May 2, 2025, 9:24 am | Read time: 5 minutes

With their fox-like appearance, silky semi-long fur, and lively nature, Somali cats quickly capture attention. This rare breed combines the elegance of the Abyssinian with an extra dose of playfulness and intelligence, making them ideal for active cat enthusiasts.

Origin

The Somali cat traces back to long-haired Abyssinians that occasionally appeared in litters since the 1940s. Initially, these cats were considered non-breeding pets, but in the late 1960s, their potential was recognized. Targeted breeding began in the U.S. after breeder Evelyn Mague noticed these rare cats in 1967. In 1972, she founded the Somali Cat Club of America (SCCA), and in 1979, the breed was officially recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association. The Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe) recognized the breed in Europe in 1982.

Genetically, the recessive longhair gene can be traced back to Abyssinians like “Raby Chuffa,” imported from England to the U.S. in 1953. Besides the U.S., Australia was a significant breeding country, where Somali cats were sometimes developed independently of Abyssinians. Despite the name, the Somali cat has no geographical connection to Somalia — the name serves merely as a symbolic link to the Abyssinian cat.

Appearance & Coat

The Somali cat is medium-sized, elegant, and muscular, with a bushy tail, long ruff, and dense, silky coat that gives it the look of a small wildcat — often referred to as a “fox cat.” Its contours are soft, with a wedge-shaped head, gentle profile, large almond-shaped eyes (amber, green, or yellow), and widely spaced ears. The characteristic “ticking” means each hair has two to three dark bands on a lighter base color, creating a fascinating depth effect. The semi-long coat is dense, lies close to the body, and appears particularly voluminous in winter. The Somali comes in numerous color variations, including ruddy (reddish-brown with black ticking), sorrel (copper-red with chocolate-brown ticking), blue, fawn, and silver variants. The final color intensity and ticking often fully develop only by about two years of age.

Character & Temperament

Somali cats are known for being lively, alert, and highly intelligent. They are playful and curious and always seek contact with their human companions, showing a balanced mix of independence and affection. They often communicate with gentle sounds and actively accompany their owners throughout the day. Their high social competence makes them good companions for families with children or other pets, as long as they receive enough attention. While they are somewhat more independent than Abyssinians, they are just as people-oriented and sensitive in their bonds. The Somali needs mental and physical stimulation—without enough engagement, they can quickly become bored or restless.

Training & Engagement

Thanks to their intelligence, Somali cats are well-suited for clicker training and puzzle games. They love varied challenges and enjoy exploring new stimuli in their environment. Puzzle boards, fetch games, and interactive intelligence toys are suitable, as are climbing opportunities on multiple levels. Some cats even enjoy cat agility. Outdoor access — ideally secured — is particularly valuable for these energetic animals. Indoors, there should be plenty of vertical space for climbing, hiding, and playing. Boredom is not an option for this lively cat.

Proper Care & Maintenance

The Somali needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They can live indoors if a secure balcony, tall scratching post, and interactive activities are available. Ideally, a cat-safe garden or enclosure is best. Their social nature makes solitary living unsuitable — pairing with another Somali or a similarly active cat is ideal. Their semi-long, silky coat is easy to care for and rarely mats, but it should be brushed regularly, especially during shedding. Early acclimation makes grooming easier. The Somali often appreciates grooming as a form of attention.

Nutrition

As an energetic and agile cat, the Somali has an increased nutritional need, which should be met with high-quality food with a high meat content. A protein content of at least 85% from animal sources is recommended. A mix of wet and dry food also helps ensure adequate fluid intake. Carbohydrates should be kept to a minimum. The amount of food should always be adjusted to age, activity, and weight. Occasional snacks are allowed but must be included in the calorie balance. If there are uncertainties about feeding or food intolerances, veterinary advice should be sought.

Susceptibility to Certain Diseases

Despite their robustness, Somali cats have some genetically predisposed health risks, which are shared with the Abyssinian. These include pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK deficiency), an inherited enzyme disorder that can lead to anemia (hemolytic anemia). Also relevant is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a degenerative retinal disease that can lead to complete blindness. Both conditions can now be detected through genetic testing — reputable breeders, therefore, test their breeding animals. Other health risks include dental diseases, hip dysplasia, and, in rare cases, polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to detect and minimize these risks early.

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The Somali Cat at a Glance

• Character: active, intelligent, playful, people-oriented
• Size: medium-sized, shoulder height up to 40 cm
• Weight: about 4–5 kg
• Coat: semi-long, silky, dense, with characteristic ticking
• Colors: ruddy, sorrel, blue, fawn, various silver variants
• Care: regular brushing, especially during shedding
• Special Features: needs a lot of engagement, ideal with secured outdoor access, not suitable for solitary living