The Somali Cat: A Long-Haired Abyssinian Beauty

Meet the Somali – The “Fox Cat” with a Playful Spirit

With their fluffy tails, ticked coats, and lively personalities, Somali cats are often called “long-haired Abyssinians” or “fox cats” for their wild, fox-like appearance. These energetic, intelligent felines make wonderful companions for active families.

Somali Cat Quick Facts

✔ Origin: Somalia (developed from Abyssinians)
✔ Size: Medium-large
✔ Weight: 2.5-5 kg (females smaller)
✔ Coat: Semi-long, silky, ticked pattern
✔ Colors: Ruddy, sorrel, blue, fawn, silver
✔ Lifespan: 12-16 years
✔ Temperament: Playful, mischievous, affectionate
✔ Price: $1,000 – $1,500

History: How the Somali Cat Came to Be

The Somali breed originated from Abyssinian cats carrying a recessive longhair gene. After World War II, breeders noticed some Abyssinians producing long-haired kittens.

🔹 1950s-60s: These “longhaired Abyssinians” appeared in the USA, Canada, Australia & Europe
🔹 1970s: Officially recognized as the Somali breed (named after neighboring Somalia)
🔹 1979: Granted championship status by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA)

Today, they remain rarer than Abyssinians but are prized for their striking looks and lively nature.

Somali Cat Appearance: A Miniature Fox

✔ Body: Lean, muscular, graceful
✔ Coat: Semi-long, ticked (each hair has bands of color)
✔ Tail: Full, bushy (like a fox!)
✔ Eyes: Large, almond-shaped, gold or green
✔ Ears: Large, pointed, tufted
✔ Colors: Ruddy, blue, sorrel, fawn, silver

Fun Fact: Their ticked coat shimmers in sunlight!

Personality: The Clown of the Cat World

✅ Highly intelligent – Can learn tricks, open doors
✅ Playful & energetic – Loves climbing, jumping, puzzle toys
✅ Affectionate but independent – Likes attention but not excessive cuddling
✅ Good with kids & pets – Best with older children (dislikes rough handling)
⚠ Mischievous streak – Known for playful troublemaking!

Note: They hate being alone and thrive in active households.

Health & Care: Keeping Your Somali Happy

Common Health Issues

• Gingivitis (regular teeth brushing needed)

• Renal issues (occasional in older cats)

• Patellar luxation (rare, but check breeder history)

Grooming Needs

• Brushing: 2-3 times weekly (reduces matting)

• Bathing: Every 2 months (they groom well)

• Nail Trimming: Every 2 weeks

• Dental Care: Brush 3x weekly

Is a Somali Cat Right for You?

Best For:
✔ Active families
✔ Experienced cat owners
✔ Those who enjoy playful, interactive pets

Not Ideal For:
❌ First-time owners (they’re strong-willed)
❌ People who want a lap cat (they prefer play over cuddles)

A Rare, Playful Gem

The Somali cat is perfect for those who love the Abyssinian’s energy but want a fluffier, more striking companion. With their fox-like looks and clownish antics, they’re sure to keep you entertained!

Looking for a Somali kitten? Seek reputable breeders who test for genetic health issues.

Have you met a Somali cat? Share your stories below! 😊🐾

What is the History of the Somali Cat?

In fact, Somali cats are close relatives. Abyssinian cats, to say the least. The thing is that after the First, as well as after the Second World War, the cat population in general, like the population of Abyssinian cats, was significantly destroyed, which is why breeders were forced to use various other breeds so that Abyssinian cats would not become extinct at all.

Emergency measures to restore the population led to the fact that cats at times appeared long-haired kittens, which were not registered and quietly given to friends. However, over time, breeders paid attention to long-haired kittens that were obtained from short-haired Abyssinians. This began to happen around the 60s and had a massive character.

In Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada, as well as in some European kennels, breeders began to gradually breed a new breed. On the other hand, it is the cat, named Rabi Chufa, who was delivered from the UK to the United States in 1953, that is rightfully considered the ancestor of the Somali cat breed on the American continent. And it came from a cat named Mrs. Mews, who carried a long-haired gene. And so, after a few generations, this gene began to make itself felt.

One of the first American breeders who began to develop a breed of Somali cats, and, in fact, came up with the name Somali cat, was Evelyn Magyu. She found her first Abyssinians (Lord Lynn-Lee of Dublin and Lo-Mi-R Trill-Bye) with a long-haired gene, which is how she began the breeding program.

The logic of the name is as follows: Somalia and Ethiopia (formerly Abyssinia) are separated by a thin border, as well as the Somali and Abyssinian cat. In 1972, the Club of Somali Cat Lovers of America was founded, in 1975, the International Club of Somali Cats (under the patronage of the CFA), and in 1979, these cats received the status of a championship in the CFA.

What are the characteristics of the long-haired Abyssinian Cat?

Do Somali cats make good pets?

Adaptability                                       10/10

Attachment to the family             10/10

Gaming activity                                10/10

intelligence                                        10/10

General health                                 08/10

Wool fallout                                      06/10

Friendliness to children                 08/10

Friendly to dogs                               08/10

Love of meows                                 02/10

What is the breed information of a long-haired Cat?

How much does a Somali cat Cost?

What is the description of the Somali Cat?

Is my cat a Somali cat?

Somali cats are quite large; however, they do not look heavy. On the contrary, despite their long hair, they give the impression of graceful and strong animals. They have slightly long legs with a rather long, fluffy tail and pointed ears, slightly larger than average.

The Somali breed is a semi-long-haired cat. To date, there are 4 types of color:

• blue;
• red or brown-red;
• matte cream (roe deer color);
• sorrel – light brown and copper red tones.

Also, silver shades are allowed.

The thorax is wide; the muzzle is of regular shape. These are very lively and active cats, many of whose character traits are formed in the process of growth, which means that they directly depend on the owner. Life expectancy is standard, about 15 years.

How is the Personality of the Somali Cat?

Are Somali cats rare?

These are very active and cheerful cats who have a great sense of humor and a lot of energy. They love to prank and have a sharp, inquisitive mind, which often helps them in various pranks. Cats of the Somali breed can sometimes be mischievous, as if to evil, especially given that they have a good memory and excellent intelligence. On the other hand, they show love and affection towards their family but do not really like to be squeezed, hugged, or held in their lap for a long time.

These cats perceive children insofar as, among other things, because children often like to cuddle with cats, which they just do not like. On the other hand, if a child is taught how to properly handle an animal, a Somali will be happy to play with it.

They need attention, and they are very attached to their owners. The lack of attention and long trips of the owners will cause mental pain in the animal, which can even affect its health. Pets are treated normally, although their naughty nature can encourage dangerous games with rodents or birds. Sometimes they are very wayward, and therefore sometimes a Somali can understand what is wanted of him, but act in exactly the opposite way.

What are the common diseases in the Somali Cat?

The Somali cat breed is in good health and is not prone to any serious diseases.

How to take care of a Somali Cat?

Like other semi-long-haired breeds, the Somali cat needs regular combing at least once a week. Also, do not forget about other cat procedures. This includes trimming the claws 2-4 times a month, daily brushing of teeth (given the nature of these pets, teeth cleaning can be carried out 3 times a week), and bathing at least once every two months.