The Somali cat, a stunning breed known for its ticked coat and active nature, is recognized by its unique physical characteristics. Understanding the breed standard is crucial for breeders, judges, and enthusiasts to maintain the breed’s integrity and distinctiveness. This document outlines the Somali breed standard, covering everything from head shape to coat color and markings.
General Impression
The Somali cat is perceived as a medium to large feline, possessing a well-proportioned, muscular build. They are characterized by their lithe movements and an alert, lively disposition, showing a keen interest in their surroundings. With an even temperament and being easy to handle, the Somali exudes an aura of activity, sound health, and overall vigor.
Head
The head of a Somali is a modified, slightly rounded wedge, devoid of flat planes. The brow, cheek, and profile lines all exhibit a gentle contour. A subtle rise is present from the bridge of the nose to the forehead, which should be adequately sized, with a width between the ears that flows seamlessly into the arched neck.
Muzzle
The muzzle follows the gentle contours of the skull when viewed from the front. The chin is full, neither undershot nor overshot, presenting a rounded appearance. It should not be sharply pointed, and there should be no indication of snippiness, foxiness, or whisker pinch. Allowance is made for jowls in adult males.
Ears
Somali cats possess large, alert ears that are moderately pointed, broad, and deeply cupped at the base. The ear set aligns with a line extending towards the rear of the skull. The inner ear should feature horizontal tufts that nearly reach the opposite side of the ear, with tufts being desirable.
Eyes
The eyes are almond-shaped, large, brilliant, and expressive. The skull aperture is neither round nor oriental. The eyes are accentuated by dark lidskin, encircled by a lighter colored area. Above each eye, a short, dark vertical pencil stroke is present, with a dark pencil line continuing from the upper lid towards the ear.
Body
The Somali’s torso is medium in length, lithe, and graceful, displaying well-developed musculature. The rib cage is rounded, and the back is slightly arched, giving the cat the appearance of being poised to spring. The flank is level with no tuck-up. The overall conformation strikes a balance between the extremes of a cobby and a svelte, lengthy type.
Legs and Feet
The legs are in proportion to the torso, and the feet are oval and compact. When standing, the Somali gives an impression of nimbleness and quickness. There are five toes on the front paws and four on the back.
Tail
The tail is characterized by a full brush, appearing thick at the base and tapering slightly. Its length is in balance with the torso.
Coat
The Somali’s coat is exceptionally soft to the touch, extremely fine, and double-coated, with density being a highly desirable trait. The coat is of medium length, although a slightly shorter length may be permitted over the shoulders. Preference is given to cats with a ruff and breeches, contributing to a full-coated appearance.
Coat Color and Markings
The coat color should be warm and glowing, with distinct and even ticking. This ticking consists of dark-colored bands contrasting with lighter bands on the hair shafts. The undercoat color should be clear and bright down to the skin. Deeper color shades are preferred, but the intensity of the ticking should not be sacrificed for color depth. Preference is given to cats without markings on the undersides, chest, and legs, and the tail should be free of rings. Markings include darker shading along the spine extending to the tail tip, darker shading up the hocks, and permitted shading at the point of the elbow. Dark lines extending from the eyes and brows, cheekbone shading, and dots and shading on the whisker pads are desirable enhancements. The eyes are accentuated by a fine dark line, encircled by a light-colored area.
Accepted Colors
There are four accepted colors for the Somali breed:
- Ruddy: The ground color is burnt sienna, ticked with various shades of darker brown or black, with the extreme outer tip being the darkest. The tail is tipped with black. The underside and inside of the legs should have a tint that harmonizes with the ground color. The nose leather is tile red, and the paw pads are black or dark brown, with black between the toes extending slightly beyond the paws.
- Cinnamon: The ground color is a rich, warm glowing red, ticked with chocolate brown, the extreme outer tip being the darkest, with a red-orange undercoat. The tail is tipped with chocolate brown. The underside and inside of the legs should have a tint that harmonizes with the ground color. The nose leather is rosy pink, and the paw pads are pink, with chocolate brown between the toes extending slightly beyond the paws.
- Blue: The ground color is warm beige, ticked with slate blue, the extreme outer tip being the darkest. The tail is tipped with slate blue. The underside and inside of the legs should have a tint that harmonizes with the ground color. The nose leather is old rose, and the paw pads are mauve, with slate blue between the toes extending slightly beyond the paws.
- Fawn: The ground color is a warm rose-beige, ticked with light cocoa brown, the extreme outer tip being the darkest. The tail is tipped with light cocoa brown. The underside and inside of the legs should have a tint that harmonizes with the ground color. The nose leather is salmon, and the paw pads are pink with light cocoa brown between the toes extending slightly beyond the paws.
It is important to note that the Somali cat develops its mature ticking pattern very slowly, and allowances should be made for kittens and young cats.
Penalize and Disqualify
Certain faults are penalized, while others lead to disqualification:
- Penalize: Cold grey or sandy tones in coat color; mottling or speckling on unticked areas; necklaces, leg bars, tabby stripes, or bars on the body; lack of desired markings on the head and tail; black roots on the body.
- Disqualify: White locket or groin spot, or white anywhere on the body except the upper throat, chin, and nostril area; any skeletal abnormality; incorrect color paw pads or nose leather; colors other than the four accepted; unbroken necklace; incorrect number of toes; kinks in the tail.
This comprehensive breed standard ensures the continued development and preservation of the distinctive Somali cat.
