The Somali cat is one of the most well-known long-haired cat breeds in the world. It is an agile and muscular cat, with a hazel brown fur with certain orange shades that make it very particular and eye-catching.
Somali cats are active and very playful. They are a perfect companion to have at home, both in the company of other animals and with small children. Are you thinking of adopting a cat of this breed? Find out much more about their origin and behaviour and fall in love with the Somali cat.
Origin of the Somali cat breed
The origin of the Somali breed comes from the Abyssinian cat. Around the 1960s, a genetic mutation occurred in Great Britain, and this new gene spread rapidly among European and American cats.
The Somali cat breed was very well received in America and became very popular especially in Australia, in populations where the Somali cats were bred as the only breed of long hair.
Physical characteristics of the Somali cat
This medium-sized cat usually weighs between 3 to 6 kg, both males and females. As a physical peculiarity, it presents a long and smooth hair of brown colour with reddish and orange shades that can vary from cat to cat. In the lower part, the neck and the inside of the legs, the colour is softer, sometimes with a cream or whitish shade.
The eyes of the Somali cat tend to be green or brown. With large ears and a bushy tail like that of a fox, they have a particular elegance not found in other long-haired breeds.
What is the character of these cats like?
As a pet cat, Somalis are very intelligent and love to spend time in company. They are very curious pets and follow their keepers around the house, looking for the busiest places where they can sleep in company and feel safe.
When they are alone, they also love having toys around. They find intelligence games very entertaining, but above all they know how to spend time with other animals, both dogs and other cats of different breeds.
Health and diet of the Somali cat
Unlike other long-haired cats, this breed does not require specific nutrition to maintain optimal health. It is enough to provide them with quality food rich in protein, as well as routine veterinary checks to be able to detect any possible problems as they grow.
A frequent health problem that can occur in this breed and the Abyssinian cats from which it originates is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). These cats are more prone to night blindness with age, as well as other degenerative disorders of the retina that can start to show symptoms from the age of six.
Fur care for the Somali cat
The aesthetic care of this cat is not complicated compared to other breeds. Being a long-haired cat, it needs some weekly care, although it is not too demanding.
These cats need a hair brush every 5 to 10 days, as well as periodic baths when it is convenient. Bathing your pet helps to eliminate the most complicated hair knots by using a specific conditioner for long-haired pets.
They don’t need a haircut, but they do need frequent veterinary check-ups to control their vaccinations, deworming, and to take proper care of their eyes, ears and teeth, just like the rest of your pets at home.
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