Somali Cats Foxy and Feisty

Somali cats are what cat people call a pretty cat. They not only have a pretty face, but also a stereotypical cat-like look. In fact, if you asked someone to describe a cat, what they imagine would probably be much like a Somali cat except for the Somali cats long, fox-like tail. For this reason, these cats are also known as fox cats, although theyre also known as long-haired Abyssinian cats, because theyre derived from the Abyssinian breed. Long hair was a trait the Abyssinian breeders tried to eliminate completely with the Somali cat, but they were unsuccessful.

The color patters of Somali cats are described as ticked. Each individual hair has bands of different colors, sometimes as many as 12 on a single hair. This contributes to the exotic, fox-like look of these cats. These cats dont shed as much as other cats, although speaking of fur and hair, these cats seem to be strangely attracted to human hair theyre known for climbing up and playing with the hair, beards and mustaches of their human companions.

Somali cats arent large, topping out at between 9 and 12 pounds when fully mature. What they lack in size, however, they make up for in their activity level. If you have a Somali cat, be ready to give it a large space for running and playing, as these cats are playful, active, and interactive. Like their parent breed the Abyssinian these are cats who seem to wake up with a to do list, and remain active all day. However, they do tend to be calmer and less active than the Abyssinian.

In terms of temperament, these cats are even-tempered and easy to handle. Theyre good pets for households with children, as theyre quite gentle. They also get along well with other pets. Somali cats are also people-oriented, and affectionate. They have inquisitive and clever natures, and see open doors, windows, and garbage pails as invitations for exploration and play. The phrase curiosity killed the cat might have been based on this breed.

Interestingly enough, Somalis arent very vocal cats they have soft voices and use them seldom. Despite this, however, theyre good communicators, expressing themselves in a multitude of non-vocal manners.

These cats reach sexual maturity early and can successfully breed when they are as young as 5 months old so plan to have your kitten spayed or neutered early if you arent ready for a whole family of Somali cats.

Somalis arent a good choice for elderly persons or for those who have balance issues, as these cats are very active and frequently get under foot. If youre after a cat who quietly basks in the sunshine, this isnt the cat youre looking for more often than not, it will be off somewhere playing when youre ready for cuddles on the couch.

Generally speaking, Somalis are hearty cats, though there are certain genetic conditions to which these cats are prone. Some are prone to gingivitis, and some have the disease to such an extent that they lose teeth. This will require regular visits to the vet for teeth cleanings, and you may also need to brush your cat's teeth at home. Some are also genetically prone to anemia, which can be expensive to treat. Be sure to check with your breeder to see if other cats in the line have encountered these issues. In the absence of these two conditions, Somalis are generally healthy and hearty cats that will make great pets for years to come.