If your daily fitness goals include hitting 10,000 steps, living with a Somali Cat might just help you exceed them!
Dr. Rich Briones, veterinarian and board member of the Philippine Rabbit & Cavy Club, Inc. describes these Cats as graceful athletes, affectionate, intelligent, and brimming with playful energy.
ORIGIN STORY
Tracing their ancestry to the Abyssinian, the Somali is essentially their long-haired descendant, offering the same bold personality in a luxurious, bushy-tailed package.
Known for their Fox-like appearance and wild elegance, Somalis carry both beauty and brains.
DID YOU KNOW?
It is acceptable for Somalis and Abyssinians to mate with each other, which is called cross-breeding.
Some Cat parents advise against it to make sure that you only get either short or semi-long haired Cats as the litter, instead of Kittens with in-between coat lengths. However, others support cross- breeding for them to have a bigger gene pool instead of resorting to line breeding.
FOX-LIKE CHARM
One cannot speak of the Somali Cat without marveling at their signature coat. What sets them apart is the distinctive ticking, where each strand of hair carries multiple bands of color, producing a warm, iridescent effect under natural light.
According to the World Cat Federation (WCF), Somali Cats are officially recognized in a palette of captivating shades: ruddy, blue, sorrel, fawn, and the rarer black silver, blue silver, sorrel silver, and fawn silver.
The ticking pattern doesn’t just add beauty; it also creates depth and drama, which are especially noticeable in colors like ruddy and sorrel, as those resemble the coats of wild Foxes.
“That’s part of the breed’s magic,” says Dr. Rich Briones. “You get this exotic, Fox-like elegance wrapped in a domestic companion.”
ATHLETIC, AGILE
Besides their marvelous coat, they boast a graceful yet athletic build. Medium-boned and agile, this Cat carries themself with a lightness that’s both elegant and strong.
They have long, slender legs built for agility, a sleek tapering tail, and those unmistakable almond-shaped eyes that shine in shades of green, gold, or amber.
And yes, they do look like they know all the secrets of the world.
2 AMAZING SOMALIS YOU SHOULD MEET
Jaime Lim of Urban Wildcats takes care of both Somali and Abyssinian Cats. Two of Jaime’s Somali fur babies — the result of his own efforts in mating them — joined us for this feature.
Say hi to Hitch and Silver Moon!
HITCH
Meet Hitch, a two-year-old sorrel male. Not to brag, but this sweet Somali is a multi- awarded Cat, not only in the Philippines but also all over the World! He is the second Cat hailing from the Philippines to receive the World Cat Federation (WCF) World Champion Title.
Hitch is the WCF Best Cat Philippine Top 2 Adult Cat for the year 2023 and the top Somali Cat all over the world for 2023.
SILVER MOON
Silver Moon is one of the sweetest Cats you’ll ever meet! She loves people and she will always be the first one to greet anyone who comes in.
Silver Moon is a blue female Somali. Her color is a head turner as we do not usually see this color in other Cats. Her blue color has a beige base color with steel-blue ticking. Silver Moon herself is also a WCF Champion Cat!
Wait, it gets better. One of Jaime’s champion Queens, a gorgeous sorrel Somali, just had kittens — congrats, mama! She popped out three tiny beans in different colors — ruddy, sorrel, and blue — like a full set of Somali starter Pokémon.
The proud dad? Another sorrel Somali King, of course.
In case you’re curious, Urban Wildcats is the more familiar name of Urban Wild Corp, based in the Philippines and registered with WCF. Nestled in the tranquil farmlands of Cuenca, Batangas, their serene facility is home to diverse premium Felines, including Abyssinian, Somali, Toyger, Bengal, Egyptian Mau, Maine Coon, Modern Siamese, and Savannah Cats.
YOUR VERY OWN FURRY SHADOW
Highly intelligent and endlessly inquisitive, Somali Cats are natural explorers, and they don’t like being left out.
