The Somali cat is a breed known to make mischief. Catster experts tell us this cat breed rarely sleeps — this characteristic that makes her endlessly entertaining.
"She notices everything and feels compelled to be in the thick of things — meaning she's forever underfoot or overhead."
This cat is a huge fan of children, as they tend to match her activity, energy and curiosity levels, but she also thrives with dogs and other cats especially Abyssinians or fellow Somalis who easily keep pace with her antics! These cat breeds would be welcome in a home with the Somali cat breed.
Check out these cool facts we learned from Vet Street about the Somali cat:
- The semi-longhaired Somali's coat is generally soft, but texture can vary depending on color because of the way pigment particles are shaped and distributed within the hair shaft.
- The medium-size Somali has a long, lithe, muscular body supported by long, slim, muscular legs and oval feet.
- The Somali's bushy tail has given him the nickname "fox cat."
History of the Somali Cat
Vet Street explains that the Somali cat is the longhaired variety of the Abyssinian
"Despite his name, he's not from Somalia but more likely the coast of the Indian Ocean and parts of Southeast Asia. He resembles a small African wildcat but is domestic through and through. Breeds that probably figured in his background include Siamese, Burmese and Russian Blues. The longhaired gene was introduced after World War II when breeders were trying to bring the breed back after the privations of the war."
Overall care
The Somali cat is a long-haired cat, but the coat is easy to care for since it is not woolly. Daily brushing as part of playtime will keep the Somali's coat soft and silky.
Somalis are active cats, and they should have some high perches and cat trees available so they can jump and climb.
Somali cat personality
These cats are active!
Catster tells us that the Somali cat takes active to a whole other level.
"This is a breed that would play 24/7, if able. Aside from being beautiful, the Somali is incredibly brainy, so puzzle games and toys never fail to please. Though satisfied with playing with items readily found around the house, such as crumpled paper, boxes and bags, and bottle caps, the Somali does thrive on lasers and cat wands. And if you throw a cat tree or two in the mix ... better still!"
Quick facts about their coat
The coat can be ruddy, chocolate, cinnamon, blue, lilac or fawn, or a silver version of those colors: an ice-white coloration next to the skin with ticking up the hair shaft.
The Somali breed, like some Abyssinians, can develop a hereditary health issue called pyruvate kinase deficiency that can be a concern.
Are you lucky enough to live with a Somali cat? If you do, tell us what they're like below in the comments!
