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    Somali: Cat Breed Profile: Characteristics, History, Care Tips, and Helpful Information For Pet Owners

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    This document provides an overview of the Somali cat breed, including its characteristics, history, care needs, common health problems, diet, where to adopt or buy, and suggestions for further research. It describes Somalis as active, playful cats with long silky coats and athletic builds that do best with an owner who spends a lot of time at home to entertain them. Key points include their need for regular brushing, potential health issues like retinal atrophy and periodontal disease, high protein diet, and finding them through reputable breeders or shelters/rescues.

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    Somali: Cat Breed Profile: Characteristics, History, Care Tips, and Helpful Information For Pet Owners

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    This document provides an overview of the Somali cat breed, including its characteristics, history, care needs, common health problems, diet, where to adopt or buy, and suggestions for further research. It describes Somalis as active, playful cats with long silky coats and athletic builds that do best with an owner who spends a lot of time at home to entertain them. Key points include their need for regular brushing, potential health issues like retinal atrophy and periodontal disease, high protein diet, and finding them through reputable breeders or shelters/rescues.

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    This document provides an overview of the Somali cat breed, including its characteristics, history, care needs, common health problems, diet, where to adopt or buy, and suggestions for further research. It describes Somalis as active, playful cats with long silky coats and athletic builds that do best with an owner who spends a lot of time at home to entertain them. Key points include their need for regular brushing, potential health issues like retinal atrophy and periodontal disease, high protein diet, and finding them through reputable breeders or shelters/rescues.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Download as pdf or txt
    41 views20 pages

    Somali: Cat Breed Profile: Characteristics, History, Care Tips, and Helpful Information For Pet Owners

    Uploaded by

    prosvetitelj
    This document provides an overview of the Somali cat breed, including its characteristics, history, care needs, common health problems, diet, where to adopt or buy, and suggestions for further research. It describes Somalis as active, playful cats with long silky coats and athletic builds that do best with an owner who spends a lot of time at home to entertain them. Key points include their need for regular brushing, potential health issues like retinal atrophy and periodontal disease, high protein diet, and finding them through reputable breeders or shelters/rescues.

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    CATS CAT BREEDS

    Somali: Cat Breed Profile


    Characteristics, History, Care Tips, and Helpful Information for
    Pet Owners
    By
    LAUREN MURPHY

    Updated on 07/12/21

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    grase / Getty Images
    IN THIS ARTICLE

    • Characteristics
    • Breed History
    • Care
    • Health Problems
    • Diet and Nutrition
    • Where to Buy or Adopt
    • Further Research

    BACK TO TOP

    Somali cats are active and playful, with luscious locks and athletic builds. If you’re looking for a
    social cat with a wild look and curious personality, consider the Somali cat. With their
    mischievous nature, Somalis are natural entertainers. They do best with someone who spends
    most of their time at home—they may get into trouble when you’re away.

    With long, soft coats and muscular bodies, Somalis are undoubtedly stunning cats. But they can
    be quite mischievous, so make sure you're prepared before deciding to get one as a pet. Keep
    reading to learn more about this unique breed.

    FEATURED VIDEO

    Breed Overview

    WEIGHT: 8 to 12 pounds

    LENGTH: 11 to 14 inches
    COAT: Long
    COAT COLOR: Smooth coat in red, ruddy, blue, fawn, and sorrel
    EYE COLOR: Green or gold
    LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 14 years

    Characteristics of Somali Cats


    Affection Level High
    Friendliness High
    Kid-Friendly Medium
    Pet-Friendly Medium
    Exercise Needs High
    Playfulness High
    Energy Level High
    Intelligence High
    Tendency to Vocalize Low
    Amount of Shedding Medium
    photo by Volchanskiy / Getty Images

    History of the Somali Cat


    Long-haired versions of Abyssinian cats, Somali cats have a largely mysterious history. Some
    experts have theorized that a long haired gene was introduced in the Abyssinian breed population
    in the early 1900s as a recessive gene when other cat breeds bred with purebred Abyssinians.

    The first Somali, then referred to as a “long-haired Abyssinian” was shown in cat shows in
    Australia in 1965. It was then that breeders actually began to develop Somalis as a breed. Today,
    all major cat associations recognize the unique and relatively rare Somali cat breed.

