Somali

USA / Canada · 1960s

Fluffy-tailed Abyssinian — a playful fox

SizeMedium6–10 lb
Life span11–16 years
CoatSemi-long, ticked
Typical price$1,500–$2,500

Somalis are long-haired Abyssinians, with a ticked semi-long coat, a full brushy tail and a fox-like look. They are active, curious and clownish.

At a glance

EnergyNon-stop
Cuddlylikes touch and being heldOn its terms
TalkativeQuiet
GroomingEasy
SheddingAverage
With kidsGood
With petsLoves company
Alone timehow long they’re happy aloneNeeds company

Life with a Somali

Somalis are always on the move: climbing, playing and investigating. They are social but not lap cats, and they need daily play and company.

Great for
  • Active families
  • Homes with another playful cat
  • People who want a fun, interactive cat
Think twice if
  • You want a calm lap cat
  • You’re away all day
Care tips
  • Brush once or twice a week.
  • Climbing space and play every day.
  • Dental care.

Health

Same as Abyssinians: PRA (causes blindness), pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK-def), kidney amyloidosis and gum disease.

Ask the breeder for
  • PRA (rdAc) DNA test
  • PK-def DNA test
Typical US price$1,500–$2,500
RegistriesCFA · TICAAsk for both parents’ papers

Prices are rough ranges from registered breeders and vary by line, color and region. A much cheaper “purebred” kitten is a common scam sign.

See Somali kittens

Similar breeds

AbyssinianVery active · IndependentBalineseVery active · CuddlyTurkish AngoraActive · Independent
Compare with similar breeds

Sources: breed standards and profiles from CFA and TICA, DNA tests listed by the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, and veterinary breed profiles.