Somali

Overview

The Somali is essentially a long-haired Abyssinian, the result of a recessive gene that occasionally produced fluffy kittens in Abyssinian litters. For decades these long-haired kittens were quietly placed as pets, until breeders in the 1960s and 70s recognized their beauty and began breeding them intentionally. Named “Somali” as a nod to Somalia, which neighbors Ethiopia (Abyssinia), the breed combines the Abyssinian’s wild look and lively personality with a gorgeous flowing coat.

Appearance

Somalis are medium-sized, lithe cats with a wild, fox-like appearance. Their most striking feature is their ticked coat — each individual hair has alternating bands of light and dark color, creating a shimmering, agouti effect. The coat is semi-long and soft, with a full ruff around the neck, breeches on the legs, and a spectacular bushy tail often called a “fox brush.” Common colors include ruddy (warm brown), sorrel (cinnamon), blue, and fawn. Their large, almond-shaped eyes are gold or green.

Personality

Somalis are endlessly curious and active cats that turn everything into a game. They are intelligent, agile, and love to explore — no shelf is too high, no cabinet too secure. They enjoy interactive play and learning tricks. Despite their busy nature, they are also affectionate and enjoy quiet time with their humans. They are social cats that get along well with other pets and children but can become destructive if bored.

Health Considerations

Somalis share health concerns with Abyssinians, including pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKDef, a red blood cell disorder), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and renal amyloidosis. Dental issues including gingivitis are also common. Genetic testing is available for PKDef and PRA, and responsible breeders screen for these conditions.

Care and Grooming

Their semi-long coat requires brushing two to three times per week to prevent matting, especially around the ruff and breeches. They shed moderately year-round with seasonal increases. Provide plenty of vertical space, interactive toys, and puzzle feeders to keep their active minds engaged.

Diet and Nutrition

Somalis are active cats that need a calorie-appropriate, high-protein diet. They tend to maintain a healthy weight naturally due to their activity level, but monitoring is still important. Use our Cat Calorie Calculator for feeding guidance and the Cat Weight Chart for weight tracking.

Fun Facts

• Somalis are sometimes called “fox cats” because of their bushy tails and wild, foxy appearance.
• They are known for using their paws like hands, picking up toys and food with remarkable dexterity.
• A Somali named Harris was one of the first cats featured in a cat food commercial, boosting the breed’s popularity in the 1970s.

Sources

• Somali cat - Wikipedia
• Somali Breed - CFA
• Somali - TICA