Somali Cat
Introduction I think that you'll agree that this is a very handsome cat and one that looks a little familiar. At first sight Siennaman (above) looks a bit like an Abyssinian with a gorgeous tail, which is not quite the case. Siennaman isa long haired Aby or a Somali Cat. I like the look of this cat because I like foxes and there is a distinct look of the fox about the cat breed.
This cat breed arrived accidentally during the Abyssinian breeding programme. After a period of about ten or more years it was decided to turn an accident into a predictable event and deliberate breeding began. History
Appearance and Character Helmi Flick's photographs pretty well say all you need to know.Here's the character in bullet form:
Here's the appearance in words and bullet form:
Some breeders have mated the Somali cat with a black domestic shorthair cat to produce black Somalis. These cats are the same as the Somali except for the coat color and the ticking is hardly visible, apparently. Health Hardy generally - few health issues - this breed may suffer from (a) gingivitis (gum disease), not untypical in cats generally (b) may be prone to a form of anemia called AIHA. The Abyssinian has some reported genetic disease issues which would conern Somali cat keepers. See Genetic Diseases in Purebred Cats (new window).It has been reported (Tufts conference Sept. 2007) that this cat breed (and Bengals and PRA, Persians and Abyssinians) can suffer from a disease called Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). It is inherited and due to mutated genes. It causes blindness. It affects other mammals including people. In Abyssinians it is late-onset. BreedersTop listed (first 3 pages) free standing cattery websites on a Google search produced this:I am Cats Cattery Located North Truro, Massachusetts, USA. Bengals, Abys and Somalis. Windy City Somalis Located, where else, in Chicago, USA. Occasional Abyssinian and Somali.
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From Somali Cat to Abyssinian Cat
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