Description: Somali
The Somali is a stunning and active breed of domestic cat, known for its foxlike appearance and lively personality. Often referred to as the 'long-haired Abyssinian,' the Somali features a soft, lush coat that comes in a variety of warm, ruddy tones, and a bushy tail that gives it a wild, elegant look. Highly intelligent and playful, Somalis are curious and love to be involved in everything their humans are doing. They form strong bonds with their families and enjoy interactive play, making them wonderful companions for households with children or other pets. Despite their energetic nature, Somalis are affectionate and thrive on attention, but they are also independent enough to entertain themselves. Their distinctive ticked coat, expressive eyes, and sociable temperament have made them a favorite among cat enthusiasts worldwide.
Somali ratings
Properties
The Somali cat is a dynamic and visually striking breed that captivates many feline enthusiasts with its combination of elegance, intelligence, and playful personality. A semi-longhaired cousin of the Abyssinian, the Somali is instantly recognizable due to its distinctively ticked, colorful coat which has a luxurious, soft texture and a bushy, fox-like tail. This breed’s physical beauty is complemented by a graceful, athletic build; the Somali is medium in size with a well-proportioned frame, almond-shaped eyes (which can be gold or green), large ears, and an expressive face that enhances its alert and curious demeanor.
One of the most notable properties of the Somali breed is its high activity level. These cats are known for being energetic, agile, and highly playful throughout their lives. Somali cats love to climb, jump, and explore their surroundings, often seeking out high places and interactive toys to keep themselves entertained. This makes them an excellent choice for families or individuals who wish to have an engaged, lively companion. However, their playful nature also means they require considerable mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom-related behaviors.
In terms of temperament, Somalis are affectionate and sociable. They often develop strong bonds with their human companions and can be somewhat ‘dog-like’ in their loyalty and desire for attention. Somalis tend to get along well with children and other animals, making them suitable for multi-pet households. Their intelligence is another important property; Somali cats are quick learners, able to master new tricks and even solve puzzles, which can be both a delight and a challenge for owners hoping to keep their clever pet stimulated.
Grooming needs for the Somali are moderate. While their fine, silky fur is less prone to matting than some other longhaired breeds, regular brushing is recommended to keep their coat healthy and to minimize shedding. The breed is generally healthy, with a lifespan ranging from 12 to 16 years, though it can be predisposed to certain genetic health conditions common among descendants of the Abyssinian breed.
Overall, the Somali cat is a vibrant, loving, and interactive companion best suited for active homes. Their stunning appearance and engaging personality have made them favorites among cat lovers looking for both beauty and brains in a feline friend.
Appearance
The Somali cat is renowned for its distinctive, fox-like appearance which sets it apart from many other cat breeds. Often referred to as the ‘fox cat,’ the Somali’s characteristic features include a medium-to-long, soft, and fine double coat which contributes to its uniquely elegant and bushy silhouette. The most notable aspect of the Somali cat’s coat is its ticked tabby pattern; each hair displays bands of different colors (known as agouti hairs), giving the fur a warm, glowing, almost shimmering effect. The coat’s texture is silky and non-matting, with longer fur around the neck forming a ruff and tufts on the ears and between the toes.
The coloration of the Somali is typically described in terms such as ruddy, red (sometimes also called sorrel), blue, and fawn, with the ruddy being the most common and classic color. Its rich, vibrant colors are achieved by the breed's distinctive ticking. Somalis have almond-shaped eyes that can be amber, copper, or green, outlined with a dark line, and a slightly oblique set which enhances their expressive and alert appearance. Black or dark color 'eye-liner' accentuates these vivid eyes, adding to the breed’s striking look. The ears are moderately large, broad at the base, and set wide apart, often tufted at the tips, echoing their wild, fox-like resemblance.
In terms of body structure, the Somali possesses a lithe, muscular, and medium-sized body that is both graceful and athletic. Their legs are long and slender, ending in small, oval paws, which lend an air of nimbleness and agility. The tail is thickly furred and bushy, famously giving the Somali its 'plumed' or 'squirrel' tail, which is often carried high and flows elegantly behind the cat when it moves. The overall impression is one of lively curiosity and poise, combining elegance with a hint of wildness.
Another distinctive feature is the clear, ticking pattern over the shoulders, back, and head, while the underparts, inner legs, and underside of the tail are a lighter shade, providing a beautiful contrast. This striking appearance, paired with their expressive face and vibrant personality, ensures that the Somali breed is truly captivating and memorable.
History
The Somali cat has a fascinating and somewhat enigmatic history, often considered a long-haired variant of the well-known Abyssinian breed. The origin story of the Somali traces back to the early 20th century, though its recognition as a distinct breed did not occur until the 1960s and 1970s.
The Abyssinian, originating from the region around the Red Sea and, more specifically, Ethiopia (formerly Abyssinia), is one of the oldest known domesticated cat breeds. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Abyssinian was being bred throughout Europe, the United States, and other parts of the world.
On occasion, kittens would be born with longer fur due to the presence of a recessive gene for long hair. These long-haired kittens were sometimes dismissed as unsuitable for breeding purposes and were quietly given away or placed in pet homes. However, during the 1960s, breeders in both North America and Australia began to take a more intentional approach to these long-haired Abyssinians.
Canadian breeder Mary Mailing is credited with helping to bring attention to the long-haired variant when she exhibited one such kitten at a local cat show. American breeder Evelyn Mague is also recognized as a crucial figure in developing the breed. She began intentionally breeding for the long-haired trait and is credited with coining the name "Somali," to reflect the breed’s connection to the Abyssinian and to evoke the exotic flair of Somalia, a neighboring region to Ethiopia.
The Somali’s official recognition came in the 1970s, receiving breed status from the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1979, followed by The International Cat Association (TICA) and other registries.
Today, the Somali is celebrated for its fox-like appearance, bushy tail, and vibrant ticking on its coat, marking it as not just a variant but a distinct and beloved breed in its own right. The breed’s development reflects both a happy accident of genetics and the dedication of breeders around the world to preserve and promote the Somali’s unique qualities.