The Breed History
Somali are a semi-longhaired Abyssinian cat. First records date
back to Britain in the 1930s when a spontaneous mutation in
Abyssinians occurred, or perhaps the different haircoat was
introduced by crossing with longhaired breeds. Outcrossing did
occur at some point since the Abyssinian gene pool was seriously
depleted in wartime. Historical studies of some lines indicated an
autosomal recessive gene for the longhaired coat was present, and
periodically, longhaired kittens were born into litters. An American
breeder in the 1960s selected Somali for a name because Somalia
bordered Abyssinia (now Ethiopia). The CFA granted championship
status to the Somali breed in the late вЂ70s, and FIFe followed in
1982. Outcrossing to Abyssinian is still allowed.
Physical Characteristics
Weight: Female 8-10 lb (3.5-4.5 kg), male 10-12 lb (4.5-5.5 kg)
Coat: Ruddy cats are the most common color but blue, fawn and
sorrel colors are also accepted. Some registries also allow newer
colors.
Ruddy is also termed usual. The base color is a rich golden brown
sometimes referred to as burnt sienna. Ticking pigment is black.
Ticking on the Somali hair consists of 6-12 bands (in comparison to
the lesser number in Abyssinians). The root of the hair is the lighter
color. Kittens are darker, and their hair base color may be light or
gray. Markings include spectacles, mascara eyeliner and a pencil line
extending in line towards the ears. Tabby markings on forehead are
usually present to some extent. Underside and legs and tail should
be unmarked.
Coat is medium in length, a very soft and dense double coat. It is
longer on ruff, britches and on the tail. It is a very bushy tail (part of
the reason Somali cats have a nickname of "fox cat"). Coat is darker
along topline and white is only found around mouth and chin.
The coat doesn't finish maturing until about 18 months of age so
ticking evaluation is compromised until then.
Eyes: Eyes are hazel, green or amber colored. Almond shaped eyes
are large and slanting.
Points of Conformation: Medium-large sized cat, lithe and
semi-foreign build, and the back is long. "Fox-like" is a frequent
descriptor. Tail is thicker at the base and tapers slightly. Toe tufts are
present and feet are compact and oval.
The head is a rounded wedge shape, large ears are placed wide set
and set well back, with interior furnishings and slightly rounded tips.
Grooming: Low grooming requirements; a gentle brushing every
other day should suffice. Shedding occurs spring and fall and daily
grooming is best at those times.
Recognized Behavior Issues and Traits
Reported breed characteristics include: Friendly, affectionate, active
and playful, these cats like to be close to people. They are soft
voiced and don't vocalize often. Curious, with a strong personality,
and very alert, some are a bit shy, though most get along well with
children, strangers and other pets. Some like to groom their owner's
hair. They do fine indoors if given climbers, perches and toys. May
shadow their favorite person, and be a lap cat. Compared with the
Abyssinian, they are calmer and less active, though a few times
a day they may get strong bursts of energy. Some like water and
learn to turn on faucets. Others open drawers and cupboards. An
indoor-outdoor lifestyle is fine, but Somali cats may not tolerate
the cold as well as some other breeds of cats.
Normal Breed Variations
Slow maturing kittens
Litters of about 3-4 kittens on average
B Blood Type: In Somali cats, was reported to be a 22%
prevalence. A prevalence of 18% type B has also been reported. In
the UK as part of a survey, nine cats were tested and two were Type
AB while the rest were type A. Type AB cats are very rare.
Long Hair Genetics: The long hair phenotype in cats is a recessive
so how it is distributed in the different longhaired breeds, and
coded for is of interest. A recent study determined a mutation
(AM412646:c.194C>A) in Somali, Persian, Maine Coon, and Ragdoll
Cats was responsible for the long hair genotype.
Drug Sensitivities
None reported in the literature
Inherited Diseases
They share many conditions with the Abyssinian-see that chapter.
Pyruvate Kinase (PK) Deficiency and Increased Osmotic Fragility
of Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Autosomal recessive. The PK enzyme is
involved in anaerobic glycolytic pathway of erythrocytes. Reduced
activity of the enzyme results in energy depletion and premature
red cell destruction. Cats with this condition may experience
recurrent severe hemolytic anemia and splenomegaly.
In one report of 18 Somali and Abyssinian cats, osmotic fragility
occurred in the absence of PK deficiency. Onset of anemia in one
report ranged from 6 months to 5 years of age (mean 23 months)
and PCV ranged from 15%-25% (some as low as 5%). Hepatic
enzymes were elevated in some cats. Macrocytosis that persisted
when anemia resolved was noted. It was suggested that this
condition may have a heredity basis since affected cats were closely
related (affecting both Somali and Abyssinian).
