are being bred.
Somali Coat
The coat of the Somali really attracts attention the ticking gives a wild
appearance that is very unusual for a longer haired cat. Each hair has bands of
contrasting colour. The Somali coat is longest in the breeches, and the lovely ruff. A
real feature of the Somali is the tail, which has earned them the name the
Feline Fox. The beautiful coat is very easy to care for, due to the silky
texture that does not have a tendency to matt. A weekly comb is all that is
needed to keep the Somali looking and feeling good, and the cats enjoy this.
Somali Personality
Somalis have bright, bubbly, energetic and loving personalities. They are very
intelligent and active cats, who demonstrate a real devotion to their staff.
Somali cats are intensely affectionate to their people, and are usually extroverted and
enjoy visitors also. These cats make their presence felt - they share their
special joie de vivre with the humans in their lives. They often like to sit on
your shoulder to supervise what you are doing, will help with the housework -
they are great at making the beds!
Somali cats readily take to walking on a lead and playing games such as fetch. Although
they can be boisterous in play, they are very gentle, and are excellent
companions for older children. They are great family pets as they really give
something special to each member. They may not want to sit on a lap for long
periods, however they usually want to be close to you to be a part of whatever
you are doing. They generally have a lot to get through in a day! One
characteristic of many Somalis is the hairdresser gene they seem to love
licking and grooming peoples hair.
Somali Lifestyle
Although the Somali is an active breed, they make very good indoor cats. This is
also strongly recommended, as their agenda-driven lifestyle does not allow for
good road sense. Indoor life also helps to protect local wildlife. Somalis are
intelligent cats who thrive on company therefore if they are to be regularly
alone while you are at work, you should consider a second cat for company.
Plenty of toys, attention, company and a cat gym are all that is needed to keep
the Somali happy. Of course, once the staff return home, the Somali gives a full
welcome party in their honour!
Related Links
Somali Breeders
Somali Photos
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