5 Things to Know About Somali Cats
These are beautiful, expressive cats who love their humans.
1. Key Characteristics
- Weight: 6–10 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 11–16 years
The Somali is a beautiful, medium-sized cat with a full, fluffy tail.
Some of the breed's features resemble a wild fox, such as its large ears.
This muscular cat has large, expressive eyes that range from green to copper.
The ticked coatusually comes in ruddy, red, blue and fawn, although more color combinations are possible. The cat is named for Somalia and its connection to Ethiopia (formerly Abyssinia).
2. Where They Came From
The Somali cat results from a recessive gene in the Abyssinian breed, so it's basically a longhaired Abyssinian.
Its origin is a mystery: Some believe the breed was a descendent of ancient Egyptian cats because it resembles old drawings and paintings, while others believe British soldiers brought the cat back after the Abyssinian war in 1868.
Genetic studies place the cat's origin in India.
After being developed and refined in Britain, the breed made an appearance in the United States in the early 1900s. The cat was shown and quickly became an American favorite.
The breed was recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) in 1979.
3. How Friendly Are They?
Somalis are alert, curious, intelligent cats who love to play.
They are also quite affectionate with their humans, and homes with kids are great for keeping a Somali entertained.
Be warned, though -- Somalis are high-energy and high-curiosity cats who are constantly attracted to movement and their surroundings.
4. Is This the Right Cat for You?
Exercise Needs
LOW:
Somalis are pretty active cats and don't have any special exercise needs. Feed a quality food and use toys and playtime to keep your cat active.
Need more suggestions? Check out our list of ways to exercise your cat.
Grooming Needs
LOW:
Grooming is minimal with this breed. A weekly brushing is recommended, along with toothbrushing and nail trimming. Declawing is not recommendedby us or cat clubs. The toes have hair in between, so check for dirt and debris and trim as needed. It also helps to clean the large ears to keep them healthy and avoid infections.
Health Problems
MEDIUM:
Somalis are a pretty healthy cat breed, but these cats do have some common health problems, such as:
- Renal amyloidosis: This disease can affect any organ, not just the kidneys.
- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA): This is an immune condition in which the body produces antibodies that attack its own blood cells. It can cause anemia and suppress the immune system.
- Myelodysplasia: A condition known to affect humans has not been previously found in cats until recently. The primary symptom is anemia.
- Although not confirmed, some websites mention
- dental problems
as another concern. Be sure to pay special attention to the teeth if you have or adopt this cat breed.
Have you ever seen a cat enjoy getting brushed this much?
5. Where to Adopt One
If you consider getting a Somali, please check adoption resources -- even purebred cats can end up in shelters and rescues. Try Petful’s adoption page.
Additional Resources
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Kristine Lacoste has been researching dog and cat breeds for nearly a decade and has observed the animals up close at dog shows in both the United States and the United Kingdom. She is the author of the book One Unforgettable Journey, which was named as a finalist for a Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America, and was host of a weekly pet news segment on the National K-9 Academy Radio Show. In addition, she was the New Orleans coordinator for Dogs on Deployment, a nonprofit that helps military members and their pets, for 3 years. Kristine has researched and written about pet behaviors and care for many years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, another bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Business Administration degree.
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