The Somali cats are intelligent, elegant, and lively cats. They also enjoy the company of people and other animals. They look similar to a long-haired Abyssinian, but they have several distinctions.
These cats are curious explorers and like checking out new environments. Because of their playful nature, you can expect them to be your longtime companion and friend. With a Somali cat, you never experience a dull moment!
Breed Overview
Height:
7 – 11 inches
Weight:
8 – 10 pounds
Lifespan:
12 – 14 years
Colors:
Red, cream, chocolate, silver, blue, lilac, fawn, etc.
Suitable for:
Active families, those looking for a cat to entertain and play with
Temperament:
Bold, sociable, intelligent, easy to train, pet friendly
The Somali cat has smooth planes and a gentle dip in the head. The ears are tilted forward, always making them look alert. The eyes are large, showcasing the intelligence and alertness in this breed. They have soft fur and a tail that resembles a fox’s tail.
The mischievous nature of this cat makes them natural entertainers. They do well if you spend most of your time at home, but they may get into trouble when you are not around. So, before you buy one, you need to be well prepared. The best option is to have another cat for companionship.
Somali Cat Characteristics
Energy
+
A high-energy cat needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep healthy and happy, while a low-energy cat needs minimal physical activity, but still needs mental stimulation. When choosing a cat, It’s important to ensure their energy levels match your lifestyle.
Trainability
+
Cats that are easy-to-train are more willing and skilled at quickly learning prompts and actions with minimal training. Harder-to-train cats are usually more stubborn or aloof and require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
+
Certain cat breeds are more prone to various genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every cat in those breeds will have these issues, but they do have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Lifespan
+
Due to their size or potential genetic health issues of a specific breed, some cats have shorter lifespans than others. Proper nutrition, exercise, mental stimulation, and hygiene also play an important role in your cat’s lifespan and quality of life.
Sociability
+
Some cat breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other cats and animals. Cats that are more social have a tendency to rub up on strangers for scratches or jump on laps for cuddles, while cats that are less social shy away, hide, are more cautious, and even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed or gender, it’s important to socialize your cat and expose them to many different situations.
Somali Kittens
Image By: Olga Kri, Shutterstock
Before investing in a Somali cat, it is good have information about the breed. You should be aware of its lifespan, health issues, temperament, how easy it is to train, and other details. The information helps you know how to handle this cat and what you need to keep it healthy and happy. If you decide to get one, we recommend purchasing from a reliable breeder, as it may be hard to find one for adoption.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Somali Cat
If you want to adopt a Somali cat, know that these cats need attention. This is not the type of cat that will remain docile, sleeping on the sofa all day. They will always want to be the focal point or center of attention. If you teach them a particular game, be ready to play on and on without stopping.
These cats are also excellent snoopers, explorers, and climbers. They tend to be dexterous enough to think of how they can open doors and cabinets. Moreso, you can find your Somali cat opening your faucet to enjoy a splash.
Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪
The Somali cat is one of the best breeds you can have in your home. They enjoy being in the company of humans. They also like playing and usually don’t change their kitten behavior even when they become adults. They are perfect for families and singles and will often join you when resting on the sofa for company.
With their playful nature, you should always ensure that their exercise and playing needs are met. This is the best way to keep them motivated and happy at home. If you meet these needs, then you can expect to enjoy a great bonding experience with your pet.
The Somali cat relates well with your kids since they also like the playful nature of the children. However, you have to be on the lookout, especially with toddlers, to ensure the games don’t cause injuries. This is because they can get hyperactive at times and injure your toddler.
If you want a pet to entertain you all day, a Somali cat is a great option. These cats are playful, energetic, and humorous. They will always be active, moving around to find what is happening in your house.
Image by: Helen Pettigrew, Shutterstock
Do Somali Cats Get Along With Other Pets?
A Somali cat also gets along with other pets at home. They don’t like being left alone for extended periods. So, it is also advisable to have other pets around to give your cat company when you are not around.
Things to Know When Owning Somali Cat
Food and Nutrition Requirements
It is good to provide your Somali cat with complete and balanced food and other necessary nutrition. Somali cats are muscular and active; thus, they require nutritious foods with high protein content to stay healthy. Feed your cat with quality ingredients such as chicken and fish while avoiding those with unessential fillers without any nutritional benefit.
Just like other cats, Somali cats are obligate carnivorous. Their diet should also have a high amount of proteins, minerals, vitamins, and essential fats. Never give your Somali cat food developed for dogs or other pets. That food won’t provide your cat with the proper nutrients they need to thrive.
If you are not sure about the type and amount of food to give your Somali cat, ask for advice from a veterinarian.
Somali cats require an exercise schedule to keep fit and healthy. They possess a lot of energy and will not rest unless they are tired. The good thing is that these cats can entertain themselves as long as they have enough space, several toys, scratching posts, and perches to play on. Thus, they can work out on themselves without you getting involved.
