ALLEMAND
ESPAGNOL
FRANÇAIS
ITALIEN
NÉERLANDAIS
PORTUGAISSomali
Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of cat somali!
Here, you will find all the useful information about somali. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.
Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.
Overall description of the breed
The Somali breed of cat, with its lush coat and exotic charm, is an enigmatic feline whose captivating history dates back several decades. Possessing a striking appearance and an entrancing personality, the Somali has risen to the top of cat lovers' preferences, evoking the adventurous spirit of its wild ancestors.
The history of the Somali cat is closely linked to that of the Abyssinian cat, an ancestral breed originating from Ethiopia. In the early 20th century, Abyssinians were introduced to Great Britain, but the gene responsible for their long coat was considered undesirable at the time. However, in the 1960s, some breeders decided to preserve this gene and develop a new breed - the Somali cat.
Baroness Miranda von Kirchberg, a British breeder, is credited with creating the Somali breed. By crossing Abyssinian cats with long-haired cats such as Persians, she succeeded in preserving the gene for the lush coat while retaining the beautiful Abyssinian tabby pattern.
Mary Mailling is recognized as one of the pioneer figures of the breed in the United States. She introduced a long-haired Abyssinian cat at a cat show in Calgary in 1963.
Evelyne Mague, a breeder from New Jersey, stabilized the semi-long fur length of the Somali cat in 1967. She also gave the breed its name as a tribute to Somalia, the country bordering Ethiopia and the origin of the Abyssinian cat.
The Somali cat displays an elegant and athletic morphology. Male cats weigh on average between 3.6 and 5.4 kg, while females weigh about 2.7 to 4.5 kg. Their shoulder height is about 20 to 25 cm. Their coat is dense, silky, and available in a rich variety of colors, from red to chocolate, blue, lilac, and fawn. The tabby pattern is a distinctive feature of this breed, with elegant stripes running throughout the body.
The Somali cat combines the adventurous spirit of its ancestors with an affectionate and sociable personality. Intelligent and curious, they love to explore their surroundings and play with toys. This cat develops a deep bond with its owners and enjoys interacting with them. They are playful and highly agile, making them a dynamic and entertaining companion.
Over time, the Somali cat has gained recognition and has been officially recognized as a distinct breed. The first breed standard was established by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) in 1972, followed by other international cat organizations such as the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe) and the TICA (The International Cat Association).
In conclusion, the Somali breed cat embodies a captivating history and exquisite beauty. Its lush coat, origins in the original Abyssinian cat, and charismatic personality make it a cherished choice among cat lovers worldwide. Its recognition by renowned cat organizations and its undeniable charm make it a graceful ambassador of feline elegance.
Awareness of acquiring an animal
Each animal is a sensitive being, deserving love, attention and care.
When you choose to adopt an animal, you take on the responsibility of ensuring its health and well-being throughout its life.
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Origins
The Somali is a fascinating breed that originates from the Abyssinian, known for its distinctive "ticked" coat. Though its name suggests East Africa, this breed was developed in the United States and Australia in the 1960s. Breeders were captivated by the beauty of the long-haired kittens from Abyssinian litters and set out to create a new breed that would preserve this characteristic.
History
The Somali quickly gained popularity due to its exotic appearance and playful nature. Officially recognized in the 1970s, it distinguished itself as a breed in its own right, captivating the hearts of cat enthusiasts all over the world. Its recognition by major feline organizations solidified its place in the world of cat shows and competitions.
Standard
The standard for the Somali breed highlights its dense and silky coat, with a fine texture and characteristic ticking color distribution. Its figure is slender and muscular, with a round-shaped head, large pointed ears, and expressive almond-shaped eyes. Accepted colors vary, but red and sorrel are particularly valued.
Physical characteristics
The Somali is known for its unique "ticked" coat, where each individual hair has alternating color bands, giving an impression of depth and richness to its fur. Its bushy tail and long, elegant legs complete its wild and refined appearance.
Character
The Somali is an extremely sociable, intelligent, and active cat. It stands out for its limitless curiosity and desire for interaction, whether with humans or other animals. It is also known for its attachment to its family, offering affection and companionship.
Life expectancy
With proper care, a balanced diet, and regular exercise, the Somali can live between 12 and 16 years. Regular veterinary check-ups contribute to a long, healthy life.
Exercise and activity needs
The Somali, by its adventurous and energetic nature, needs a good amount of exercise and mental stimulation. Interactive games, safe exploration of the environment, and enriching toys are essential to keep it engaged and satisfied.
Recommended diet
A diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates suits the active metabolism of the Somali. The quality of the food and careful portion management are crucial to maintain its ideal weight and overall health.
Training and obedience
The Somali, thanks to its intelligence and desire to please, is receptive to training. Positive reinforcement methods, such as rewards and praise, are effective for teaching it behaviors and tricks.
Behavior with children
The Somali, with its affectionate and patient nature, gets along well with children. Its playful temperament and tolerance make it an ideal companion for the young, although supervision of interactions is always recommended to ensure everyone's safety.
Compatibility with Other Animals
The Somali, thanks to its sociable and playful nature, often integrates well into homes that already have other animals. Its natural curiosity and desire to interact make it an ideal companion for other cats and even dogs, provided that they are accustomed to the presence of cats. A gradual introduction is recommended to ensure a smooth acclimation and avoid tension.
Grooming needs
The medium-length coat of the Somali requires regular maintenance to stay in good condition. Weekly brushing is usually sufficient to remove dead hair and prevent the formation of knots, while distributing the natural oils throughout its coat. Special attention must be given during shedding seasons to maintain its luxurious coat.
Health
The Somali is generally a robust breed, but it can be predisposed to certain hereditary conditions, such as pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Regular visits to the veterinarian and genetic testing can help detect and manage these conditions from the early stages.
Average price
The purchase of a Somali kitten can vary between 800 and 1500 euros, depending on the pedigree, the breeder, and the region. Specimens intended for show or with an exceptional pedigree can be offered at higher prices.
Expenses
The annual expenses for maintaining a Somali, including food, veterinary care, grooming, and accessories, can amount to about 1000 euros. These costs can increase depending on the specific health or well-being needs of the animal.
Name ideas
Exotic and elegant names such as Akira, Zephyr, Sable, Cleo, or Nala perfectly suit the grace and dynamism of the Somali. Names inspired by its African heritage or its distinctive coat can also be beautiful options.
Legislation and regulation
There is no specific legislation or categorization specifically concerning the Somali breed. However, it is important to comply with local laws on pet ownership and welfare, which may vary by region.
Official recognition
The Somali is recognized by major feline organizations such as the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFé) and The International Cat Association (TICA). This recognition certifies the breed's compliance with international standards and its status among globally recognized feline breeds.
Pedigrees
Pedigrees, documenting the purity of the lineage and the health background of the Somali, are available from certified breeders and feline associations. These documents are valuable for those interested in breeding, shows, or wishing to guarantee their cat's genetic quality.
Destination and usage
The Somali is primarily a companion cat, cherished for its affectionate nature and engaging presence in its owners' lives. Its curious nature and sharp intelligence also make it an ideal candidate for agility competitions and other feline activities.
Prohibitions
There are no specific bans regarding the Somali breed. However, as responsible owners, it is important to ensure that the cat has a living environment suited to its care needs, attention, and mental stimulation.
Breeders of Somali
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