History
The long-haired cousin to the Abyssinian, the Somali cat's long, silky coat was at one time considered to be an undesirable trait by Abyssinian breeders, who took careful measures to ensure that it did not show up in their Aby litters. In the 1960's, however, cat fanciers began to realize the exquisite beauty of the long-haired Abyssinian and soon the Somali—named after the country bordering "Abyssinia"—breed was born.
Appearance
Somalis are medium to large cats with a well-proportioned, slender frame. The coat is two to three inches long, but is easy to care for and seldom mats. The Somali coat comes in beautiful shades of red, ruddy, blue and fawn. Their lovely face is accentuated by markings that rival anything that could be achieved by a makeup artist, and they have an almost fox-like appearance, thanks to a full, fluffy tail, breeches and ruff
Temperament
Intelligent, devoted, cheerful, self-conscious, active, curious and spirited. These properties are generally very characteristic Somalis. They are very curious by nature. They want to be everywhere and everything new is extensively inspected. The household you with a Somali not only have to do. Folding laundry, Formatting a bed, mop: they will be there and get involved. Usually, it does mean that you now for this kind of tasks more time will have to pull ... And pull a cabinet or drawer: A Somali is already inserted or there with his nose on top. So you lost your cat, please first moment in the closets or drawers. Fat chance he crept without you have noticed!
Remain active and enterprising Somalis into old age. Enjoyed the house / garden racing, (half) salto's maken, jump, climb,etc. And, it is sometimes true acrobats. There are quite some Somalis who love to play fetch little things, such as balls and toy mice. Sometimes it's like having a dog in the house. Is also sometimes said that the Somalis still just a tad quieter than the Abyssinian.
Somalis are also known for their devotion and their ability to interact with people. They love attention and after playing a big hug will turn appreciated. Somalis are not typical lap cats, be and they are happy with you.
Also, Somalis all excited and happy animals. Really the sunshine in. And they are sensitive, moods, they feel good.
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HEALTH
The Abyssinian and Somali are healthy breeds with few hereditary defects. Testing for PRA, an eye disease which was common in the 70s and 80s, and PK-deficiency is recommended.
Both diseases are inherited recessively, which means both parents have to carry the defective trait to develop the illness.
Both afflictions are uncommon, and though extensive preventive work by breeders their spreading can be stopped.
- PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
PRA is a hereditary disease which causes the retina to atrophy, which means the cat goes blind. It can occur in humans, several dog breeds and some cat breeds, among them the Abyssinian and Somali. It was a problem within the Abyssinian during the seventies and eighties.
PRA has also been seen in Somalis, though no cases haveas yet been diagnosed in Sweden. It is therefore important that Somalis are examined, even though the disease has not been a problem for the breed. With the aid of ophthalmic examination the disease was thwarted quite successfully. One was able to deselect afflicted cats from breeding and with influx of new blood.
The disease is inherited recessively, which means both parents have to carry and pass on the trait for the offspring to develop the disease. A cat with one trait is a carrier, but will not develop PRA.
A mutation, RdAc, conducive to PRA has been identified and since 2007 there is a DNA test available which shows whether the cat has normal traits, is a carrier, or will eventually go blind. It means that PRA carriers can now be identified, i.e. cats that will not themselves go blind, but may still pass the disease on to their offspring.
Cats who are carriers must only be mated with cats who lack the mutation (are "normal".) - PK Deficiency
Short for Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency. A hereditary condition seen in many species. Pyruvate Kinase is an enzyme necessary for the red blood cells to function properly. With PK deficiency the red blood cells will have a shorter life span, with resulting anaemia .
Cats with the mutation for the PK-gene (carriers and those at risk of developing the disease) can today be identified via a DNA test.
Hence breeding cts should be screened before mating. Carriers of the PK defect can be used only if mated with cats that have normal traits. Cats with double traits should not be used in breeding.