Nicknamed the 'Fox Cat' for its full bushy tail and wild-looking ticked coat, the Somali is essentially a longhaired Abyssinian. Curious, athletic, and perpetually busy — they are not couch cats.
- Origin
- United States (longhaired Abyssinian)
- Category
- longhair
- Lifespan
- 11–16 yrs
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 3–5.5 kg
- Coat
- Semi-long, ticked agouti, bushy tail ('fox tail')
- Colours
- Ruddy, red, blue, fawn — ticked throughout
😺 Temperament
🏡 Best suited to
📊 Personality ratings
📜 History & origin
Long-haired kittens occasionally appeared in Abyssinian litters throughout the early 20th century. In the 1940s, British breeder Janet Robertson exported some Abyssinians to Australia, New Zealand, and North America, where longhaired offspring continued to appear. Breeder Evelyn Mague developed and named the Somali breed in the 1960s after Somalia, the country bordering Abyssinia (modern Ethiopia). The CFA recognised the Somali in 1979.
🧼 Care & grooming
Their semi-long coat is surprisingly manageable — the fine ticked fur doesn't mat easily and needs only 2–3 weekly brushings. The far greater investment is entertainment. Somalis are tireless athletes who climb everything, open cupboards, and involve themselves in every household task. They need vertical territory, puzzle feeders, and ideally a companion cat or outdoor access.
🩺 Health notes
Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (an inherited anaemia) is the primary genetic concern — DNA testing is available. Progressive Retinal Atrophy has been identified in some lines. Otherwise a generally healthy, naturally evolved breed. Their high activity levels keep them naturally lean.
