First she moves across the bookshelf without knocking over a single book, then she sits on top of the cupboard and watches the action like a little queen. A Somali goes from clown to grande dame in seconds. Her bushy foxtail is always visible.
| Recognition | FIFe (EMS code SOM, common standard with Abyssinian), WCF; According to the WCF list, recognized by all major associations, including TICA and CFA |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Great Britain (Abyssinian lines), targeted breeding from the 1950s to 1970s in North America |
| Weight | not set (“medium”) in the FIFe standard. According to GCCF, on average around 3.6 to 5.4 kg (converted from pounds) |
| Life expectancy | according to GCCF around 12 to 14 years (association information, not a study) |
| Fur | half long, extremely fine, very dense and soft; Slightly shorter at the shoulders, with a ruff and a bushy tail. Ticking is not fully developed until around 2 years of age |
| Colours as per standard | ticked without tabby markings, including ruddy (wild-colored), sorrel, blue and beige fawn as well as silver variants; White only allowed on the chin and nostrils; Eyes amber, green or yellow |
| Activity | high, easy to climb and playful (editorial assessment) |
Origin
The Somali is the semi-long-haired variant of the Abyssinian and, according to FIFe, only differs in the length of the fur. In the 1950s, long-haired kittens occasionally appeared in American Abyssinian litters. Many breeders kept quiet about them, and some began to specifically breed with them. According to FIFe, the first pure longhair litter was born in 1972. The name alludes to Somalia, which borders Abyssinia, now Ethiopia. The CFA recognized the breed in 1979, the FIFe in the early 1980s.
Characteristics
The FIFe describes Somalis as intelligent, playful and hungry for variety. They don't like being alone, get along well with other animals and bond closely to their family, unobtrusively but persistently. They like to play fetch and love it when there is a lot going on. The GCCF adds: They like to chirp with you, but they are not typical lap cats. They don't always feel comfortable in very large groups of cats where they have to compete for attention.
Attitude and activity
A secure garden is ideal according to the GCCF, otherwise a Somali can get along in the apartment if there are enough toys, scratching posts and variety. Plan to have elevated viewing areas, she likes to observe from above. For most Somalis, having a second, active cat is better than keeping them alone, especially if you work during the day.
Care
The semi-long fur mats less than a Persian cat, but needs regular, gentle combing, especially on the ruff and trousers. Get your kitten used to it early on. The GCCF also advises keeping an eye on your teeth because tartar can cause gum inflammation.
Health
The most important hereditary condition is pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK deficiency), an enzyme defect in red blood cells that leads to anemia. Typical symptoms include fatigue, pale mucous membranes, weight loss or jaundice. According to UFAW, the proportion of the modified genetic variant among the Somalis examined is between 10 and 28 percent, depending on the country; In Germany and other European countries, 19 of 239 Somalis tested, i.e. 8 percent, were themselves sick (purely genetic). The first signs appear at an average age of 1.7 years. There is a reliable genetic test, and the UFAW recommends testing all breeding animals.
PetMD also mentions progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), an inherited retinal disease that causes blindness; According to the GCCF, there have been no documented cases among Somalis in the UK. When breeding, have the PK test results of both parents shown to you.
Who is the Somali right for?
For active people and families who are at home a lot, like to play and are looking for a smart, sociable cat. Good with a second cat.
Who is it not for?
For everyone who wants a quiet lap cat or who is out of the house for a long time. Even households with many cats are not always ideal.
The cat age calculator shows how old your Somali is in human years. You can check whether the breed suits you in the cat test. You can find name ideas in our cat names. And if you want your cat on the wall: Cat portraits from your own photo.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Somali and Abyssinian? Only the length of the coat. According to FIFe, the Somali is the semi-long-haired variant of the Abyssinian, with a ruff and a bushy tail.
Which hereditary disease is typical in Somalis? Pyruvate kinase deficiency, a hereditary anemia. According to UFAW, 8 percent of Somalis tested in Europe were affected. A genetic test on the parents excludes them from kittens.
How heavy does a Somali get? According to the GCCF, on average around 3.6 to 5.4 kg. The FIFe standard calls them medium-sized.
Is a Somali a lap cat? Not likely. According to GCCF, she is too curious and energetic for that, but likes to cuddle every now and then.
Read more
Quellen, abgerufen am 05.11.2026: FIFe: Rassestandards Kategorie 4 (Fassung 01.01.2026); FIFe: Breed Profile Somali (SOM); WCF: EMS-Code-Liste mit Anerkennung je Verband (Stand 01.11.2026); GCCF: Somali, Rasseporträt; UFAW / Science for Animal Welfare: Somali, Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency; PetMD: Somali Cat Breed Health and Care, tierärztlich geprüft.
