Somali

Somalis share the Abyssinian's active, curious, and intelligent personality. They are energetic explorers who love to climb, investigate, and participate in everything their family does. Slightly more mellow than Abyssinians, they balance their active nature with moments of affectionate calm. They are social cats that communicate with soft chirps and trills, and they enjoy interactive play well into their senior years. They are not typically lap cats but love being near their people, often perching on shoulders or high furniture to supervise family activities. They get along well with children and other pets, especially those who match their playful energy. They dislike being left alone for long periods and benefit greatly from a feline companion.

The Somali has the same lithe, athletic build as the Abyssinian — a medium-sized, muscular body with long legs and an overall impression of graceful agility. The modified wedge-shaped head features large, cupped ears that tilt forward and large, expressive almond-shaped eyes in gold, green, or copper. The coat is medium-length, fine, and soft with the same ticked (agouti) pattern as the Abyssinian — each hair banded with alternating colors. The coat forms a full ruff around the neck and breeches on the hind legs. The crowning glory is the magnificent bushy tail that gives the breed its fox-like nickname. Tufts of fur between the toes and in the ears add to their wild, elegant appearance.

The Somali is the longhaired variety of the Abyssinian, resulting from a recessive long-hair gene that was present in the Abyssinian gene pool for decades. Longhaired kittens occasionally appeared in Abyssinian litters but were quietly placed as pets without papers. In the 1960s, American breeder Evelyn Mague championed these longhaired Abyssinians, naming them "Somali" after the country adjacent to Ethiopia (Abyssinia). The breed was recognized by CFA in 1979 and TICA shortly thereafter. European breeders had also been developing the longhaired variant independently, and global recognition followed quickly. Today, the Somali is recognized by all major registries and has a dedicated following worldwide.

Somalis share the same genetic health concerns as Abyssinians. PKDef is an inherited condition causing hemolytic anemia — DNA testing should be performed on all breeding cats. PRA leads to progressive blindness and is screenable via DNA test. Renal amyloidosis causes kidney failure and appears to have a hereditary component in the breed. Gingivitis and periodontal disease are common, requiring regular dental care and professional cleanings. Patellar luxation should be checked during routine exams. Their active nature means occasional injuries from acrobatic play are possible, so ensure safe climbing environments.

The semi-long coat requires moderate grooming — brushing two to three times per week prevents tangles, with extra attention to the ruff, breeches, and tail. Like Abyssinians, Somalis need abundant physical exercise and mental stimulation. Provide tall cat trees, interactive toys, and puzzle feeders. Plan for at least 20-30 minutes of active play daily. They thrive with a feline companion for wrestling and chase games. Feed a high-quality, protein-rich diet to support their active lifestyle. Regular dental care is important due to their predisposition to gingivitis. Their social nature means they do not do well as only pets in homes where the family is away all day.