These are the ultimate FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) little creatures. Whether you’re reading a book, cooking dinner, or yes, even heading to the bathroom, your Somali will want front-row access to the action.
“They’re the kind of Cats who want to be part of everything,” shares Briones. “They’re affectionate without being clingy, and curious without being overbearing, although don’t expect much privacy.”
Next time you ask the universe for a devoted companion who gives you undivided attention 24/7, maybe add a little note: preferably human. (Just kidding… sort of.)
Cute alert! Don’t be fooled by their seemingly sociable nature. Somalis are extremely exuding elite when socializing, but it stands with their boundaries. (Yes, we can talk, but no touchy touchy).
(C)ATHLETES
Somalis are those Cats who will hit their fitness goals more than you due to their playful and highly active nature. They’re the epitome of “more passion, more energy, and more foot work” beings.
As such, lots of toys, Cat trees, scratch boards, Cat wheels, and anything else that they find entertaining to satisfy their boredom will surely be used. So, if they are bored, the probability is high that your favorite sofa and/or mini displays will be their new toy.
Despite this, Briones assures that Somali Cats have good manners and are generally mild, making them suitable for families with kids or other companion animals.
PRINCESS TREATMENT
Keeping a Somali Cat’s luxurious coat in top shape requires regular grooming. Daily brushing is recommended and at least weekly bathing if you’re grooming them for show.
When it comes to nutrition, Somali Cats thrive on a balanced diet that provides the essential nutrients for their overall well-being. Briones recommends high-quality Cat food, whether store-bought or homemade, that should be tailored to meet their specific dietary needs while taking into account factors like age, activity level, and any health conditions.
Regular veterinary care is of utmost importance for Somali Cats, just like for any other Feline companion. Routine check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite control are vital aspects of responsible Cat care and can help extend the Somali Cat’s life span.
PUREBRED HEALTH CONCERNS
Purebred Cats, for all their stunning looks and charming quirks, can come with a few genetic curveballs. And Somalis? They’re no exception.
Two health conditions you’ll want to keep on your radar on are pyruvate kinase Deficiency (PK Deficiency) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
PK DEFICIENCY
A study by Barbara Kohn and Christine Fumi from the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery in 2008 reveals that PK Deficiency is a genetic condition affecting an enzyme, called pyruvate kinase, which is essential for energy production in red blood cells.
This condition is predominant in Somali and Abyssinian breeds. Without enough pyruvate kinase, the red blood cells wear out way too fast, leading to anemia.
Cats with this condition might seem extra tired, pale around the gums, or just… not quite their usual zoomie selves. (Been there, panicked over that.)
PRA
Then there’s progressive retinal atrophy, where the retina slowly shuts down. The retina is the light-sensitive part of the eye, and when it degenerates, vision fades over time, according to Menotti-Raymond and colleagues from The Veterinary Journal.
It’s painless, but the idea of your Cat bumping into furniture they used to leap over like a ninja? Heartbreaking.
AWARENESS OVER ALARM
“Health concerns aren’t always easy to talk about, but they’re crucial,” notes Briones. “Awareness of breed-specific genetic risks like PK deficiency and PRA allows future Somali guardians to make informed decisions and build an open line of communication with their veterinarian.
That’s the foundation of truly responsible animal companion care.” And she’s absolutely right. It’s not about scaring people. It’s about knowing your Cat, asking the right questions, and making sure your Somali lives the longest, happiest, most spoiled life possible.
LASTING ALLURE
All things considered, the Somali Cat stands out as one of the most captivating breeds in the Feline world.
Somalis aren’t just pretty to look at. They’re deeply affectionate, curious, and thrive on being part of the action. Whether curled up beside you at home or commanding attention in the show ring, they bring both warmth and wow factor.
Their unique mix of beauty, brainpower, and emotional connection makes them unforgettable companions.
In short, the Somali Cat doesn’t just fit into your life but also enhances it.
