Are you looking for a super beautiful and friendly cat? Then the Somali might be the one for you. This breed looks incredibly beautiful and also has a very nice character. Somalis are cheerful, love their owners, and love to play!
In this blog:
- The personality of a Somali
- What a Somali looks like
- How to care for a Somali
- How long a Somali cat can live
- The health of Somali cats
- Everything about the origin of the Somali
- How much a Somali kitten costs
1. What is the personality of a Somali?
Somali cats are intelligent, curious, and very lively. A Somali is truly the sunshine of the house. Somali cats are full of energy, playful, and always happy to see you. They are always up for playing with their owners. As if that wasn’t enough, this breed is also incredibly sweet and affectionate.
These cats love their people and enjoy being petted. They are also very social – are you talking to someone? A Somali will happily chat along with you! Another nice trait of the Somali is that this breed is confident. Somalis often get along well with people and other animals, even when meeting them for the first time.
Somali cats love their “people,” but they are not lap cats. They are much too active for that.
Does your cat have a lot of energy? Make your cat happy by setting up a cat tree for active cats in your home!
2. What does a Somali look like?
Somalis are super beautiful cats. They have a medium-length silky coat with a very beautiful color – a mix of as many as 28 different colors. That’s quite special, isn’t it? The coat of most Somalis is golden-brown combined with apricot and black “ticking.” Breeders call this a “wild color.” However, Somali cats can also come in other colors:
- Blue
- Light yellow
- Reddish
- Red
Most Somalis have a coat with “ticking,” which means that the coat on the underside of their body, legs, and chest is darker. Their tail also has rings.
The build of this breed is muscular and sturdy. The cats are not large, but not very small either – so they are of average size, like a domestic cat. The head has soft contours and is wedge-shaped, with almond-shaped eyes that are usually green, amber, or light brown. The ears are spaced a bit further apart, and their legs are long and slender. Somalis are real beauties!
3. All about caring for a Somali
A Somali cat has medium-length fur with an undercoat, which requires grooming. But it’s not difficult – you can keep your Somali’s coat in good condition by regularly combing and brushing it. Do you notice mats or tangling? Then take your cat to a good groomer!
But of course, a Somali needs more care, just like any other cat. Good nutrition suited to the breed, fresh water every day, and protection against fleas and other parasites are very important. Just like regular visits to the vet. But also:
- A beautiful cat wall to play on or a stable cat tree
- Love and attention
- Care when the cat is sick
- A kind and reliable pet sitter when you go on vacation
- Clean litter boxes with high-quality litter
- Fun and challenging cat toys
4. How long does a Somali live?
A healthy and well-cared-for Somali cat can live between 12 and 15 years, as long as the cat doesn’t suffer from hereditary diseases or conditions.
5. The health of Somali cats
Pedigree cats are bred for unique characteristics. The Somali also has traits that make it special, such as:
- Medium-length fur
- A coat that is a mix of 28 colors
- Solid and muscular build
Do you think a Somali might be a good fit for you? Then make sure to thoroughly research the health of this breed. Many pedigree cats are prone to hereditary conditions. Somali cats are descendants of the Abyssinian and are at a higher risk of inheriting the same hereditary diseases and conditions, such as anemia (Pyruvate kinase deficiency) and blindness (PRA). It’s important to be aware of this.
If you want to bring a healthy cat into your home, ask for advice from a veterinarian. You can also consult the websites of Dier & Recht and the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority for information on the health of the breed, whether it is permitted, and what rules apply to breeders.
Always buy a Somali from a reputable breeder, preferably one affiliated with a breed association. This way, you can be sure the cat is healthy and well cared for. Also, ask the breeder for a health certificate or guarantee for extra assurance.
So, you now know a lot about Somali cats. But you still don’t know how and where this breed originated. And how much does a Somali actually cost? You’ll find out below.
6. The origin of the Somali
It’s a bit of a mystery how the Somali cat exactly originated. It is believed that their long hair appeared by accident as a natural mutation of the Abyssinian cat breed. Initially, breeders were not very pleased with the long-haired kittens, but from the 1960s onwards, they started breeding these beautiful long-haired cats. That’s how the breed was formed, and people quickly found the cats very charming. In 1972, the first Somali cat club was established in America, and in 1979, Somalis were allowed to participate in cat shows for the first time.
Almost all Somali cats in the United States and Canada are descended from Raby Chuffa or Selene – a male Abyssinian cat. This means that many Somali cats are related to each other. This is called inbreeding, and it is not always good because the cats often have a higher risk of inheriting the same hereditary diseases. Want to know which ones? You can read about them above.
7. Buying a Somali cat
Do you want to buy a Somali cat? Then go to a certified breeder, preferably one affiliated with a breed association. This way, you can be sure you’re buying a healthy, well-socialized cat that has been bred in a humane manner. Always ask for the papers, a health certificate, and check the kitten’s parents. Also, take a look at their living conditions: is it clean and homely, and are the parents present? That’s a good sign. Do not buy cats through platforms like Marktplaats, eBay, or from backyard breeders.
A Somali cat from a good breeder costs around 1500 euros. If you’re looking for a cat but don’t necessarily need a pedigree, consider checking shelters or adoption agencies. Many loving cats are waiting for a good home there.
And remember: you’re not getting a cat for just a short time, but for its entire life. Are you willing to take good care of the animal and set aside money for its care and vet visits? If so, a Somali cat could become your new best friend!
Discover here what the approximate cost of caring for a cat entails
The Somali in a nutshell:
- The Somali is sweet, intelligent, cheerful, and active
- A Somali cat lives between 12 to 15 years
- The coat of a Somali is medium-long and requires grooming
- Somali cats are descended from the Abyssinian
- It’s better not to buy a Somali kitten from Marktplaats, eBay, or from a backyard breeder
- Somali cats are not lap cats, but they love their owners
- A Somali likes to “talk” with you
Read all about the soft and graceful Nebelung cat here
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.
