Somali vs Domestic Shorthaired Cat - Breed Comparison

Somali vs Domestic Shorthaired Cat - Breed ComparisonBoth Somali and Domestic Shorthaired Cat are originated from United States. Both Somali and Domestic Shorthaired Cat are of same weight. Somali may live 5 years less than Domestic Shorthaired Cat. Both Somali and Domestic Shorthaired Cat has same litter size. Somali requires Moderate maintenance. But Domestic Shorthaired Cat requires Low maintenance

History

somali - historyThe Somali is a medium- to longhaired Abyssinian. It was in Britain that the original introduction of the longhaired gene took place.

The first Somali cats came about in 1940 and it was British breeder Janet Robertson who exported some of her Abyssinian kittens to New Zealand, Australia and North America, Australia. Most of the kittens had long hair and breeders started showing an interest.

An American Abyssinian breeder Evelyn Mague decided to call her cats Somalis and the breed was recognized internationally by 1991.

domestic shorthaired cat - historyThe Domestic short-haired cat has also got mixed ancestry and can have lots of different looks. In the UK they are often referred to as Moggie.

It is one of the most common cats in the United States. The roots of this cat go back to the pioneer settlement in North America where they were thought of as working cats. Nobody seems clear on where they originated from.

Hardy and unaffected, they quickly became a sought after cat that stood up well to all kinds of conditions. Even though this cat is a non-pedigreed cat, it is accepted by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) in the Household Pets category.

Basic Information

Origin:
United States
United States
Weight Male:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
15 - 20 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
None
Moggie, Alley cat, Mutt
Colors Available:
Coat of many colors - mostly brownish color with black ticking.
All colors and patterns
Coat:
Medoum length, soft and silky
Shorthaired and silky
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

somali kitten - descriptionThe beautiful Somali is a medium-sized cat which means he weighs in the region of 3 to 6kg. He is muscular and lean with the ears being set wide apart.

The ears are also tufted. The eyes of the Somali are almond-shaped and are usually a brown shade or green in color. The legs are long and the paws are also somewhat tufted. The tail is well plumed.

The Somali's coat is lovely and soft, while being thick and lustrous. The adult cats have a ruff. The Somali's coat comes in a range of colors but the most regular color is a beautiful brownish color with black ticking.

Temperament:

The Somali is an intelligent cat that relies heavily on its human owners for company as well as love and care.

They’re fun-loving cats that get on well with children in the home and from other pets. They are active cats and will need exercise. They should have some high perches and cat trees available so they can jump and climb.

domestic shorthaired cat kitten - descriptionThe Domestic short-haired cats can be so many things – different coat colors and different patterns as well as being different shapes and sizes.

They can all have different shaped eyes and colors and their ears and tails can differ from cat to cat. The reason for this is that these cats don’t belong to a specific breed.

It has a mixed ancestral history. The Domestic Shorthaired varies in colors and size and their coats can be any color, solid or patterned. The length of the coat is short and is silky and shiny.

It’s a low shedding cat and grooming will be easy. Every cat has its own physical characteristics, and some can have a slight build while others are heavier built and more muscular.

You could find their eyes can be different colors too – blue, green, copper or brown.

Temperament:

Just like the Domestic Shorthair has lots of different looks, the temperament too varies. There is no set standard for these cats and when you choose a kitten, you can’t really be sure how they will turn out.

Your cat may be quiet, very vocal, active, placid, loyal loving, independent, playful or lazy – who knows with these wonderful cats?

Certainly, most of them are friendly, loving and loyal. They make wonderful pets for new cat owners, singles, couples, families and seniors.

People love them as they aren’t high maintenance pets – they are undemanding.

Characteristics

somali cat - characteristicsThe Somali is such a loving and affectionate cat, just loving to spend time with her human family.

Thanks to the cat’s good looks and lovely personality, this low-maintenance cat is a firm favourite when looking for a splendid pet and companion.

domestic shorthaired cat cat - characteristicsAs we’ve already suggested, the Domestic Shorthaired has an easy-going personality, not demanding much from you except nutritious food and lots of love and attention.

It’s important to provide your cat with a lifestyle that keeps him happy and content.

Rather than buy your pets lots of expensive cat accessories, your cat will be happier to do with less but to have more attention from you. This cat is willing to give you so much love and companionship ad he asks the same from you.

Health Problems

somali kittens - health problemsAlthough the Somali cat breed is healthy, as with many other cat breeds, there are a few hereditary diseases found in the Abyssinian that may be linked to this breed too. Look out for eye problems with the cat as well as anaemia.

Progressive retinal atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a degenerative disorder of the retina. This eye disease can either be inherited or acquired.

When a cat gets sick there are some antibiotics that have been associated with progressive retinal atrophy in cats. Cats can also develop vision loss if their diet is deficient.

