Somali Cat: The Fox-Tailed Longhaired Abyssinian

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Imagine a fox with the mind of a toddler and the body of an acrobat. The Somali, with its ticked coat, bushy tail and big ears, is a cat that is rarely still. It is the longhaired version of the Abyssinian, and it brings the same high energy, curiosity and affection.

Origins

Longhaired kittens appeared in Abyssinian litters in the mid-1900s, probably carried by a recessive gene from earlier crosses. Some breeders hid them, but others, notably in Canada and the United States in the 1960s, saw their appeal and began developing them as a breed. The name Somali was chosen to reflect the relationship to Abyssinia, now Ethiopia, and the breed was recognized in the late 1970s.

Appearance

Somalis are medium, lean and muscular, with a modified wedge head, large alert ears and almond-shaped gold or green eyes outlined in a dark rim. The coat is soft, semi-long and dense, with ticked bands of color on each hair, a ruff at the neck and britches on the hind legs. The tail is full and bushy, the feature that earns the name fox cat. Colors include ruddy, red, blue and fawn, with silver in some registries.

Temperament

Somalis are extroverted, playful and curious. They climb, leap, open doors and drawers, and examine everything. They are affectionate but often prefer to be busy over sitting still, and they want to share in daily activity. Many are happy to ride on shoulders, and most have pleasant voices and chirp softly.

They need a lot of mental and physical exercise. Under-stimulated Somalis can become mischievous or noisy. They like company and tend to do best with another cat or active dog, or a person who is often home.

Grooming

The coat is less prone to matting than other longhaired coats because of its fine, silky texture and lack of heavy undercoat. Comb once or twice a week with a steel comb, focusing on the britches and behind the ears, and more in spring when they shed. Trim nails, clean ears and brush teeth. See how to brush a cat.

Exercise and enrichment

Provide tall cat trees, shelves and window perches, plus interactive toys and puzzle feeders. Schedule at least two play sessions a day, and consider training with a clicker. Cat-proof the home against a climber, with secure cupboards and cord covers. Our indoor cat enrichment ideas offer more suggestions.

Health

Somalis share some conditions with Abyssinians.

• Dental disease and gingivitis.
• Renal amyloidosis, a kidney condition reported in the breed.
• Progressive retinal atrophy, with DNA tests available.
• Pyruvate kinase deficiency, an inherited anemia with a DNA test.
• Patellar luxation.

Ask breeders about testing, and see our cat health guides and the emergency warning signs guide. Plan portions with how much should I feed my cat.

A day with a Somali

A Somali wakes early and starts exploring. The morning includes a supervised breakfast, a game of fetch and an inspection of every room. The afternoon may be a short nap in a warm window, followed by a burst of activity, and the evening is for play and then a snuggle with a favorite person. Expect a cat that acts like part of the family and likes to help.

Questions to ask a Somali breeder

• Which DNA tests have been done on the parents, including PRA and PK deficiency?
• What screening has been done for amyloidosis and kidney health?
• How are the kittens socialized and handled?
• What health guarantee and take-back policy do you offer?

Is a Somali right for you?

A Somali suits active people who want a playful, curious cat and have time for interaction. It is not suited to a quiet household or to owners who are away for long hours. Compare the Abyssinian and the Bengal, and use the cat breed finder.

Somali colors and the ticked coat

Each hair of a Somali carries several bands of color, a pattern called ticking, which gives the coat its glow. Ruddy cats have a warm orange-brown base with darker ticking, red cats are a rich copper, blue cats a soft gray-blue and fawn cats a pale cream. Kittens are often dark at first and lighten as the coat grows in, which takes up to two years. Because ticking changes with age, a young Somali can look quite different from an adult.

Keeping a Somali safe and busy

A Somali will test every shelf, so anchor tall furniture and avoid leaving string or rubber bands where they can be eaten. Teach a recall with treats, and use a harness for supervised outdoor time. If the cat becomes noisy, destructive or starts overgrooming, review its routine for boredom or stress before assuming a behavior problem, and rule out medical causes with your vet.

Costs and finding one

Somalis are less common than many breeds, and prices vary. Rescues occasionally have Somali mixes. Plan for veterinary care, dental cleanings and enrichment supplies. See cat vet visit costs for typical ranges.