However, just providing them with exercise tools is not enough to keep them happy and healthy. A guided workout session is a great way to provide them with the proper exercise. You can help improve their strength and athleticism by taking advantage of your vertical spaces.
The best way to exercise a Somali cat is by making it climb and jump because of their athletic nature. Since these cats are social, it is good to have another pet in your home to make them remain active. They like other cats with the same high energy.
Somali cats are active, but this doesn’t mean that they will all take training easily. However, since they are curious and people-oriented, training is easier and more enjoyable than most other breeds. The most effective way to train them is by providing them with treats. They like attention but love their favorite treat even more.
So, get some treats for the training and start with simple commands such as shake, sit, and rollover. These cats can even be trained to fetch, and once they master the game, they will always want to play it daily. They will want you to stop what you are doing to play with them.
Training these cats is a great way to keep them away from problems because of their curiosity and hyperactivity. Somali cats are pleasant pets, but they can sometimes be stubborn. Thus, training is a great way to ensure that they adhere to the required house rules. Positive reinforcement is critical to ensuring that your cat will never disappoint.
An added advantage of Somali cat training is that it provides mental stimulation. Thus, you should offer cat training that allows them to think and get more engaged.
Image by: R. Hutch Photography, Shutterstock
Grooming ✂️
One important thing to know about the Somali cat is that they have an elegant and distinct coat. The coat is rare since you don’t find it with most other cat breeds. The ticked coat features banded hair. Each of the hair follicles contains both dark and light color bands. This makes them have an appealing and complex coat. You find darker fur around the spine and head, with gray or lighter auburn on the entire body.
However, even with the complex nature of the coat, grooming is easy. You should comb or brush after every 2 to 3 days or as required. This ensures that the lightweight fur doesn’t tangle. Somali cats also shed but lack the downy undercoat that can give you a hard time. The shedding usually picks up with the change of the season. However, it doesn’t happen like other long-haired cats.
You can opt to bathe your cat, especially if it used to be bathed when young. However, be careful to avoid stressing it with the bathing. After all, it has a clean fur coat, and bathing may be unnecessary. You can also give your Somali cat favorite toys, delicious treats, or some ear scratches. Brush your cat’s teeth every week, and make sure you use cat-friendly toothpaste.
From time to time, you should also clean your cat ears. Check them for any signs of bad smell or redness. These might be signs of ear infections that require instant attention. Use a cotton ball to clean the ears. After every few weeks, you should also trim your cat’s nails.
Health and Conditions 🏥
All cat breeds are susceptible to certain genetic diseases. Somali cats are not an exception, but they are less prone to many common diseases. They are usually affected by a hereditary health problem known as pyruvate kinase deficiency, which leads to anemia. When buying from a breeder, request that they test their cats for this condition before you buy.
These cats are also susceptible to an eye condition known as progressive retinal atrophy. This issue causes blindness in pets. Again, before you purchase them, ask your breeder if they have ever suffered from this problem to determine if it is vulnerable.
These cats are also prone to tartar buildup and plaque, which can cause periodontal disease. Thus, make sure you brush their teeth with a cat-safe toothpaste to control the problem. It is also advisable to take them for regular dental cleanings.
This breed is vulnerable to other health issues, including asthma, tooth resorption, and digestive problems. You should take them for an annual vet checkup to maintain good health. The yearly appointments ensure that the health of your cat is monitored.
Even if your cat appears in good health, never skip the vet appointments. Since they are active, it is easy to detect when they have any health issues because they will become less active.
Male and female Somali cats have minor differences. The males are more muscular and larger compared to their female counterparts. Besides, they are more hyperactive than the females. The other difference is that male Somali cats seek more attention from owners, while the females are more independent.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Somali Cat
1. This cat doesn’t come from Somalia.
Judging from the name, most people assume that the breed originated in Somalia. However, the exact origin of this cat is a bit of a mystery. Some people believe the Somali cat originated from England in the 1940s, whereas some people think is a mutation of the Abyssinian breed.
2. The Somali is also called the Fox Cat.
You might hear the breed being referred to as the Fox Cat at times. This is due to the physical traits that make it look like a fox. Some of the traits include a bushy tail and large, pointed ears.
3. They are very mischievous and curious.
One critical thing to know about Somali cats is that they are not lazy. This is what makes the Somali entertaining at all times. They will notice everything and ensure that they become the focal point or get fully involved in any activity you might be doing, from cooking to working on your computer.
Final Thoughts
The Somali cat is a great cat breed! You will enjoy having it in your home since it’s friendly to everyone and other pets. They can give you company and keep you entertained with their playful nature.
Allow your cat enough time to play, explore and solve issues. This is necessary because their curious nature and high energy can make them hyperactive and hard to control. This is why having another cat is always a great idea to help manage the active lifestyle of your Somali cat.
General care and grooming for this breed are easy because of the few health concerns and low maintenance costs. These cats are also not needy, so even if you spend several hours outside the home, they will always find a way to entertain themselves. Overall, these entertaining and playful pets are a great addition to your home.
Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.
