The Somali Cat is a lean and striking Cat Breed closely related to the Abyssinian Cat, with a unique appearance that captures attention. Built for agility, the Somali has a long, muscular body with a moderate, wedge-shaped head and large, almond-shaped eyes that enhance its expressive gaze. This cat's semi-long-haired coat is soft and easy-care, lying closer on the body and flowing longer around the neck, legs, and tail, which is adorned with a plume of fur.

The Somali’s coat features an agouti or ticked pattern, where each hair has several bands of color, creating a beautiful shaded effect that’s lighter underneath and darker on top. Their eyes, which can be gold, amber, or green, are accentuated with dark pigmentation around them, resembling eyeliner and enhancing their captivating look. As a medium-length version of the Abyssinian, the Somali is not only visually unique but also known for its vibrant personality and easy care coat.

• Benefits from an experienced owner.
• Highly active and inquisitive.
• Requires high-level enrichment.
• Loves hunting games and interactive play.
• Independent yet friendly.
• Very vocal and talkative.
• Average build Cat Breed.
• Requires weekly Grooming.
• Best suited to homes with extensive outdoor space.
• May not be ideal for family homes.
• Can tolerate being left alone for a few hours.
• Needs a calm environment.
• Sensitive to Cat Stress.
• Body Language cues are essential.
• Prone to Gingivitis, regular dental care needed.
• Risk of Obesity, active play helps maintain healthy weight.
• Can adapt to being an Indoor Cat with enrichment.
• Regular dental checkups recommended to prevent tooth issues.

The Somali Cat is generally a robust breed but has specific health concerns that owners should be aware of. 

Common issues include:

• Dental Health: Somali Cats are prone to Gingivitis and other dental issues. Regular brushing and dental checkups are important to prevent gum disease and maintain good oral hygiene.

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  Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD): This genetic condition affects red blood cell function and can lead to anemia. Screening for PKD in breeding lines has helped reduce its prevalence, but potential owners should ensure testing is done.

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  Obesity: Due to their high energy levels, Somali Cats require plenty of activity to stay fit. A balanced diet and regular play sessions can help prevent obesity, which can lead to joint and overall health issues.

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  Stress Sensitivity: Somalis are sensitive to changes in their environment, which can lead to stress. Stress reduction and a stable environment are essential for their well being.

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  Eye Health: Progressive retinal atrophy is an inherited condition where part of the eye deteriorates over time, potentially leading to blindness.

Routine veterinary care, a balanced diet, and an enriching environment can significantly support the Somali Cat’s health and well being.

Somali Cats, much like their Abyssinian relatives, are high-energy, adventure-loving companions. Known for being involved in everything, these Somali Cats excel at climbing, jumping, and perhaps even "levitating." They require plenty of attention, time, and affection from their owners. Ideal for those who love a true "cat’s cat," Somali Cats are loud, insistent, curious, and highly intelligent. Far from a quiet lap cat, they’re more like furry toddlers in cat suits, displaying agility that rivals even the most athletic pets.

The Somali Cat is a unique and captivating Cat Breed, closely related to the Abyssinian Cat, and is often described as a long haired version of the haired Abyssinian. This medium length, long bodied Somali breed is known for its striking tick coat, where each hair has a band of color that gives the Somali Cat a rich, warm look, with softer coat color around the undercoat and darker tones above. Its coat is soft to the touch, and the tail is long and plumed, adding to its elegant silhouette. Their almond shaped eyes, set off by a darker “eyeliner” effect, are vivid in color and emphasize the cat’s curious personality. Somali Cats also have tufted hair on their large ears and a playful, lively demeanor, making them delightful companions. The Somali Cat is best suited to those who enjoy an active, interactive pet, as their personality is as bold and spirited as their beautiful appearance.

The Somali Cat, a unique long haired cat breed, has its roots closely linked to the Abyssinian Cat. Originally, these long haired variations appeared as surprises in Abyssinian litters, likely due to recessive genes influenced by earlier interbreeding with other long haired cats. For years, these "haired Abyssinians" were set aside, as the Abyssinian breed standard favored short haired cats. However, some breeders recognized the appeal of the Somali Cat's soft coat and tufted hair and began selectively breeding these kittens, valuing their distinct look.

