Are Somali cats rare?

Are Somali cats prone to hemolytic anemia?

Less common in cats (more in dog breeds) is auto immune mediated hemolytic anemia (AIHA), but at least one breeder has reported that some lines of Somali are more prone to this condition.

Can cats groom themselves like other cats?

Yes, they can groom themselves just like other cats. However, they cannot properly clean themselves as they have a lot of folds. Also, their skin is oilier than other cats so grooming themselves is not enough. You still need to give them a bath, clean their ears, and maintain their dental hygiene.

Are Somali cats prone to genetic diseases?

All cats are prone to some genetic diseases. Most Somali cats are happy and healthy, but there are a few hereditary diseases they are prone to. Like some Abyssinian cats, some Somalis may develop a hereditary health issue called pyruvate kinase deficiency, which can cause anemia.

What causes hemolytic anemias in dogs and cats?

Whereas primary IMHA is the most common reason for hemolytic anemias in dogs, cats have more likely a trigger or an underlying disease that leads to immune destruction of erythrocytes. In fact there only rare clinical reports of primary IMHA in cats and in these cases a secondary form was not completely ruled out.

What are the symptoms of intermittent hemolytic anemia in cats?

Affected cats have chronic intermittent hemolytic anemia, first noted between a few months to several years of age, and mild splenomegaly, but no osteosclerosis (typically seen in dogs). The clinical signs despite severe anemia (PCV 8%) are often mild except for pale or slightly icteric mucous membranes.

How much does a Somali cat weigh?

Often nicknamed the “fox cat” for their slightly wild appearance and beautiful, plumy tail, the Somali is a medium sized cat that typically weighs 6 – 10 pounds. They have a moderately long body that is lithe, graceful and athletic. The body should feel well-muscled and solid but not be coarse.

What kind of body does a Somali cat have?

The Somali Cat has a semi-long ticked coat and is closely related to the Abyssinian Cat. This is a medium-sized breed with a muscular and athletic body. The body is supported by slim finely-boned legs and ends in a fully plumed tail. These cats have slightly rounded wedge-shaped heads, broad ears, and large almond-shaped eyes.

What are genetic storage diseases in cats?

Genetic (inherited) storage diseases are named according to the specific metabolic byproduct that builds up in the body. Certain breeds of cats are more prone to certain storage diseases than others (see Table: Breeds of Cats Prone to Genetic Storage Diseases

What causes low hemoglobin in kittens?

Low-grade, longterm blood loss eventually results in iron-deficiency anemia. This leads to abnormally small red blood cells and a lack of hemoglobin. In kittens, this is often caused by parasites (for example, fleas, lice, or intestinal worms), but in older cats, bleeding from stomach ulcers or tumors is more common.

What are the symptoms of AIHA in cats?

What are the symptoms of AIHA? Most cats with AIHA have severe anemia, and their gums will be very pale rather than the normal pink to red color. Cats with anemia will be listless and will tire more easily; these symptoms occur because there are not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues.

How much does a Somali cat cost?

How Much Does a Somali Cost? The average price of this rare and beautiful kitten is between $1,000 to $1,500. Don’t be tempted to go for the cheapest option when searching for a kitten. If you’re buying a Somali kitten, always make sure you get them from a reputable Somali breeder or Abyssinian breeder.

How do cats evolve genetic diseases?

This human selection process (breeding together very closely related cats to develop particular characteristics) has played an important part in the evolution of genetic diseases in cats. In some cases, the breed itself has been based on an inherited disorder.

What are the most common metabolic storage disorders in cats?

Metabolic Storage Disorders Disease Breeds Ceroid lipofuscinosis Domestic cats Gangliosidoses Domestic cats Korat Siamese Globoid cell leukodystrophy (Krabbe dise … Domestic shorthair Glycogenosis Domestic shorthair Norwegian forest cats 5 more rows

What is lysosomal storage disease in cats?

Lysosomal storage diseases are primarily genetic in cats and are caused by a lack of the enzymes that are needed to perform metabolic functions. It is a rare disease that most commonly is diagnosed in kittens. The disease causes an accumulation of various substances that would otherwise be eliminated by…

What is hemolytic anemia in cats?

This secondary type is more common in cats. Hemolytic anemia in cats occurs when there is a loss of red blood cells, either because the body is not producing enough new red blood cells to replace old ones or because the body is destroying them.

How can I prevent anemia in my Cat?

Anemia is a symptom of many diseases so preventing anemia is not always possible, but there are some specific things you can do to decrease the risk for your cat. Use a monthly parasite prevention product that kills fleas, ticks, lice, and intestinal parasites. Keep your cat indoors, or only allow them outside with direct supervision.

Can a cat get anemia?

If the red blood cell count drops quickly or gets very low, the cat may need hospitalization, blood transfusions, and in some cases, anemia can be deadly. What Is Anemia?

Why does my cat have a lack of red blood cells?

These cells circulate for about two months and as they age or become damaged, they are removed from the bloodstream. If your cat loses too many red blood cells or production decreases, this can result in a lack of red blood cells, which leads to anemia. There are two types of anemia: regenerative and non-regenerative.

What are the signs of feline anemia?

Signs of Feline Anemia. At home, a caregiver may notice the cat is pale when the cat yawns. Instead of healthy, pink tongue and gums, a pale whitish appearance is present. Note that cats normally have pale pink gums, so the tongue is actually a better barometer for checking color.

What is a wellness examination for a cat?

A wellness examination is a routine medical examination of a cat who appears healthy, as opposed to an examination of a cat who who is ill. A wellness examination may also be called a ‘check-up’ or a ‘physical examination’.

Are there any breeders of Somali cats in the US?

Mague founded the Somali Cat Club of America with other breeders from the United States and Canada in 1972. Since then, the Somali has grown in popularity to become one of the most popular breeds in North America. It is recognized around the world and is a popular entry at many shows as well as in the home. Somali Listings!