About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 28-36 cm

Height range  : 20-25cm

Weight range : 2.5-5.4kg

Coat : Semi-long-haired|longhair|medium coat|soft silky fine double coat|agouti ticked|full ruff|plumed tail

Life expectancy years : 9-16

Colors: red|ruddy|blue|fawn|sorrel|cinnamon|lilac|silver.

Activitity Level : High

Origin: Somalia

Similar Breeds : Abyssinian|Burmese|Bengal|Oriental Long Hair|Nebelung

 

History

The Somali is the long-haired cousin and descendant of the Abyssinian. Sources describe Abyssinian roots as old and partly uncertain , developed and refined in Britain , later imported to the United States in the early 1900s. Long-haired kittens appearing in Abyssinian lines were eventually developed into the Somali in the mid to late 1960s and the name references Somalia beside Abyssinia , Ethiopia.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

Playful

Personality

Active|intelligent|playful|affectionate|curious|social|friendly|alert|bold|sweet|gentle|busy|agenda-driven|demanding|independent but friendly

Needs

Needs high-level enrichment , climbing frames , hunting games , interactive play , secure outdoor enclosure or cat run , high perches and cat trees

Social Needs

Happiest with company from people or another cat , prefers homes where people are around much of the time , may be stressed by loud busy households

Grooming 

The Somali coat is relatively tangle-free and resists matting. Weekly combing or brushing is commonly recommended , with bathing usually unnecessary unless oily or being shown. Regular coat checks , claws care , vaccination and parasite control are also advised in the text.

Nutrition

Cats are carnivores and need 41 specific nutrients from food. Feeding should match age , lifestyle and ideal body condition. Somalis may have strong appetites and free feeding is not recommended in one source , while fresh clean water , measured feeding , wet or dry preference and enough calories for active cats are emphasized.

 

Breed Standard

Overall impression is a well-proportioned medium to large cat with firm muscular development , lithe movement , alert lively expression and an even disposition. The head is a modified slightly rounded wedge , ears are large and cupped , eyes are almond-shaped and expressive , body is medium long and graceful , tail is full and brush-like. The coat is very soft , fine , medium length and double coated with warm glowing ticking.

Did you know?

The Somali is the longhaired version of the Abyssinian and is often called the fox cat because of its plumed tail. Despite the name , sources indicate it was named in reference to Somalia beside Abyssinia rather than truly originating there.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Pyruvate kinase deficiency, Progressive retinal atrophy, Feline dental disease, Renal amyloidosis, Patellar luxation

 

Symptoms

1. Lethargy and weakness may appear in episodes.
2. Pale gums , poor appetite , weight loss , jaundice and an enlarged spleen might appear.

1. Night blindness may appear first.
2. Dilated pupils , increased eye shine , clumsy jumping and later day blindness might develop.

1. Red inflamed gums , halitosis , bleeding gums , drooling and oral pain may appear.
2. Difficulty eating , pawing at the mouth , loose teeth and poor grooming might occur.

1. Excessive thirst and urination , weight loss , poor appetite , vomiting and lethargy may occur.
2. Poor coat quality and sudden severe decline might occur.

1. Intermittent lameness , skipping gait and reluctance to jump may appear.
2. Severe cases might carry the leg constantly.

Onset of symptoms

 

Pyruvate kinase deficiency

1. Signs may appear from about 6 months.
2. They might also first be noticed at 3 to 5 years.

Probability Of Onset:

1. Risk may be low with reputable DNA-screened breeding.
2. Risk may be high without such screening.

Progressive retinal atrophy

1. Noticeable vision loss may begin around 1.5 to 2 years.
2. Total blindness might occur by 4 to 6 years.

Probability Of Onset:

1. Risk may be low with DNA-screened breeding.
2. Risk may be high without such screening.

Feline dental disease

1. Gingivitis may appear as early as 9 months to 2 years.
2. Periodontal disease in cats often warrants intervention after 2 to 3 years.

Probability Of Onset:

1. Risk may be very high without proactive care.
2. Cats over 2 to 3 years often develop disease needing intervention.

Renal amyloidosis

1. It may appear at any age.
2. It is often diagnosed between 2 and 7 years.

Probability Of Onset:

1. Risk may be low to moderate.
2. It may depend on line history because simple DNA screening is not available in the provided text.

Patellar luxation

1. It often becomes noticeable before 2 years in young active cats.

Probability Of Onset:

1. Risk may be moderate.
2. Severity may range from Grade 1 to Grade 4.

Reasons

Pyruvate kinase deficiency       

 1. Pyruvate kinase enzyme is lacking.
2. B-vitamins , especially B12 and folate , and iron might be low during anemic crises.

 

Feline dental disease:

1. No specific deficiency is indicated because plaque bacteria and inflammatory response are emphasized.

 

Pyruvate kinase deficiency       

 1. Pyruvate kinase enzyme is lacking.
2. B-vitamins , especially B12 and folate , and iron might be low during anemic crises.

Feline dental disease:

1. No specific deficiency is indicated because plaque bacteria and inflammatory response are emphasized.

 

Progressive retinal atrophy

 1. No nutritional chemical lack is indicated.

Renal amyloidosis

1. Potassium and water-soluble B-vitamins may be lost with excessive urination.

Patellar luxation

  1. 1. No chemical deficiency is indicated.
    2. Lean body mass may be important to reduce joint stress.

Normally Treament Methods

Pyruvate kinase deficiency:

  1. 1. The text indicates there is no cure and care may be supportive.
    2. Blood transfusion might be life-saving in severe crises.
    3. Splenectomy may be considered and stress reduction may help.

 

Progressive retinal atrophy:

  1. 1. The text indicates prevention through DNA-screened breeding may help.
    2. Management may focus on indoor living , stable furniture layout , verbal and scent cues.

 

Feline dental disease

  1. 1. Tooth brushing with cat-specific toothpaste may help.
    2. Dental scale and polish , oral assessment under anesthesia , radiographs and extraction of non-viable teeth may be needed.

 

Renal amyloidosis:

  1. 1. There is no cure and management may be supportive.
    2. Kidney diet , fluid therapy and medicines to manage blood pressure , nausea and phosphorus might be used.

 

Patellar luxation:

  1. 1. Lean weight , joint support and pain management may help mild cases.
    2. Surgery may be used for higher-grade or painful cases. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Pyruvate kinase deficiency :

  • 1. B-vitamin complex including folate and cobalamin can,might be helpful for red blood cell support.
    2. Iron can,might be helpful for confirmed iron deficiency under veterinary guidance.
    3. Vitamin E can,might be helpful for membrane support.
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Progressive retinal atrophy

  • 1. No supplement is supported in the text as helpful for stopping the genetic progression.
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Feline dental disease

  • 1. Omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for reducing gum inflammation.
    2. Dental probiotics can,might be helpful for promoting healthier oral bacteria balance.
    3. Coenzyme Q10 can,might be helpful for gum tissue support.
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Renal amyloidosis

  • 1. Potassium can,might be helpful if bloodwork confirms low levels.
    2. B-vitamin complex can,might be helpful for losses associated with urination.
    3. Omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for kidney inflammation support.
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Patellar luxation

  • 1. Glucosamine , chondroitin and MSM can,might be helpful for cartilage support and inflammation control.
    2. Omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for joint inflammation support.
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