Somali Cat Breed Information - Everything You Want To Know

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The Somali cat is the true representative of a full of life, enthusiastic, playful, social, and outgoing cat.

This breed originated from the famous Abyssinian cats, mainly an advanced version of the Abys.

The beautiful golden eyes with green pigmentation around the eyes give the imprint of eyeliner, and the Somali cat is a classical cat breed.

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Somali History

The Somali cat is an advanced version of the Abyssinian cat.

One of the main difference in the appearance of both cats includes the Somali cat having long hair while the Abyssinian cat has short hair.

Lord Napier brought a cute cat named Zulu to Britain, and this breed came into existence.

The Somali cat was truly known after the second world war. It got recognized by the Cat Fancier Association after 1960.

Somali Key Facts

The coat of the Somali cat is semi-elongated and soft. The muscular legs and oval feet show like a Somali cat is standing on its tip-toes. Its tail is bushy like a fox. The paws of the Somali cats are astonishingly strong and can hold items such as food, open cabinets, etc. This breed sleeps less as compared to other breeds.

How Big Do Somali Get?

In general, the Somali is a medium-sized cat with a muscular appearance and elongated figure.

A fully grown male Somali cat weighs about eight to twelve pounds, whereas the female one weighs about seven to ten pounds.

This breed grows up to seven to eleven inches.

Somali Lifespan

Typically, a Somali cat lives up to eleven to sixteen years.

However, numerous factors affect the longevity of the Somali cat, including diet, health, and environment.

If you want to improve your quality of Somali life, neutering will be a good option. The neutered cats live more due to less reproductive disease prevalence.

Another thing that you must be familiar with is that overfeeding shortens your cat’s life as it puts extra stress all over the body’s joints, bones and organs.

How Much Does A Somali Cost?

A renowned breeder will provide this breed for $1000 to $1500. A Somali cat is a rare and double-coated breed, so it costs higher.

You can adopt a Somali cat by cat shelter, which will cost around $75 to $150.

For initial arrangement and supplies, an additional $500 will be required to buy the essentials such as Air Fresheners, Cat bed, Cat Litter.

Somali Personality

The Somali cat is a curious, athletic, and highly active cat breed. It loves to play and roam around in the house.

Climbing to the highest places releases happy hormones in this breed. Watch out for bone fractures and injuries.

This social and outgoing breed loves to interact with people, other pets, and cats. Sometimes Somali cat does certain things to be the center of attention.

On the whole, it is a happy cat with a nice temperament. The Somali cats are highly intelligent and easy to train. This cute furry pal is best for larger families.

A Somali is friendly and fun. It is surely not a lap cat. However, a Somali cat can get loud at times.

Unlike some other cat breeds, a Somali cat enjoys family gatherings and functions.

Caring For A Somali

Every cat’s basic care is good nutrition, a loving family, proper grooming, and exercise.

Along with these basic needs, a Somali cat is a loving and affectionate cat; it will require your time and love to feel satisfied and happy.

Play with your Somali cat often and spend as much time as possible. Leaving it alone for a longer duration will make your Somali cat anxious and stressed.

Somali Nutrition

As for as the diet is concerned, a Somali cat is unique and has a particular taste. Being a picky eater, your Somali cat will not eat every time you serve.

But as they are highly active and muscular, a nutrient and dense caloric diet are required. Protein-enriched cat food must be included in its diet.

Quality food items such as chicken and fish should be served occasionally.

Water should be within reach at all times to avoid dehydration as it can cause dryness in the body.

How To Groom A Somali?

The soft and silky fur of a Somali cat requires daily brushing.

Daily brushing using a metallic brush will remove the tangles and stimulate the blood flow.

A fun fact is that a Somali cat enjoys being groomed so that it won’t be stubborn in grooming sessions.

Teeth brushing regularly will keep it prone to dental caries.

Cleaning the eye’s corner and inside the ear with a clean damp cloth is important to decrease the risk of bacterial infections.

Bathing will help remove the dead hair your Somali cat has shed all over the week or month.

After every couple of weeks, nails should be trimmed. Keep your Somali cat indoors so that getting infections is lowered.

Once a month, spray flea removal spray all over its body so that there remains no chance for fleas and ticks to grow.

Somali Activity Levels

A Somali cat is one of the highly active and playful cat breeds. It requires excessive exercise daily.

Play with your Somali cat with interactive cat toys and chase toys to overcome its energy burst.

Talking your Somali cat out for a walk with a lease on will be suitable. Climbing and jumping is the favorite thing for a Somali cat to do.

Physical activity will keep the mind fresh and is also good for maintaining a healthy weight.

Somali Health Concerns

Every cat has some genetic disorder inherited by its parents. Like others, the Somali cats have some hereditary diseases running in their blood.

One of the most common ones seen includes Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency which leads to anemia.

Secondly, a Somali cat is prone to getting an eye infection, mainly Progressive Retinal Atrophy.

This can cause blinding in your Somali cat. Lastly, plague and tartar accumulation are also observed, leading to periodontal diseases.

Apart from these, arthritis, kidney issues, and heart problems are prevalent in older Somali cats.

Hyperesthesia syndrome is also seen in this breed which includes a condition in which the cats are excessively groomed, leading towards hair loss.

Dislocation of the kneecap, mainly known as Patella Luxation, is also diagnosed.

While buying a Somali cat, ask the breeder about its genetic conditions and parents.

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