Highly intelligent and friendly, Somalis have an endless stash of energy and curiosity. Their luscious fur and fox-like tail help them stand out from the crowd, and don’t they know it.
Personality and temperament
Somalis are bold, high-spirited cats who look for adventure and interaction wherever they can find it. Although they form close bonds with their human, they won’t warm your lap for long and don’t tend to like cuddles. Instead, they prefer to observe you (and what you’re doing) from up high or curled up next to you on the couch. Somalis are constantly on the lookout for entertainment and if they don’t find it, they’ll show you their mischievous side. Turning on water taps, knocking ornaments off shelves and opening closed cupboards are just some of the ways this clever cat can find amusement.
Size and appearance
A medium-sized cat with an athletic body, male Somalis weight around 6kgs with females weighing slightly less. These handsome fellows have shimmering ticked fur (where each hair has several colours to it), beautiful almond-shaped eyes and a strikingly bushy tail resembling a fox completes their signature look. They come in ruddy, red, blue and fawn colourings with stunning eyes ranging from gold to greens.
History
The history of Somalis is intimately connected with that of Abyssinians. However, while Abyssinians can stretch their lineage back centuries, the emergence of the Somali breed occurred less than100 years ago. In the mid-20th-century, breeders began to notice that litters were producing a small number of Abyssinian kittens with long, silky fur. Initially, they believed the longhair was a recessive trait within the Abyssinian breed, but soon breeders in North American and Australia began to formalise the new look. The name Somali was chosen as a nod its shared ancestry with the Abyssinian (Abyssinia – modern day Ethiopia – and Somalia are neighbouring regions).
Health conditions that can affect this breed
Generally, Somalis are strong, robust cats, however they can be prone to the following health conditions:
- Patellar luxation (dislocating kneecap)
- Renal (kidney) issues
- Inherited eye diseases, including progressive vision loss
- Gingivitis and dental disease
- Obesity
Regular vet check-ups and care can help manage these conditions and keep your Ragamuffin healthy.
Food and exercise
Somalis are active and agile creatures who’ll thrive on a good quality, high-protein diet. Serving them two to three smaller meals throughout the day will help top-up their energy levels and stop them from overeating.
Interestingly, the exercise needs of Somalis are slightly higher than most other cats – they’ll spend their days roaming through the house looking for furniture to scale. Climbing trees, perches and scathing posts will help, but what your Somali loves best is playtime with their favourite human. Short play sessions a couple of times a day will help expend their energy and so they don’t do as many zoomies around the living room.
Grooming and maintenance
Somalis have a soft, silky coat that naturally resists matting, making them easy to groom. Regular brushing and an occasional bath will help maintain their beautiful shine – and don’t worry, most are quite fond of water.
How to groom your Somali
- Coat type: medium-long, fine coat with a full tail and ruff
- Fur: brush two to three times a week with a stainless-steel comb
- Nails: trim every 3-4 weeks
- Ears: check weekly for dirt or wax build-up
- Eyes: wipe gently with a soft cloth if needed
Training and space requirements
Being an intelligent cat, Somalis love to challenge their mind. They’re always up for short training sessions that are engaging and rewarding. They’ll grasp basic commands easily and quickly and can also be taught to walk on a leash. Daily strolls outside on the leash are a great way to exercise their body and mind.
While Somalis are adaptable enough to live in small homes, they do require a lot of vertical space to climb and explore, as well as mental situation to keep them out of mischief. They do best when their owners spend the majority of their time at home.
Best suited for…
Somalis are intelligent and affectionate creatures who are full of beans and have a tendency for mischief when bored (think ornaments being smashed). They suit active households, busy families and owners who have the time and energy to keep up with their Somali on a daily basis.