    Somali Cat Care


    Somali cats have soft, silky coats that require regular brushing to maintain. Brush your Somali
    once or twice a week to keep their coat free from tangles. Somali cats often actually enjoy being
    groomed, which makes the job much easier for you.

    If you have a Somali, consider brushing their teeth at home on a regular basis. These cats can be
    prone to periodontal disease, so you may want to schedule occasional veterinary dental cleanings
    to prevent any problems.

    Rambunctious, intelligent, and active, Somalis have relatively high exercise needs compared to
    other cat breeds. Play with them multiple times a day to help them get their energy out (plus, it
    helps you two bond).

    If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take your Somali cat on leashed walks. Somalis love
    the outdoors and spending time with their humans, so this is a win-win. And because Somali cats
    are so intelligent and eager to exercise, they are easily trained. They are known to play fetch on
    occasion and learn fun tricks, like sit and stay. Just make sure to keep sessions positive and
    rewarding.

    With regular exercise and training sessions to tire out their minds and bodies, Somalis are less
    likely to get into trouble in the house. But if you leave your Somali home alone without
    exercising them, you may come home to ripped up tissues and a dumped over garbage can.

    Common Health Problems


    All cats are prone to some genetic diseases. Most Somali cats are happy and healthy, but there
    are a few hereditary diseases they are prone to.
    Like some Abyssinian cats, some Somalis may develop a hereditary health issue called pyruvate
    kinase deficiency, which can cause anemia. If you’re purchasing your Somali from a breeder, ask
    them to test for this condition before committing.

    Somalis may also be prone to an eye condition, progressive retinal atrophy. It causes progressive
    blindness in cats. Ask your breeder if their cats have been affected by this condition to determine
    if your kitten is susceptible.

    Like most other cat breeds, the Somali cat breed is prone to plaque and tartar buildup, which can
    lead to periodontal disease. Brush their teeth regularly with a pet-specific toothpaste to prevent
    this. You should also book occasional professional dental cleanings. Ask your vet for specific
    recommendations.

    Diet and Nutrition


    In terms of dietary needs, each cat breed is unique. And cats all have their own tastes—if you’re
    a cat owner, you know they can be picky eaters. But because Somalis are so active and muscular,
    they need high-quality cat food with plenty of protein to remain in good shape. Stick to foods
    with quality ingredients like fish and chicken and avoid ones with unnecessary fillers with no
    nutritional value.

    Your best resource is your veterinarian. They will be able to let you know which foods will be
    best suited for your Somali cat.

    The Most Intelligent Cat Breeds

    Pros

    • Easy to train
    • Affectionate
    • Not chatty

    Cons
    • Require regular grooming
    • Shy around strangers
    • Mischeivous

    Where to Adopt or Buy a Somali Cat


    If you’re considering purchasing a Somali cat from a breeder, make sure they are reputable. Ask
    them for clean bills of health for their cats and inquire about genetic diseases. If a breeder tells
    you their cats are not prone to any diseases, they aren’t being truthful—all cats (and humans, for
    that matter) are susceptible to some type of condition.

    While there’s no surefire way to avoid purchasing a sick kitten, you can significantly reduce the
    likelihood of that ever happening by thoroughly researching the breed and understanding what to
    expect. And do your homework before deciding on a breeder to ensure that the organization is
    reputable.

    But breeders aren’t your only option—you can sometimes find Somalis at shelters as well. Most
    likely, Somalis in a shelter will be adults. Research rescues and shelters in your area to learn
    more.

    Either way you go about it, you’re in for a treat when you adopt a Somali cat. Here’s where to
    look for your new furry friend:

    • Kahali Cattery
    • Petfinder
    • Front Range Abyssinians & Somalis
    • Somali Breed Council

    More Cat Breeds and Further Research


    If you’re interested in learning about other cat breeds like the Somali, check out breed profiles
    for these similar cats:

    • Abyssinian Breed Profile


    • Bengal Breed Profile
    • Siamese Cat Breed Profile

    Otherwise, checkout all of our other cat breed profiles.

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