The Somali is a longhaired Abyssinian, similar in temperament and colouring, but a little less boisterous. The Somali makes an interesting pet, as it is playful and lively, yet very quiet to have around, being almost voiceless. Gentle and well mannered, it makes an excellent family pet, and is almost always good tempered. However, like the Abyssinian, a Somali would be happiest if given plenty of freedom and space to run around; it may fret if caged.
Grooming
Although fairly long, the Somali coat does not mat and therefore daily grooming is not essential, though a run through with a medium toothed comb is advisable to remove dead hairs, and will probably be appreciated by the cat.
Origin and history
Longhaired kittens began to appear in Abyssinian litters in Canada and the United States, and even in Europe, during the 1960s, and were thought to be a natural mutation. However, most of their ancestry can be traced back to Abyssinians in the United Kingdom that were experimentally mated to longhaired cats. Consequently, it is now thought that the gene for long hair was introduced by breeders. The subsequent export of British and American bred Abyssinians all over the world has spread the longhaired factor abroad, and so attractive is it that some Abyssinian breeders in Australia are now concentrating on breeding the Somali instead of the Abyssinian.
Kittens
Somali litters rarely contain more than three or four kittens and the ratio of males to females is high. They are slightly larger than Abyssinian kittens, and are slower to develop their full adult coats.
Grooming
Although fairly long, the Somali coat does not mat and therefore daily grooming is not essential, though a run through with a medium toothed comb is advisable to remove dead hairs, and will probably be appreciated by the cat.
Origin and history
Longhaired kittens began to appear in Abyssinian litters in Canada and the United States, and even in Europe, during the 1960s, and were thought to be a natural mutation. However, most of their ancestry can be traced back to Abyssinians in the United Kingdom that were experimentally mated to longhaired cats. Consequently, it is now thought that the gene for long hair was introduced by breeders. The subsequent export of British and American bred Abyssinians all over the world has spread the longhaired factor abroad, and so attractive is it that some Abyssinian breeders in Australia are now concentrating on breeding the Somali instead of the Abyssinian.
Kittens
Somali litters rarely contain more than three or four kittens and the ratio of males to females is high. They are slightly larger than Abyssinian kittens, and are slower to develop their full adult coats.
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