The Somali Cat

The Somali cat originally appeared as a spontaneous mutation in the litters of  Abyssinian cats.  Long-haired individuals would occur side by side with standard coated kittens for decades, but it was not until the 1960's when an effort was made to create a separate breed. Breeders in both Canada and Australia established the breed, and the name Somali doesn't have much to do with the cats history, just has an appropriately exotic sound. This is a beautiful, wild-looking cat with a regal demeanor and a lithe, muscular and athletic body.

 Cool Cat Facts...
Although red or ruddy is by far the most prevalent shade, there are 28 different recognized colors that the Somali cat may be exhibited under!                                                                     

Is A Somali Cat Right For You?

The Somali cat is recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), the world's largest cat organization. It is a relatively uncommon pure-bred or "pedigreed" domestic cat breed. This cat comes in a variety of shades from lilac to chocolate,
but ruddy, sable and buff colors are most common. The coat is ticked, meaning individual hairs are banded with color. The fur is medium-long and silky with a plush undercoat. Shedding is heavy in springtime, and moderate grooming is required. Although mutated from the Abyssinian and sharing many of its traits, the Somali is a much more reserved cat, bordering on shy. It is fairly independent as well, and can be a good cat for active folks who might not be home so much. These are slender, elegant cats that have few breed-related health issues, although dental problems were common in the 1990's. Because it is active and desires interaction, the Somali can make a nice family cat that does well with considerate children, but might prefer a less bustling environment.

Somali Cat Breed Standards

Head Shape: The head should be a mild wedge shape with no pronounced "stop". The skull should be rounded and in general proportion to the body. The muzzle is delicate but well formed. Not pointed or foxy in appearance. Adult males sometimes have additional jowling.  The ears are large, alert and moderately pointed, broad at the base and well cupped. The ears should be well-furnished and tufts are quite desirable. The eyes are almond shaped, large and expressive, with a slight upward slant. The eyes have darker skin on the lids which gives a mascara look, and is highlighted by the fact that the fur around the eye itself is lighter than the rest of the face. There are dark, vertical "pencil marks" above the eyes. Accepted eye colors are gold, green or hazel.
Body and Tail: Graceful, lean and of medium length. Muscular but never course. The cat should be solid to the feel with well-sprung ribs and a slightly arched back. There should be no pronounced tuck-up of the belly when viewed from the side. The legs are muscular and of medium length without coarseness. The feet are compact, well-knuckled and oval in shape. Five toes in front and four in back. The tail is relatively thick at the base, long in proportion and evenly tapered.
Coat: The fur is dense, fine, feathery and double coated. The tail is full and bushy and a pronounced ruff around the neck is desirable. The color is ticked, with at least four alternating light and dark bands of color on each strand of hair.
Color: Ticked pattern with shading in tones of ruddy, fawn, brown and blue. The tail may be tipped with black. No defined or outlined patterns, only shading.
Overall: This is a medium sized cat with an exotic appearance. They should have an athletic, lean and lithe quality and be graceful and quiet in movement. The ticked fur with individual bands of color around each strand of hair gives a shimmering, almost iridescent appearance. The full coat and plume tail are beautifully luxurious.

Inside Cat or Outside Cat?

Wondering if you should allow your cat to go outside unsupervised? Well there are definitely some pure breeds that should never be outside cats. Hairless breeds like the Sphynx are extremely vulnerable and should always be supervised outdoors. Docile breeds like the Burmese may not be able to defend themselves. All cats allowed outdoors are exposed to diseases and parasites that they would not otherwise encounter. Fred Flintstone put his saber-tooth out every night, but the cat jumped right back in the window - and he was a saber-tooth! Still, most of us feel a little envy when we see our domestic companion out on some high perch, sniffing the breeze of liberty, and there is no doubt that cats love their freedom. So what do YOU think ....Inside Cat or Outside Cat? Comment Here...

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