Somali

The Somali is a longhaired variety of the Abyssinian, developed in the United States, and its name comes from Somalia, which lies next to Ethiopia, formerly known as Abyssinia. The semi-long, soft coat has the distinctive ticked pattern, with each hair banded in different shades, and the tail is bushy, resembling a fox's. The body is supple and muscular, and adults typically weigh around 2.5 to 5 kilograms. The coat seldom tangles, but brushing a few times a week is worthwhile. Somalis are usually very active, intelligent and curious, and they need play. Life expectancy is typically around 12 to 15 years.

Somali: how old in human years?

2.5–5 kgWeight
12–15 yrsLife expectancy

Japanese Bobtail

FIFe category: Category IV — Siamese and Oriental
Recognition: Recognised
FIFe: SOM
Country of origin: United States

Energy level

5/5
Playfulness

5/5
Family friendly

4/5
Grooming need

3/5

At a glance

Weight

Males 3.5–5 kg

Females 2.5–4 kg

Life expectancy

12–15 yrs

Coat

silky (medium-length)

Temperament & Family Life

Somali: average score for sociability and trainability is high.

Family friendly 4/5
Good with children 4/5
Good with dogs 4/5
Friendly with strangers 3/5
Intelligence 5/5
Trainability 4/5

Activity & Living Space

Somali: average score for activity and living space is high.

Energy level 5/5
Playfulness 5/5
Hunting instinct 4/5
Apartment friendly 3/5

Personality & Communication

Somali: average score for personality and communication is moderate.

Affection 4/5
Independence 3/5
Vocality 3/5

Grooming & Shedding

Somali: grooming and shedding demands are moderate.

Shedding 3/5
Grooming need 3/5

The 1–5 trait scores are editorial estimates, not measurements. Every cat is an individual, so treat them as a general guide.

Living with the Somali

If something moves on top of the fridge, it is probably a Somali that has climbed up to see what you're doing down there. It is curious, quick and endlessly resourceful: it opens drawers, investigates the bathroom and within days knows where the toys live. It will never be a quiet sofa ornament, but you will be entertained every day.

Energy comes in abundance, so it needs daily play: a wand toy, balls, puzzle feeders with a reward inside. The hunting instinct is strong, and a toy mouse will be pursued relentlessly. A tall cat tree, wall shelves and a sturdy scratching post are a must, and in a small flat without them the cat may run short of room to let off steam.

It gets on well with family, children and friendly dogs, and copes with time alone better than some cats do, as long as it has something to do. Visitors are inspected first and approached afterwards. The voice is moderate; you are more likely to hear a soft chirp than a loud meow.

Grooming and coat

The Somali's coat is semi-long, silky and soft, and each hair carries several bands of colour, so the cat looks lit from within. The longest hair grows on the chest, the "trousers" and the full, fox-like tail. It sheds a moderate amount: comb it once or twice a week, and more during the seasonal moult if you'd rather not wear it on your sofa.

Start with a wide-toothed comb and work with the lie of the hair, taking extra care over the trousers and behind the ears, where it likes to tangle. Look over the skin as you go, and check the large, open ears for dark build-up. The corners of the eyes should be clean; if you see discharge or redness, show your cat to a vet.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

A Somali brings a great deal of energy into your home and lives twelve to fifteen years. Two inherited conditions are covered here, one of the blood and one of the eyes, so before you take a kitten, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing. Anything else that strikes you as unusual is a matter for a vet.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own cat's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Pyruvate kinase deficiency

An inherited condition in which the red blood cells lack one enzyme, so they break down sooner than they should and the cat becomes short of blood. A Somali is always on the move, so if yours starts tiring quickly, lies about more or has paler gums than you are used to, show it to a vet. The signs can come and go, so it helps to note down when you saw them.
Progressive retinal atrophy

An inherited eye disease in which the retina slowly wastes away and sight fades, starting in dim light. An agile, clever Somali can adapt for a long time, so the first sign may be a jump that unexpectedly falls short or hesitation in a dark hallway. If you notice changes like these, show your cat to a vet.

Cheapest cat food per kg

This list is the same on every cat breed page. Shops do not label cat food by breed, so it simply shows the cheapest cat food we track per kilogram. Check the label for your cat's age and health needs. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 60 g of dry food a day, from €3,42 a month For a neutered, normally active 3,8 kg cat. Calculate for your cat