Somali vs Calico - Breed Comparison | MyCatBreeds

Somali vs Calico - Breed ComparisonSomali is originated from United States but Calico is originated from Egypt. Both Somali and Calico are having almost same weight. Both Somali and Calico has almost same life span. Both Somali and Calico has same litter size. Somali requires Moderate maintenance. But Calico 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.

calico - historyNobody can say with certainty where Calico cats originate from, but it is thought they they hail from Egypt, and that they later came to port cities in Spain, Italy and France.

Today these cats are found all over the world. Wherever these cats come from, they are 99.9% female and this is because of the cat’s unique chromosomal makeup. Most of the calico or tortoiseshell male cats are because of the chromosome abnormality.

The weird aspect with these amazing cats is because of their unique genetic makeup, and also because of the fact that the males are born sterile, these cats can’t be bred and they can emerge in different litters.

Since 2001 this cat has been Maryland's state cat. An interesting fact is that the Calico became the official cat of the state of Maryland because of its amazing colors of its fur which happen to be fairly similar to that of the Baltimore Oriole, the state bird.

Basic Information

Origin:
United States
Egypt
Weight Male:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
None
None
Colors Available:
Coat of many colors - mostly brownish color with black ticking.
White, black and orange
Coat:
Medoum length, soft and silky
Long or short
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, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, 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.

calico kitten - descriptionCalico cats are known for their jaunty tri-colored coats with color such as white, black and orange. In fact, to be known as a Calico cat, these 3 colors need to be present, Calico isn’t a breed of cat as such, but is actually referring to the cat’s color variations.

Some of the most distinctive breeds of cars such a the Cornish Rex and Persians have these calico coats. One odd spec with these cats is that nearly all calico cats are female and this is because of the chromosomal makeup.

Size, coat texture, shade of coat, coat length and ear shapes can all vary with the type of calico cats you get so their weight can be anything from 3 to 7kg.

Temperament:

As mentioned, Calico cats aren’t a specific breed, and that is why it is actually difficult to describe the personality of a calico cat.

You’ll find certain calico cat owners describing their cat’s behavior but you won’t find any particular scientific studies of the cat’s personality. You could have a calm cat, one that is laid-back, a very vocal cat or a very active cat. In other words, these cats can be quiet, calm, excitable, friendly, shy, or mellow – their personality is formed from the way they are brought up and socialized.

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.

calico cat - characteristicsThe Calico is such an amazing type of cat and because it comes from so many cat breeds, the personality will vary, although having said that, there are a few characteristics that seem to be specifically attributed to the Calico cat.

One thing is for sure, these are intelligent, sweet, appealing, warm-hearted, loving cats that are good with children too. Perhaps in keeping with the quirky, jaunty coat, there is some quirkiness in the personality too, but that is precisely what makes these amazing cats the interesting characters they are.

To add to that, when you do research, you find that some have acted in bravey and saved their humans from harm in one way or the other.

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.

calico kittens - health problemsThe lifespan of the Calico cat be anything really and if you provide your calico with a wonderful home it will be able to reach 15 years of age.

Sometimes Klinefelteris Syndrome is a threat with this cat as a result of the XXY chromosomes. Their health is impacted because the disease can cause problems such as increased body fat and reduced bone mineral content.

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.

calico cats - caringGently brush the Calico’s fur from time to time to ensure the jaunty colored coat is always shiny and healthy. It helps with the removal of dead hair as well and the cat enjoys the attention.

Every cat requires vaccines to prevent him from getting the deadly cat viruses there are, and to keep the cat free from parasites.

If there are any warning signs that there’s something wrong with your Calico, get him to the vet immediately.

Your Calico kitten will need to receive 3 meals a day. As your cat matures, two smaller meals a day will be good for your cat. You’ll find both canned- and dry packaged foods and your cat will let you know which one he prefers.

Your adorable Calico may beg for treats in between but as a responsible pet owner, make sure you don’t allow your Calico to overeat as obesity brings its own set of health issues.

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. Calico vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. Calico vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  28. Calico vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. Calico vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  30. Calico vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  31. Calico vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  32. Calico vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  33. Calico vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  34. Calico vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  35. Calico vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  36. Calico vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  37. Calico vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  38. Calico vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  39. Calico vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  40. Calico vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  41. Calico vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  42. Calico vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  43. Calico vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  44. Calico vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  45. Calico vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  46. Calico vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  47. Calico vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  48. Calico vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  49. Calico vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  50. Calico vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Cat Breeds