THE SOMALI
The Somali is a moderate to large sized cat with soft, medium-length fur and a bushy tail which bears an uncanny resemblance to a little fox. Somalis are also referred to as "semi-longhaired Abyssinians", since Abyssinians are the "parent breed" of the Somali breed.
Somalis are sweet-faced, lithe, muscular cats with an overall impression of alertness, intelligence and a keen curiosity. They are affectionate, active, playful, interactive cats who solicit nuzzles and pats, and thrive on human companionship. They should be given lots of individual attention and play, and a variety of toys. However, they tend to be calmer and less active than the Abyssinian.
Somalis have an agouti, or ticked coat. Each hair on their bodies has bands of darker colour, sometimes as many as 10 or 12 in a Somali. The Somali coat colour develops slowly, and doesn't show its full, mature ticking and colouring until age 18 months. The ticking usually causes a darker shine of colour along the cat's back and on the tip of its brushy tail, and gives the cat an exotic, wild look. Although the fur might look coarse, it's extremely soft.
Somalis generally have longer hair over their chests (the "ruff") and on their hindquarters (the "breeches"); their feet have tufts between the toes. Their tails are full and brushy, almost like that of a fox. Somalis need little care to keep their coats in good condition. Their soft, silky hair requires little brushing, although most Somalis love the attention if brushing is viewed as affection time rather than a chore. They do not mat, although the longer fur around their hindquarters can sometimes mat if not brushed regularly, they shed very little.
In all states of Australia Somalis are bred in the colours of tawny, cinnamon, blue, fawn and silver.
|
|
 Blue |
 Cinnamon
|
 Ikati Cassiopeia Fawn |
Silver |
In some states the colours of chocolate and lilac may be available. In some European countries, the Somali is bred in colours of cream, red, and tortie.
Somalis have the tabby "M" on their foreheads, and display pencil-strokes of darker colour drawn out from the corners of their eyes. As the darker colour also rims their eyes, Somalis may look as if they're wearing eye liner. Somalis have amber, copper or green eyes.
Females are smaller than males, weighing about 3-4 kilos on average as adults. Males are an average of 4-5 kilos as adults, although some may be larger. Somalis have small litters of three or four. They have a lifespan of around 15 years.
Abyssinians can be used in Somali breeding programs but not vice versa, and an Abyssinian variant is an Abyssinian that is carrying the gene for long hair. It is still a pedigreed cat.
Somalis seem happiest if kept with another cat of about their own activity level. Somalis do very well as indoor-only cats, provided that they are given plenty of room to run and play.
Somalis are even-tempered and easy to handle. If you're looking for a breed that's good with children or to introduce into a multi-pet household, the Somali is a good choice. Somalis are extremely affectionate and people-oriented --
Home | About Us | Cats & Kittens | Links | Email