Somali Cat

Breed Overview

Introduction

The Somali cat, often affectionately called the “Fox Cat” due to its distinctive bushy tail, is a captivating and intelligent breed known for its vibrant personality and striking appearance.

As the long-haired counterpart to the Abyssinian, the Somali shares many of its relative’s charming traits, including boundless energy, curiosity, and a deep affection for its human companions.

Breed History

The Somali cat’s history is intrinsically linked to the Abyssinian breed.  

In the 1940s, British breeder Janet Robertson exported Abyssinian kittens to Australia, New Zealand, and North America.  

Occasionally, descendants of these cats would produce kittens with long or fuzzy coats, a trait initially considered undesirable by most Abyssinian breeders. This long-haired characteristic was often dismissed as an anomaly.  

A pivotal moment came in 1963 when Canadian breeder Mary Mailing entered one of these long-haired Abyssinians into a local pet show, catching the attention of judge Ken McGill, who requested one for breeding purposes.  

The first known long-haired Abyssinian, ‘Raby Chuffa of Selene,’ appeared in North America in 1953, with the long-haired gene believed to be passed down through his ancestry.  

In the United States, American Abyssinian breeder Evelyn Mague also encountered long-haired kittens in her litters. Intrigued by their unique appearance, she began to selectively breed them, naming them “Somalis”.  

Mague collaborated with other breeders internationally, including Don Richings in Canada, who was working with McGill’s kittens, to develop a consistent line with the desired plush coat and energetic nature.  

This collaborative effort highlights that the Somali breed is a testament to selective breeding and the passion of cat fanciers who recognized beauty and unique qualities in what was initially considered a “fault.”  

The name “Somali” was chosen by Mague in reference to the African nation of Somalia, which borders Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia).  

This symbolic naming reflected Mague’s charitable interpretation that genetic “borders” between the two breeds were as human-made as geographical ones.  

The first Somali officially recognized by a fancier organization was Mayling Tutsuta.  

The breed gained official recognition from the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in North America in 1979, followed by acceptance in Europe in 1982. By 1991, the Somali was broadly accepted internationally by major cat associations like TICA and GCCF.

Physical Characteristics

The Somali is a medium-sized cat with a slim, muscular, and athletic build, often appearing wild yet elegant. Despite their lean bodies, their long to semi-long fur can make them seem larger than they are.  

Their head is wedge-shaped with smooth planes and a gentle dip. Their rather large, alert ears are tilted forward, often featuring exaggerated tufts of hair.

Their large, almond-shaped eyes, which can be intense green or rich copper, reflect their inherent alertness and intelligence.

Many Somalis also exhibit a dark rim around their eyes resembling eyeliner and wisps of white fur under their chins. A traditional tabby “M” marking is typically present on their forehead.  

The most striking feature of the Somali is its semi-long to long, luscious, double-coated fur. This coat is super soft, extremely fine, and silky, but notably not woolly, which makes it less prone to tangles and mats.

Their characteristic “ticked” pattern means each individual hair has multiple bands (between 3 and 20) of contrasting light and dark colors. This creates a vibrant, shimmering effect and gives the coat richness and depth.

Somalis also have extra thick fur around their neck, forming a collar, and additional fur on their hind legs that can resemble “trousers.”

Their bushy, fluffy tail strongly resembles a fox’s tail, earning them the nickname “Fox Cat.” It is strong, compact, and proportionate to their body length.

When standing still, a Somali cat often appears to be standing on its toes. This combination of a “wild look” with a deeply domesticated temperament is a fascinating contrast.

Their physical appearance might suggest a more untamed nature, but their personality is consistently described as highly people-oriented, social, and affectionate.

Behavior and Personality

Somalis are renowned for their boundless energy and playful nature, often described as “natural clowns” or “furry toddlers“.  

They love to jump, climb, chase toys, and explore every nook and cranny of their environment. They maintain their kitten tendencies into adulthood, ensuring a lively household.  

Highly intelligent and inquisitive, Somalis are natural problem-solvers. They are often called “preposition cats” because they are always trying to go “below, under, above, over, between, into, and through” everything.  

Their cleverness means they can learn to open doors, cupboards, and even taps, and they enjoy puzzle games and interactive challenges.  

Somalis are incredibly social creatures that thrive on human connection and love being the center of attention. They form strong bonds with their owners, often following them around the house, curious about every activity.  

While highly affectionate and loving, they tend to show affection on their own terms, preferring to be close by, on a shoulder, or on the couch rather than being held as traditional lap cats.  

They are often communicative, using soft, quiet voices, mews, and trills to “talk” to their owners.  

Somalis generally get along well with children, provided the children know how to interact correctly with animals, and supervision is always recommended, especially with younger children.  

They also adapt well to other pets, including other cats (especially another Somali or Abyssinian due to similar energy levels) and cat-friendly dogs.  

However, they may not get along well with larger cats due to competition for attention, and they tend to prefer not to share the spotlight too much.  

A significant aspect of the Somali’s personality is their dislike for boredom. They require substantial mental and physical stimulation.  

If not kept engaged, their intelligence and energy can lead to mischievous and destructive behaviors, such as knocking objects off shelves, climbing curtains, or ripping up tissues.  

Care Guide

Diet

Somalis are highly active cats with good appetites, and they generally maintain a healthy weight with sufficient exercise. It is important to feed them a high-quality feline diet appropriate for their age.

Cats typically prefer to eat 10–15 times a day, taking just a few nibbles at a time, so free-feeding can often work well. However, boredom can lead to increased trips to the food bowl and overeating.

Replacing boredom-induced eating with extra playtime and affection can also be highly effective.

