Somali
Origins: The Somali is a cousin of the Abyssinian. Take away the amazing semi-long hair and the statuesque bushy tail and you have all the fundamental traits of an Abyssinian. The story really begins in the 1950's in North America when Long-hair kittens kept re-appearing in Abby litters. This long hair gene can possibly be tracked back to an Abby who carried the essential gene as early as World War 11. The beauty and uniqueness of these individual cats was soon recognised and it would soon be bred in its own right. It was Evelyn Mague, a North American Abby Breeder breeder who is credited with naming them. As Somalia is on the boundary of Abyssinia in Africa it made sense to name them "Somali"!
Physical Appearance: Medium in size , the Somali is a cat with a close lying ticked coat. The general appearance is an elegant , dignified cat. Handsome, many would say, rather than pretty. The head though round is wedge shape. The ears are large forward facing and tufted. (the paws are also tufted). Eye color is green amber or hazel. The coat is accepted in sorrel, blue,chocolate,lilac,silver,fawn, red, cream and tortie.
Personality: Somalis' are extrovert cats and very affectionate. Active and athletic they love to climb and jump and so need an environment that allows them some access to the outside. They are known to play with water. Because Somalis are intelligent and have good memories they will quickly learn where food is, how to open draws and doors. They do not like to be left alone and will pine without company.
Strange but true: As well as the usual miaows and purrs Somali's make a charming chirruping sound when trying to let them know they are there!
Useful Websites:
Pictures on this page supplied by kind permission of Alan Robinson and The Emanan Web Site.