Somali cat breed: facts, temperament and care
The longhaired Abyssinian: a bright, busy, ticked cat with a bushy tail and a fox-like look, known for energy and curiosity.
Also known as Somali cat, Fox cat, Longhaired Abyssinian, Long-haired Abyssinian
Quick facts
| Origin | North America, from Abyssinian lines |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-13 lb (2.7-5.9 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Medium |
| Coat | Soft, fine, silky double coat, longer on the ruff, belly and britches, with a full plumed tail |
| Colours and patterns | Ticked tabby in ruddy, cinnamon (sorrel), blue and fawn; some registries accept more, including silver |
Recognition
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1979 |
|---|---|
| How common | Uncommon |
Temperament and care (1 low, 5 high)
| Affection | 4 |
|---|---|
| Energy | 5 |
| Playfulness | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 3 |
| Shedding | 3 |
| Good with children | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 |
| Happy alone | 2 |
| Trainability | 5 |
| Suits a small home | 3 |
Best suited to
| Suits | A household that wants a clever, active, affectionate cat and will give it play, climbing space and company. |
|---|---|
| Less suited to | Anyone out all day, anyone wanting a quiet lap cat, or a home without room to climb. |
Registries that recognise it
- CFA
- TICA
- FIFe
- GCCF
Health conditions to watch
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Renal amyloidosis
About the Somali
The Somali is a pedigree cat that descends from the Abyssinian. Longhaired kittens began to appear in Abyssinian litters in the 1940s, from a recessive gene carried by both parents. Breeders in North America, including Evelyn Mague, began to develop the longhaired cats as a breed and named it after Somalia, the country next to Ethiopia. The CFA accepted the Somali for championship in 1979, and European associations accepted it in 1982.
The cat has a sleek, muscular body, large pointed ears and a full plumed tail, which gives it the nickname fox cat. Each hair carries several bands of colour, which creates a glow in the light. Ruddy, a warm brown with black ticking, is the usual colour. Some registries accept more shades.
Temperament and living with one
Somalis are busy, bold and curious. They follow their people from room to room, love interactive play and climb everything. They are affectionate rather than lap-bound, and they speak mostly through body language and a soft voice. Many are fascinated by water. They are intelligent and learn tricks, so puzzle toys are a good idea. They tend to do best in homes where someone is around, and they usually get on with children and other pets.
Care: coat, food and play
The coat tangles less than its length suggests, and a combing once a week is the usual advice, with extra care when it sheds. Check the ears and teeth, and trim the nails. Offer tall trees, shelves, a window perch and several play sessions each day. Feed a complete diet in measured meals.
Health
Genetic testing has helped breeders remove inherited conditions that once caused anaemia and blindness in the breed. Pyruvate kinase deficiency and an inherited retinal degeneration are on the watch-list, and both can be tested for. Renal amyloidosis, a kidney disease, cannot be screened by a genetic test, so ask the breeder about it in the lines you are considering. Ask your vet about regular check-ups.
Is it right for you?
A Somali suits an owner who wants an intelligent, lively and affectionate cat and can offer attention and space. It is a poor match for a quiet or empty home. For the same cat with a short coat, look at the Abyssinian. For a longhair with a more talkative nature, see the Balinese.
Profile last reviewed November 7, 2026