Somali Cat

Breed Profile

With their bushy tails, tufted ears, and ruddy ticked coats, Somali cats are often nicknamed the “Fox Cat” of the feline world. A long-haired cousin of the Abyssinian, the Somali combines the wild look of a forest creature with the loving, spirited personality of a devoted pet. If you admire the Abyssinian’s intelligence and energy but prefer a softer, fluffier package, the Somali is the perfect match.

History and Origin

The history of the Somali is inextricably linked to the Abyssinian. For decades, long-haired kittens would occasionally appear in purebred Abyssinian litters, the result of a recessive gene. These “fuzzy” kittens were initially considered mistakes and were quietly petted out. However, in the 1960s, breeders began to appreciate their unique beauty.

An American breeder named Evelyn Mague was instrumental in establishing the breed. She jokingly named them “Somalis” because Somalia borders Ethiopia (formerly Abyssinia), reflecting the close genetic relationship between the two breeds. The breed gained official recognition in the late 1970s and has since won hearts with its stunning appearance and vibrant personality.

Appearance

The Somali is a medium-sized cat with a lithe, muscular body that exudes grace and athleticism.

• The “Fox” Look: Their most distinctive feature is their full, bushy tail, which looks just like a fox’s brush. This, combined with their large ears and alert expression, gives them a wildly beautiful appearance.
• Coat and Color: The coat is semi-long, soft, and silky. It is “ticked,” meaning each hair has multiple bands of color, giving the coat a shimmering depth. The classic color is “Ruddy” (burnt sienna with black ticking), but they also come in Sorrel (copper), Blue, and Fawn.
• Face: They have large, almond-shaped eyes, usually green or gold, rimmed with dark “eyeliner” and surrounded by lighter “spectacles.”

Personality and Temperament

Somalis are not decorative lap cats; they are active, intelligent, and famously mischievous. They live life at full speed. Known as “gravity-defying” cats, they love high places and will often be found on top of refrigerators or doors. They are expert jumpers and climbers.

They are also known as “hairdresser cats” because many Somalis love to groom their owners’ hair, kneading and purring enthusiastically. They are extremely social and want to be involved in every aspect of your life. They are tenacious and determined—if a Somali wants to open a cupboard, they will figure out how to do it.

Despite their high energy, they are affectionate and soft-voiced, preferring to communicate with chirps and trills rather than loud meows.

Care and Grooming

The Somali’s coat is surprisingly low-maintenance for a long-haired breed.

Coat Care

Their hair is silky and fine, which means it doesn’t mat as easily as the woolly undercoat of a Persian. A thorough combing once or twice a week is usually enough to keep them looking fabulous. They shed more during the spring and fall, so extra grooming may be needed then.

Exercise and Enrichment

This is a high-energy breed that needs plenty of playtime. Puzzle feeders, teaser wands, and cat wheels are great ways to burn off their excess energy. A bored Somali can become destructive, unrolling toilet paper or knocking things off shelves just to see them fall.

Health and Wellness

Somalis are generally healthy, but like Abyssinians, they can be prone to certain genetic conditions.

• Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PK Deficiency): An inherited anemia. Genetic tests are available, and responsible breeders screen for this.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A condition that can lead to blindness. Again, genetic testing has helped breeders manage this.
• Dental Issues: They can be prone to gingivitis, so regular teeth brushing is recommended.

Is the Somali Cat Right for You?

The Somali is a cat for someone who wants a companion, not a decoration. They are best suited for active households that can provide them with the attention and stimulation they crave. If you are ready for a cat that will make you laugh, play fetch, and “help” you with your chores, the beautiful and spirited Somali will be your best friend for life.