In any of its recognized colors-ruddy, red, blue, or fawn-the Somali is dramatically colored with a distinctly ticked coat and bold tabby facial markings. These cats are moderately sized with muscular physiques. Females typically weigh in at 6 to 9 pounds and males at 10 to 12 pounds. They have semi-long hair, a ruff, britches, tufts of hair between the toes, fully plumed tails, and large ears. The Somali is a longhair Abyssinian.
These cats generally respond well to clicker training. Teaching them tricks and games like fetch is an effective way to give them the attention and stimulation they crave.
While their looks are called fox-like, Somali personalities have been labeled monkey-like. These cats are intelligent, energetic, playfully mischievous, and they love to clown around. They belong with humans who have a great sense of humor and an interest in engaging regularly. They don't mind being only pets, but they do best with another Somali playmate, especially if they're alone often.
Somalis have a particular fondness for kneading on human laps. They also have what borders on a hair fetish, frequently and eagerly pawing at human hair, beards, and mustaches.
Somalis are spirited, active, cats. They are almost constantly on the go, climbing, exploring, and playing around. They like to be nearby and are affectionate, but they don't spend much down time sitting in laps. Somalis aren't too talkative but have gentle voices.
These cats want attention but prefer to earn it with their ability to entertain and amuse rather than pursue it in a needy or aggressive manner. They get along with people of any age, as long as they are treated respectfully and interacted with often. They'd rather not share attention with other cats or dogs, but would prefer another animal for company-ideally another Somali-over being alone for extended periods. These extroverts are eager to meet strangers.
Somalis are curious and strong-willed cats. Once they decide they want something, they'll do whatever it takes to get it. They won't be convinced to sit still or mind their own business when they don't want to.
This breed is fit and generally healthy, with an average domestic feline lifespan, though it has a number of genetic concerns. Prevention of excess weight and obesity with an appropriate diet and physical activity is the best way to promote the breed's health, vitality, and longevity.
The primary hereditary concern in Somalis is pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency. It causes intermittent anemia and other problems. It's seen as early as 6 months of age, but the condition may manifest at any time. Genetic screenings can detect carriers and cats that are afflicted, which enables responsible breeders to remove the condition from bloodlines.
Somalis are highly susceptible to periodontal disease. They also have a genetic predisposition to renal amyloidosis, a condition in which amyloid proteins accumulate in the kidneys and cause organ dysfunction and eventually failure. These cats are also at increased risk for myasthenia gravis, a treatable autoimmune disorder affecting communication between nerves and muscles. This disease causes general weakness and fatigue. Additionally, Somalis are predisposed to progressive retinal atrophy, ultimately resulting in blindness.
Somalis need a good deal of stimulation. They provide much of it for themselves with their acrobatics and antics, but they also need help from their humans. Puzzle toys and a tall cat tree are essential accessories. When their brief mellow periods do set in, these cats love bird watching. They appreciate a bird feeder or birdbath thoughtfully located outside their favorite window.
These cats generally respond well to clicker training. Teaching them tricks and games like fetch is an effective way to give them the attention and stimulation they crave. Many Somalis will learn to walk on a leash, too.
The breed's propensity for exploration and mischief combined with a tenacious temperament and endless ingenuity can be a lot to handle. Somalis are very good at getting anywhere and anything they want. Thorough pet-proofing is important, and attention is the best way to keep these cats out of trouble.
Somalis have fine, soft, medium-long coats. They should be brushed at least once per week to prevent knots and matting. They are moderately heavy shedders, though, so more frequent brushings should be used to control hair around the home and to reduce the risk of hairballs during shedding seasons.
These cats are prone to periodontal disease, necessitating aggressive dental care. Their teeth should be cleaned daily with a veterinarian-recommended toothpaste, starting at a young age to foster compliance. A veterinarian may also suggest using a feline mouthwash or rinse.
Somalis don't generally need baths unless a toxic or difficult-to-remove substance dirties their coat. The tips of their claws should be clipped once every 10 to 14 days with a sharp guillotine-style blade or scissors, and their ears should be checked at least once per week to see if they require cleaning or show any signs of an ear infection.
Insomuch as Somali history is Abyssinian history, not much is known about it; legends, rumors, and controversy abound. Despite their name, these cats didn't originate in Somalia. Even Abyssinians, given Ethiopia's former name, don't come from Abyssinia. Most likely, they come from areas around the coast of the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.
Like so many breeds concentrated in Europe, Abyssinians were almost extinct by the end of World War II. In fact, at one point there were only about 12 known Abys. It's believed they were sometimes mated with longhair cats as part of the effort to revive their numbers, resulting in Somalis.
All American and Canadian Somalis can be traced back to a male Aby named Raby Chuffa of Selene, a cat that came to the US from England in 1953. Kittens displaying traits from recessive longhair genes were initially rejected by breeders, because it indicated lines tainted with non-Abyssinian stock. In the 1960s, however, the appeal of longhair Abys gained traction and the Somali breed was actively developed in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
Still not nearly as well known as Abyssinians, Somalis have slowly become more popular. They were first recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) in 1979.
