Ikati Somalis - Abyssinians and Somalis, Victoria

Abyssinian, Somali Cat Breeder - Ballan, VIC

I am a small breeder of Somali and Abyssinian cats in regional Victoria. The cats live in peaceful rural surroundings. They have access to cat net-enclosed patios which enables them to enjoy fresh air and sunlight. The stud cats' quarters are an integral part of the home environment and they love to watch the daily events with interest.

Somalis are delightful to own, and it is very easy to spend time with them, grooming and playing and giving them lots of attention. They love human company, often demanding attention. They have a quiet voice and a playful nature; they love to play "fetch" or to prance around with a favourite toy.

I am registered with one of the cat councils of Victoria (GCCFV) and am committed to abide by their Code of Ethics for Breeders.

A little about Somalis:
Somalis are basically tabbies, with their coat pattern being described as ticked or agouti; this is dominant to the other tabby coat patterns which are only expressed on the head in the form of pencilled lines such as the 'M' on the forehead and the 'thumb print' on the ears. For show purposes, tabby markings are not acceptable on any other part of the body.

The Somali coat is very soft, silky and is fine in texture with a dense undercoat. The longest hair is over the chest and hind quarters, and quite often they may have a gorgeous ruff surrounding the head. There are now a number of different coat colours, all may described as brilliant and warm.

The Somali Temperament:
Often described as natural show-offs and born clowns, Somali cats are extroverted, athletic, active and alert. Their remarkable intelligence, playful curiosity, affectionate nature and happy disposition make them particularly alluring and captivating as companions. They thrive on lots of attention, readily seek human company and demand to be treated as one of the family. They are also quiet and gentle, very self assured and easily adapt to homes with other pets.

Somalis also seem to love the company of dogs; do not be surprised to see them playing, grooming and cuddling with dogs - of all sizes!

Contact: Janet

Ikati - Abyssinian and Somali Cat Breeder, Victoria

This profile viewed by 4.9k pet lovers

Get in touch

Location: Ballan, VIC

Please read this advice before making contact

Registrations & memberships

Registration: GCCFV;

Prefix: Ikati

Supply/Source RB101795

Clubs & Assoc: Governing Council of the Cat Fancy Australia & Victoria

Our standards & practices

Health testing & screening

Q. Do you health test in accordance with the current standards and recommended guidelines for your breed? Can you demonstrate your knowledge of any required DNA or other health related test results concerning your breed (if applicable).

A. Yes.Test for Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PK Deficiency), Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and blood type. Laboratories are either Orivet, Australia or UC Davis, California. If the cats are negative for PK Deficiency, the offspring do not require testing. Should a carrier for PK Deficiency be part of the breeding program, they shall be mated to clear cats and any offspring selected for breeding shall be tested for PK Deficiency. All my cats are PRA negative and Blood type A. There are no Blood type B cats in my cattery. These three tests are discussed with any future kitten buyers.

Preparation & socialisation

Q. Do you ensure that your kittens are appropriately socialised? Please provide details about how you raise your kittens to ensure that their environmental and social needs are met, that they are suitable as pets. And, do you ensure that the new family understands and is equipped to continue this socialisation?

A. Yes.Kittens are born in my home in a quiet area where the queen feels safe and secure and comfortable. Kittens are handled from the time of birth for at least 20 minutes per day. As they grow older and playful, play time is extended. All kitten buyers are encouraged to visit as often as possible to meet their kitten and play with them, they can see how all my cats and the kittens are living and their environment with cat trees and toys for enrichment. Kittens to approved homes only. Balanced, premium diets are discussed. Kittens shall only go to indoor only homes. Cat trees, beds and toys are discussed which are appropriate for Somalis and Abyssinians. The number of people in the new home and age of children is discussed. The daily playtime and grooming is discussed.

Placement & matching

Q. Is ensuring that your kittens go to the right home a high priority? How do you ensure that the kitten will be a good fit, and be well cared for in its new home? Do you have a verbal or personal interview?

A. Yes.Communication is via email and sometimes over the phone or face to face, this depends on where the new family live. Many questions are asked regarding the suitability of an Abyssinian or Somali, that the new family have thoroughly researched the breed and know the personality and traits specific to these breeds. Kittens go to approved homes only. Toxic plants are discussed to ensure that the new family is aware of the dangers of having these plants. I offer life long support of all my kittens and cats. The new family is made aware that should circumstances change, the kitten or cat shall be returned to me.

Q. What written information about the conditions of sale, warranty, and information concerning the care and maintenance of the breed do you provide?

A. Yes.My vet checks the kittens at 14 weeks of age when they have their second vaccination. This is to ensure that a healthy kitten leaves my home. All kittens are desexed, have a microchip and have two vaccinations, the first at 10 weeks and the second at 14 weeks, before leaving home. Kittens leave home at 14 weeks after their second vaccination. I shall arrange transport by air if required. Grooming combs are included in a kitten pack, along with a selection of toys. The kitten pack includes a portfolio with a vaccination certificate, a desexing certificate, current diet, information regarding toxic plants and breed specific information.

Ongoing support

Q. Do you offer ongoing support? For example: Help with introducing a kitten to other animals; help with any health or behavioural problems that might occur.

A. Yes.I offer life long support for all my kittens and cats. I always offer help in introducing a new kitten to a new home and other pets. I always am available to assist with any behaviour or health problems for the life of the cat.

Q. In the long term, do you assist with re-homing a kitten or cat if for some reason the new family are unable to care for it?

A. Yes.I most definitely will always have a kitten or cat return to me should circumstances change in the new home. The new family is made aware of this, in our written communication.

Clubs & Associations

Q. Are you a current member of any breed clubs and/or associations?

A. Yes.The Abyssinian Breeder Club

See Abyssinian breed info, photos, more Abyssinian breeders

See Somali breed info, photos, more Somali breeders