The Somali Cat breed gained recognition in the 1970s, particularly in North America, and has since captivated cat lovers worldwide. This Somali breed stands out with its medium length, ticked coat, which displays a band of color on each hair, giving a warm, shaded effect that highlights the body’s long and lean shape. The Somali Cat is treasured for its unique coat color, plumed tail, and playful personality, making it a sought after addition for those who appreciate an active, curious cat with a rich history and distinctive appearance.

A secure outdoor space is essential for the Somali Cat, ideally equipped with plenty of climbing branches and lounging platforms. Think of designing a cat run as if you’re creating an enclosure for a small wild cat, as the Somali doesn’t quite see itself as a domesticated pet. This isn’t a cat you can let roam unsupervised or in unsecured areas, left to their own devices, they’ll gladly visit neighbors, possibly helping themselves to their Sunday lunch or even “borrowing” a bit of laundry!

A happy Somali Cat thrives in a home filled with multiple cat trees, Window Beds, and platforms, with shelves designed especially for feline adventurers, and preferably free of fragile items, as Somalis love the classic "knock the expensive thing off the high shelf" game. This is no accident, they’re deliberate in their mischief, seeing gravity as a source of endless entertainment!

Ideal Cat Toys for Somali cats are those that mimic hunting, chasing, biting, and dissecting behaviors, with treat dispensing toys being especially popular. While “things on strings” are a hit, a diverse range of interactive toys is essential. Somali cats will also enjoy fetch but only on their terms, they’re unlikely to perform just for show! Highly trainable, they can learn various tricks and even useful behaviors with clicker training, some have been taught to use and even flush the toilet, but, as with all things, they’ll do it when it suits them!

Every cat is unique, with its own preferences and nutritional needs. As obligate carnivores, cats require 41 specific nutrients in their diet, though the ideal balance varies based on age, lifestyle, and health. For instance, an active, growing kitten needs a different nutrient mix than a more sedentary senior cat. It’s also essential to feed the appropriate quantity to maintain an ideal body condition, following feeding guidelines, and to consider individual preferences for wet or dry food options.

Find out more about Cat Nutrition with our article. 

Somalis usually manage their own Grooming, but setting up a weekly routine to inspect their coat, check for any injuries or parasites, is a good idea. This practice not only helps maintain their health but also fosters bonding and quality time together.

If your cat’s coat appears greasy, it may signal they aren’t grooming themselves, which could indicate health issues.

As with all cats, routine Vaccinations and Flea Treatment and control are recommended to keep them in top condition.

The Somali Cat is best suited for those who are experienced with high energy, spirited cats and are often home to provide the attention they need. With their loud, demanding, and persistent nature, they may not be ideal for homes with very young children or noisy, busy kids with frequent guests. Somali Cats can find bustling, loud households with many visitors stressful, which can lead to behavioral issues such as inappropriate urination or even self harming behaviors.

• Tippi Hedren's Feline Fascination: Famous actress and animal advocate Tippi Hedren, known for her work with big cats, is believed to have kept Somali Cats, admiring their wild appearance and playful nature.

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  "Fox" of the Cat World: Somali Cats are often compared to foxes due to their bushy, plumed tails, large ears, and sleek, agile bodies, giving them a unique and captivating look.

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  Highly Intelligent and Trainable: Somali Cats are very smart and can be trained to perform tricks or even use a human toilet. They often respond well to clicker training, which engages their curious minds.

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  Agouti Ticked Coat: Somali Cats have a stunning agouti or ticked coat pattern, where each hair has multiple bands of color, creating a warm, shaded appearance that sets them apart from most other breeds.

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  High-Energy, Curious Personalities: Somali cats are extremely energetic and require a lot of stimulation, making them ideal for active households. They’re known for exploring every corner of their environment, often in playful or mischievous ways.

Somali cats are generally not aggressive, they are known for their friendly and outgoing nature. While they are highly energetic and playful, their behavior is typically more mischievous than aggressive. Somali cats tend to be affectionate, gentle, and enjoy interacting with both people and other pets. They may occasionally play rough, especially if they’re not given enough mental and physical stimulation, but this is rarely out of aggression. Instead, they thrive in environments where they receive plenty of attention and opportunities to engage in interactive play, which keeps their naturally curious and social personalities happy and balanced.