In another study of both Abyssinian and Somali cats aged 1-10
years old, chronic intermittent macrocytic regenerative hemolytic
anemia and mild splenomegaly was reported. Pyruvate kinase
activity ranged from 6%-20% of the normal activity. Osmotic
fragility of RBCs was normal to slightly increased.
Affected Somali and Abyssinian cats usually have a normal lifespan
unlike dogs with this condition (seen in Beagles, Basenji, West
Highland White Terrier, Dachshund). Dogs tend to develop liver
failure and osteosclerosis while cats do not. Enzyme analysis and
molecular genetic tests are available.
Anemia may be noted in cats as young as 6 months old, and has
been found in senior cats (12 yr) that were clinically normal.
A case was described in which the index cat developed a 100%
bilirubin cholelith which was thought to be due to chronic
hemolysis. (link to reference A on the reference page.
A recent study showed high variability in age of onset and
severity of clinical signs so testing before breeding was strongly
recommended.
In Australia, 24 cats were tested for the gene and the mutant allele
frequency was 0.29.
Amyloidosis: See Abyssinian chapter for details
Neonatal Isoerythrolysis (NI): The prevalence of B blood type can
lead to increased incidence, and the proportion of matings reported
to be at risk for NI is 0.14.
All B type cats have circulating anti-A antibodies and even
primiparous queens can carry these. Type B queens bred to type A
toms can result in fatal red cell lysis in A blood type offspring with
undetected NI. Kittens with NI can be distinguished from other
fading kittens because of pigmenturia; anemia and icterus will also
be present; not all kittens at risk for NI will develop overt clinical
symptoms.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (rdAc): Autosomal recessive genetic
disease causing blindness. See under Abyssinian. A genetic test is
available.
Proressive Retinal Atrophy (Rdy): Autosomal dominant genetic
disease causing blindness. See under Abyssinian. A genetic test is
available.
Disease Predispositions
Gingivitis: anecdotal over-representation in this breed.
Transfusion Reactions: B blood type similarly results in increased
risk of transfusion reactions so donors and recipients should be
typed ahead of a transfusion.
Rare and Isolated Cases
Retinal Dysplasia (RD): Abnormal retinal development can affect
focal, multifocal or diffuse areas of the retina. Retina degeneration
and subsequent scarring interferes with vision. In Sweden, a
suspected hereditary form of RD (multifocal) was seen in related
Somali cats.
Malignant Histiocytosis: A case report described a multisystem
histiocytosis, including neurologic signs, inappetence, and vomiting.
Other cases have occurred, but this is a variant of the condition.
Thymoma-associated Neuromuscular Disorder: Can occur as a
primary condition (no antibodies-see Siamese) or an acquired form
for which Abyssinian and possibly Somali cats are predisposed;
Acetylcholine receptor antibodies produced within/by the tumor
and in muscle cross react resulting in voice changes, myasthenia
gravis, tremor, ventroflexion of the neck and gait abnormalities
–myasthenia gravis signs are as for the idiopathic form.
Myasthenia Gravis (MG, acquired): Highest relative risk for
acquired MG compared with a baseline of mixed breed cats was
reported for Abyssinians and related Somali cats, with relative risk
increasing after 3 years of age. The MG was commonly associated
with cranial mediastinal mass (not always).15 See Abyssinian
chapter for more information. See above also: Thymoma-associated
Neuromuscular Disorder.
Genetic Tests
Pyruvate kinase deficiency
Direct test is available from PennGen.
Minimum of 1-2 ml purple top EDTA blood and should be sent
immediately (don't freeze). Test within 48 hrs of sampling.
The lab can do concurrent blood typing on that sample. They can
also use 2 buccal swabs.
Direct genetic tests for rdAc PRA and Rdy are available from
UC-Davis VGL.
Blood typing done before mating and transfusions
Miscellaneous
- Breed name synonyms: Longhaired Abyssinian, Longhaired
ticked cat, Fox cat.
- Registries: FIFe, TICA, CFA, ACFA, CFF, CCA, NZCF, WCF, GCCF
- Breed resources: The Association for Somali Cats:
http://tasc.freeservers.com/
Somali breeders and Fanciers Association Inc:
http://www.somalibreeders.com/
Somali Cat Club of America: www.ladybear.com/Somalis
Somali Cat Club of Great Britain (GCCF):
http://www.somalicatclub.com/
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