You have to be very aware of your cat’s diet and ensure that he is getting all the right ingredients, one of which is amino acid taurine. If you can see that your cat is battling to see, you should get him immediately to the vet.even though there is no treatment for PRA. . The vet will explain to you how to make life more comfortable for your pet.

Anemia

Anemia isn’t a specific disease with your cat but rather the result of some other disease or condition. The most common sign that your cat has anemia is that you won’t find that normal pink color of the gums. Your cat will be listless and there may also be signs of blood loss such as blood in the feces or urine. Your vet will do several tests to diagnose the anemia.

domestic shorthaired cat kittens - health problemsBecause of their mixed breed, these Domestic Shorthaired cats don’t sicken easily and they are healthy cats and robust – less vulnerable to the genetic problems that plague purebred cats.

Nonetheless, he can succumb to illness and then you need to get him to the vet immediately. There are come cat illnesses that can kill your cat in just a few hours. Look at bloat as an example – this is when your cat’s stomach becomes swollen and your pet is weak and vomiting. It’s a life-threatening condition that can kill your cat in half an hour,

Caring The Pet

somali cats - caringCats can sometimes be finicky eaters and even the most delectable morsels might be ignored.

Every cat is unique but every cat is a carnivore – a meat eater – and requires a host of nutrients in their food to be healthy. Commercial cat foods aren’t all one and the same. You get different food for kittens, different foods for young adults, for pregnant cats, for energetic cats, and so on.

There is cat food for every season of a cat’s life. Other important considerations are feeding the right quantity of food to your cat.

Brush your Somali cat each week to keep the coat soft and silky.

Provide your cat with a litter box and empty out the feces every day.

Provide your cat with bowls, bed, scratching post, climbing tree, and toys.

Have your cat spayed or neutered to prevent kittens.

domestic shorthaired cat cats - caringJust like you prepare for a human baby’s arrival, prepare for your Domestic Shorthaired’ arrival.

Have food and water bowls, a nice, dry, warm bed, toys to stimulate mind and body, litter box, scratching post, climbing tree and collar.

Have your cat neutered or spayed. This is to avoid unwanted kittens. You’ll often see these cats in animal shelters and you don’t want to add to the burden of these shelters. By neutering and spaying your cat, they behave in a better way. They are far less likely to want to roam away from home as well. A cat that have been neutered or spayed also enjoys a host of health benefits, and this common surgical operation is highly recommended.

Food for your cat is very important for good health. Do research and you’ll discover how imperative good gut-health is. A poor diet and the wrong diet can cause your cat to battle with a lot of poor health issues and digestive problems.

You’ll end up spending a fortune on your cat’s vet bills. A cat is a carnivore and it is most important to feed your cat meat. Check out the labels on the cat’s commercially manufactured food and choose the ones that make meat a top ingredient.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Tabby vs Somali - Breed Comparison
  2. Thai vs Somali - Breed Comparison
  3. Tiger Cat vs Somali - Breed Comparison
  4. Tonkinese vs Somali - Breed Comparison
  5. Torby vs Somali - Breed Comparison
  6. Tortoiseshell vs Somali - Breed Comparison
  7. Toyger vs Somali - Breed Comparison
  8. Traditional Siamese vs Somali - Breed Comparison
  9. Turkish Angora vs Somali - Breed Comparison
  10. Turkish Van vs Somali - Breed Comparison
  11. Tuxedo vs Somali - Breed Comparison
  12. Ukrainian Levkoy vs Somali - Breed Comparison
  13. Ussuri vs Somali - Breed Comparison
  14. Viverral vs Somali - Breed Comparison
  15. Van Kedisi vs Somali - Breed Comparison
  16. York Chocolate Cat vs Somali - Breed Comparison
  17. Somali vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  18. Somali vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  19. Somali vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  20. Somali vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  21. Somali vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  22. Somali vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  23. Somali vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  24. Somali vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  25. Somali vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  26. Domestic Shorthaired Cat vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. Domestic Shorthaired Cat vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  28. Domestic Shorthaired Cat vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. Domestic Shorthaired Cat vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  30. Domestic Shorthaired Cat vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  31. Domestic Shorthaired Cat vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  32. Domestic Shorthaired Cat vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  33. Domestic Shorthaired Cat vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  34. Domestic Shorthaired Cat vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  35. Domestic Shorthaired Cat vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  36. Domestic Shorthaired Cat vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  37. Domestic Shorthaired Cat vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  38. Domestic Shorthaired Cat vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  39. Domestic Shorthaired Cat vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  40. Domestic Shorthaired Cat vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  41. Domestic Shorthaired Cat vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  42. Domestic Shorthaired Cat vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  43. Domestic Shorthaired Cat vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  44. Domestic Shorthaired Cat vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  45. Domestic Shorthaired Cat vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  46. Domestic Shorthaired Cat vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  47. Domestic Shorthaired Cat vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  48. Domestic Shorthaired Cat vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  49. Domestic Shorthaired Cat vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  50. Domestic Shorthaired Cat vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Cat Breeds