Looking for a super beautiful and sociable cat? Then the Somali might be for you. Indeed, this cat breed looks fairytale-like. And the character is nice too: the cats are cheerful, love their owners and love to play!
Here we tell you all about it:
- The character of a Somali
- What a Somali looks like
- How to take care of a Somali
- How old a Somali cat can get
- Which health problems Somali cats can get
- All about the origins of the Somali
- How much a Somali kitten costs
What is the character of a Somali?
Somali cats are intelligent, curious and very lively. A Somali is really the sunshine in the house. Somali cats burst with energy, are playful and always happy to see you. And are also always up for playing with their master. As if all that were not enough, this cat breed is also very sweet and cuddly.
These cats love their humans and love to be petted. And sociable they are too – are you talking to someone? A Somali loves to chat with you! Another nice thing about the Somali’s character is that this breed is confident. So Somalis often get along well with people and other animals. Even when the cat meets them for the first time.
Interesting fact: Somali cats may love their people, but they are not really lap cats. They are much too active for that.
Does your cat have a lot of energy? Make your cat happy and put a cat tree for active cats in your home!
What does a Somali look like?
Somalis are super beautiful cats. They have a medium-long silky coat with a very beautiful colour – a mix of as many as 28 different colours. That’s special, isn’t it? The coat of most Somalis is golden brown combined with apricot and black ticking. Breeders call this a ‘wild colour’. But Somali cats can also have other colours:
- Blue
- Light yellow
- Rusty
- Red
Most Somalis have a coat with ‘ticking’. This means that the fur on the underside of their body, legs and chest is darker. And the tail has rings.
The build of this cat breed is muscular and sturdy. The cats are not big, but not very small either – so average in size. Just like a domestic cat. The head has soft contours and is wedge-shaped, the eyes are shaped like almonds and are usually green, amber or light brown. The ears are set a little further apart and their legs are long and slender. Somalis are real beauties!
All about the care of a Somali
The coat of a Somali cat is half-long with an undercoat. And it needs grooming. But that’s not difficult – you can keep your Somali’s coat in good condition by combing and brushing it regularly. See any tangles or mats? Then visit a good cat groomer!
But of course, a Somali needs more care, just like any other cat. Good food that suits the breed, fresh water every day and protection against fleas and other parasites are very important. As are regular visits to the vet. But also:
- a nice cat shelves to play on
- love and attention
- a good stable cat tree
- care if the cat is ill
- a kind and reliable sitter when you go on holiday
- clean litter boxes with high quality cat litter
- fun and challenging cat toys
How old does a Somali cat get?
A healthy and well-cared-for Somali cat can live between 12 and 15 years. That is, of course, if they don’t suffer from hereditary conditions or diseases.
Conditions and diseases in Somali cats
Having a Somali cat brings a lot of joy to your home. Unfortunately, some cats may have health problems. Here’s a rundown of what those are.
Pyruvate kinase deficiency: hereditary anemia
Somali cats may have abnormalities in their red blood cells. This condition is called Pyruvate kinase deficiency, meaning the cat has anemia. This anemia causes fatigue in cats and makes them less able to handle stressful situations. Fortunately, there are DNA tests that can quickly detect this disease.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA):
In Somali cats with this condition, the retina gradually deteriorates, resulting in complete blindness. Breeders can test for this and prevent the transmission of this hereditary condition to kittens.
Amyloidosis: liver or kidney failure
This disease can occur in Somalis, but how often has not been thoroughly researched. It causes chronic liver or kidney failure and is incredibly challenging to treat. Unfortunately, cats with Amyloidosis do not survive.
Patella Luxation: loose kneecap
A less severe but still quite troublesome condition that Somalis can develop is Patella Luxation. This means the cat has a kneecap that dislocates, causing intense pain and lameness. Fortunately, a cat can undergo surgery for this, but it comes with a significant cost.
While more hereditary conditions are mentioned in professional literature, there is often little evidence or the disease is not very common.
(source: Animal and Law)
Want to make sure you’re getting a healthy and happy Somali kitten? Ask questions to a breed association before you start, and always ask a breeder or cattery for a health guarantee or statement!
There you go, now you know a lot about Somali cats. But you still don’t know how and where this cat breed originated. And how much does a Somali cost, anyway? You’ll discover that below.
The origin of the Somali
It’s a bit of a mystery how the Somali cat exactly came into existence. We believe that their long hair originated as a natural mutation of the Abyssinian cat breed. Initially, breeders weren’t too thrilled with the long-haired kittens, but from the 1960s onward, they started deliberately breeding these beautiful long-haired cats. That’s how the breed came into being, and people quickly found these cats very charming—in 1972, the first club for Somali cats started in America, and in 1979, Somalis were allowed to participate in cat shows for the first time.
Almost all Somali cats in America and Canada can trace their ancestry back to Raby Chuffa or Selene—a male Abyssinian cat. This means that many Somali cats are related, which is called inbreeding and is not always ideal, as these cats often have a higher risk of the same hereditary diseases. Want to know which ones? You can read about them above.
How much does a Somali kitten cost?
If you want to buy a Somali kitten, we advise you to always seek information from a breed association. This way, you’ll get independent advice and ensure that you’re getting a healthy cat from a reliable seller. Your veterinarian can also provide good advice on getting a Somali. And never buy a (purebred) cat from Marktplaats, eBay, or a backyard breeder, as that’s asking for trouble—for you and your cat. It often leads to significant costs and disappointment.
Does your cat not necessarily have to be a purebred? Then consider visiting a shelter in your area, as there are many great cats waiting for a loving owner and a safe home. Bet your new best friend is there!
And remember: a cute little kitten grows up and can live a long time. So, be prepared to take good care of the animal for its entire life and have enough financial resources for care, (special) food, and medications. Because it’s often not cheap.
The Somali in a nutshell:
- The Somali is affectionate, intelligent, cheerful, and active.
- A Somali cat lives 12 to 15 years.
- The Somali’s coat is semi-long and requires care.
- Somali cats are descended from the Abyssinian.
- It’s better not to buy a Somali kitten from Marktplaats, eBay, or a backyard breeder.
- Somali cats are not lap cats but love their owners.
- A Somali likes to ‘talk’ with you.
Disclaimer: Petrebels is not a veterinarian or behavior expert; all content, information, and tips on this blog are intended to inspire you and have an informational character. If your cat has symptoms or problems, and you’re unsure about your cat’s health, always consult a veterinarian or a behavior expert.