 The
Somali is a breathtaking cat to behold. It bears an uncanny
resemblance to a little fox, with its large ears, masked face, full
ruff and bushy tail. The Somali’s wild, feral look is what
immediately draws fascinated attention.
Somalis are intelligent cats, and while active, they have soft
voices and are usually quiet. They communicate with human family
members through soft mews and possess a charming trill. They are
extroverts and very social. Possessed with a zest for life, they
love to play, solicit nuzzles and pats, and thrive on human
companionship. Somalis have bursts of energy several times a day, at
which time they will take off through the house, jumping into the
air. They toss balls and toys in the air, fetch them back and begin
the game anew. Tail and back arched, the Somali will run sideways
like a monkey, and even hold objects and food the way a monkey does.
Adept at opening cupboards and drawers, Somalis sometimes hide
inside their secret areas. Many Somalis can manipulate faucets, and
they love to play with water.
Somalis are well-proportioned, medium to large cats with firm
muscular development. Their body is medium long and graceful, with a
medium-length soft and silky coat that requires little grooming. The
coat is usually one to three inches long, with shorter fur across
the shoulders. The tail is fluffy and full; their feet have tufts
between the toes. Their large, almond shaped eyes range in color
from intense green to rich copper. The Somali has an agouti, or
ticked, coat with four to twenty bands of color on each hair. The
ticked fur mantles the cat with harmonizing solid color on its
underside. They come in four recognized colors: ruddy, red, blue and
fawn.
Somalis have small litters of three to four kittens, which
develop slowly. They reach their full size at about eighteen months
of age.
Pricing on Somalis usually depends on type, applicable markings
and bloodlines distinguished by Grand Champion (GC), National
Regional winning parentage (NW or RW) or of Distinguished Merit
parentage (DM). The DM title is achieved by the dam (mother) having
produced five CFA grand champion/premier (alter) or DM offspring, or
sire (father) having produced fifteen CFA grand champion/premier or
DM offspring. Usually breeders make kittens available between twelve
and sixteen weeks of age. After twelve weeks, kittens have had their
basic inoculations and developed the physical and social stability
needed for a new environment, showing, or being transported by air.
Keeping such a rare treasure indoors, neutering or spaying and
providing acceptable surfaces (e.g. scratching posts) for the
natural behavior of scratching (CFA disapproves of declawing or
tendonectomy surgery) are essential elements for maintaining a
healthy, long and joyful life.
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