Somali
The fox-tailed, long-haired Abyssinian
The Somali is a long-haired Abyssinian. Long-haired kittens occasionally appeared in Abyssinian litters, and in the 1960s breeders in North America began to develop them as a breed of their own. The name nods to Somalia, which borders Ethiopia, the old Abyssinia.
The result is a glowing, ticked coat, a fox-like tail and a personality that never sits still.
Somali at a glance
- Origin
- USA, from Abyssinian lines
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- Usually 3 to 5 kg
- Lifespan
- Often 11 to 16 years
- Coat
- Medium-long, soft and silky, with ticking and a bushy tail
- Colours
- Ruddy, red (sorrel), blue and fawn, and others
Personality scorecard
- Energy
- 5 out of 5
- Affection
- 4 out of 5
- Chattiness
- 3 out of 5
- Grooming needed
- 3 out of 5
- Good with children
- 5 out of 5
- Good with other pets
- 4 out of 5
Our own rough guide. Every cat is different.
What they look like
A medium, fine-boned cat with big, alert ears, almond eyes outlined in dark “eyeliner”, a gently wedge-shaped head and a full, bushy tail. Each hair of the soft, medium-long coat has several bands of colour, which gives a warm, shimmering look without stripes.
Personality
Busy, curious and playful. Somalis are into everything, love climbing and games, and enjoy being near their people, though not always on a lap. They tend to be good with children and other pets, and are happier with company than on their own.
Care and grooming
Comb a couple of times a week, more when moulting. Give them a lot of play, climbing space, and puzzle toys to keep them busy. Feed a good complete diet, and keep up with dental checks.
Health to know about
Inherited conditions seen in the Abyssinian lines include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK-def), kidney amyloidosis and gum disease. DNA tests exist for some, so ask breeders for results from both parents.
Could suit
- Active households
- People who like playing and training their cat
- Homes with climbing space and company during the day
Think twice if
- If you want a calm lap cat
- If you are out all day with no other pets
- If you do not want to comb a longer coat
“I am a fox, a cat and a small firework. Do not blink.”
Compare the Somali
Name ideas for a Somali
- Fox
- Ember
- Cinnamon
- Rusty
- Sorrel
- Copper
- Saffron
- Tigerlily
- Chilli
- Maple
Want more? Try the cat name generator, or find out their age in human years with the cat age calculator.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between an Abyssinian and a Somali?
The coat. The Somali is the long-haired version of the Abyssinian, with a bushy tail and a soft, medium-long coat.
Are Somali cats good family cats?
They often are. They are playful and friendly, though very active, so they suit busy families.
Do Somali cats shed a lot?
They shed moderately, more in spring and autumn. A comb a couple of times a week keeps the coat tidy.
How long do Somali cats live?
Often 11 to 16 years, with good care.
Other breeds to meet
This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your own cat.
