Meet the Energetic Somali Cat Why This is One of the Favorite Cat Breeds

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Somali cat photo
X-Small Breed Somali

Is the Somali Cat good for you?

  • 1 The Somali is an active cat, high-spirited and occasionally aloof.
  • 2 Somali cats are known to cause some mischief through their energy and curiousity.
  • 3 The Somali cat is a sibling of the Abyssinian and is at risk for similar oral health issues.

HISTORY

A close relative to one of the oldest breeds around, this long-haired version of the Abyssinian, known as the Somali, appeared seemingly out of nowhere one day during the 1950s. First, there were only Abyssinians, and then there were Somali. Being such a recent addition to the pure breed squad, this breed wasnโ€™t accepted into championship status until the 1970s, and is now one of the most popular breeds of domestic cat on Earth.

Quick Facts

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    Size

    Medium, Large

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    Lifespan

    12 - 14 years

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    Hair Length

    Long

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    Litter Size

    An average of 5 kittens

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    Male Weight

    10 - 12 pounds

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    Female Weight

    6 - 10 pounds

Personality

Somalis, like their Abyssinian ancestors, are smart, playful, and very explorative. They make for great companions, being highly invested in where their people are at any given moment, and wanting to be by their side constantly. By no means a lap cat, this breed is constantly bouncing around the room, although they have been known to cool off with a good olโ€™ fashioned lap-sit. While they may be sociable creatures, they are not fond of large groups of cats, as the idea of having to share the spotlight makes these cats cringe. .

Color

The coloring of the Somali is a ticked pattern, coming in ruddy, chocolate, cinnamon, blue, lilac, fawn, or silver.

Health Concerns

Somalis are prone to:

  • immune hemolytic anemia
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • gingivitis
Appearance

The Somali, a medium sized breed with a slender frame and muscular build, is thought to be a particularly nimble and athletic breed. With a semi-long coat and a rich, fluffed tail, this cat has earned the nickname โ€œfox cat.โ€ They have a similar ticking pattern to their Abyssinian relative, as well as a similar head shape and coloring. Their eyes are large and golden, and their legs are long and well muscled.

Similar Breeds

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