Abyssinian vs Somali
The Somali is a long-haired Abyssinian, so they share the same ticked colour, big ears and endless energy. The difference is mostly the coat and the grooming it needs.
Side by side
| Abyssinian | Somali | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Disputed: genetic studies point to the Indian Ocean coast and South-East Asia | USA, from Abyssinian lines |
| Size | Medium, slim | Medium |
| Weight | Usually 3 to 5 kg | Usually 3 to 5 kg |
| Lifespan | Usually 12 to 15 years | Often 11 to 16 years |
| Coat | Short, fine and silky, with “ticking”: each hair has several dark and light bands | Medium-long, soft and silky, with ticking and a bushy tail |
| Energy | 5 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
| Affection | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| Chattiness | 3 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 |
| Grooming needed | 1 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 |
| Good with children | 5 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
| Good with other pets | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
Scores are our own rough guide. Every cat is different.
The main differences
- Coat: the Abyssinian is short and sleek, while the Somali is medium-long with a bushy, fox-like tail.
- Grooming: the Abyssinian needs little, and the Somali a comb a couple of times a week.
- Personality: both are busy, clever and playful, and need lots of company.
- Health: both can inherit progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), pyruvate kinase deficiency and kidney amyloidosis.
Choose a Abyssinian if
- You want the easiest coat
- You love the wild look of a short ticked coat
- You are not keen on brushing
Choose a Somali if
- You love the fox-like tail and fluffy coat
- You are happy to comb twice a week
- You want an Aby in a softer coat
Our verdict
They are the same cat in different coats, so choose on grooming and looks. Both need play, climbing and company, and both need breeders who health-test.
Read the full guides: Abyssinian and Somali. Or see more cat breeds. This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice.
Questions people ask
Is a Somali a long-haired Abyssinian?
Yes. The Somali came from long-haired kittens in Abyssinian litters.
Which is more active?
Both are very active.