Exercise

Given their well-muscled bodies and high energy levels, Somalis require more exercise than many other cat breeds. Daily play sessions are crucial to provide an outlet for their excess energy, stimulate their natural desire to hunt and explore, and prevent destructive behaviors.

Interactive play with owners not only helps burn off energy but also strengthens the human-animal bond. They particularly enjoy games like fetch and chase.

Leashed walks outdoors are an excellent way to keep them engaged, as these cats love playing outside with their owners.

Environment & Enrichment

Somalis thrive in homes that can match their active lifestyle and provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Due to their curious and adventurous nature, a “cat-proof” home is essential to prevent them from getting into trouble by exploring every nook and cranny.

It is advisable for the home to be free of fragile items, as Somalis are known to enjoy knocking things off high shelves. For indoor cats, regularly rearranging or swapping toys helps prevent boredom.

Grooming

Despite their semi-long to long, double-coated fur, the Somali’s coat is relatively easy to care for because it is soft, silky, and not woolly, making it less prone to tangles and mats.

However, regular grooming is essential to maintain their lustrous fur and reduce shedding.

Mental Stimulation

Somali cats are highly intelligent and require significant mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. They are eager to learn and respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement techniques, including treats, rewards, and clicker training.

They can be taught a variety of tricks, such as “stay,” “sit,” and “fetch,” and some have even demonstrated the ability to learn agility courses or use and flush the toilet.

Puzzle feeders and activity bowls are excellent tools for encouraging their natural hunting instincts and engaging their minds, particularly for cats motivated by food.

A diverse range of interactive toys, including “things on strings,” is essential, and regularly rotating or rearranging these toys will keep them interested and prevent monotony.

Health Concerns

Is This Breed Right for You?

FAQ

What is the Somali cat’s nickname? 

They are often called the “Fox Cat” due to their bushy tail, and sometimes the “long-haired Abyssinian”.  

Are Somali cats vocal? 

They are not very vocal, typically emitting soft mews and trills rather than loud meows.  

Do Somali cats like to be lap cats?

 While highly affectionate and social, Somalis are generally not typical lap cats. They often prefer to show affection on their own terms, such as sitting next to you on the couch or riding on your shoulder, rather than being held. This clarifies a common misconception, as their high affection is expressed in ways that respect their independent nature.  

Are Somali cats good with children and other pets? 

Yes, they are generally gentle with children (with proper supervision) and adapt well to other pets, including other cats and cat-friendly dogs, making them suitable for multi-pet households.  

What kind of grooming do Somali cats need? 

Their soft, silky, non-woolly coat requires regular brushing, typically several times a week, or daily during heavy shedding seasons like spring and fall, to prevent tangles and reduce shedding. Regular nail trims and dental care (brushing teeth three times a week) are also crucial.  

Are Somali cats prone to any specific health issues? 

Yes, while generally robust, they are predisposed to certain genetic conditions like Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD) and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). They are also susceptible to common issues like dental disease (gingivitis) and can be prone to obesity if not adequately exercised and mentally stimulated. This highlights the importance of proactive health management and choosing a reputable breeder who screens for genetic conditions.  

Can Somali cats be trained? 

Yes, they are highly intelligent and eager to learn, responding well to positive reinforcement and clicker training. They can be taught tricks like “stay,” “sit,” “fetch,” and even agility. Their trainability is a testament to their intelligence and willingness to engage with their owners.  

Bonus Facts

“Hairdresser Gene”

Somali cats are jokingly said to possess the “hairdresser gene” because they love to fuss with people’s hair, including mustaches and beards.  

“Making Biscuits”

They enjoy “making biscuits” (kneading) on laps while purring, a classic sign of feline contentment.  

Slow to Mature

Somalis are slow to grow and mature, typically not reaching full maturity until around 18 months of age. This means they retain their playful, kitten-like energy for a longer period, influencing owner expectations and commitment.  

Ticking Detail

Their unique ticked coat can contain anywhere from 4 to 20 bands of color on each individual hair, creating a vibrant, shimmering effect that is truly distinctive.  

Curious Explorers

Their curious and adventurous nature means they are constantly moving and often “overseeing” everything their owners are doing, a charming trait that makes them feel like an integral part of the household.  

References

“Somali Cats | Somali Cat Breed Info & Pictures | petMD”. www.petmd.com. Retrieved 2016-04-15.

“Breed Profile: The Somali”. cfa.org. Archived from the original on 2018-06-25. Retrieved 2016-04-13.

“Le Chat Somali”. www.micetto.com. Retrieved 2016-04-21.

Fogle, Bruce (2001) [1997]. The Encyclopedia of the Cat: The Definitive Visual Guide. Dorling Kindersly Pr. p. 224. ISBN 978-1-4053-3490-7.

“Somali”. Animal Planet. Retrieved 2016-04-11.

Stephens, Gloria; Yamazaki, Tetsu (1990). Legacy of the Cat. San Francisco: Chronicle.

“Coat types and colours”. Somali Cat Club.

Oliver, James A.C.; Mellersh, Cathryn S. (2020). “Genetics”. In Cooper, Barbara; Mullineaux, Elizabeth; Turner, Lynn (eds.). BSAVA Textbook of Veterinary Nursing (Sixth ed.). British Small Animal Veterinary Association. p. 131. ISBN 978-1-910-44339-2.

Narfström, Kristina; David, Victor; Jarret, Oswald; Beatty, Julia; Barrs, Vanessa; Wilkie, David; O’Brien, Stephen; Menotti-Raymond, Marilyn (2009-09-01). “Retinal degeneration in the Abyssinian and Somali cat (rdAc): correlation between genotype and phenotype and rdAc allele frequency in two continents”. Veterinary Ophthalmology. 12 (5): 285–291. doi:10.1111/j.1463-5224.2009.00710.x. ISSN 1463-5224. PMID 19751487.