Pet Wiki

Somali

Also called Fox cat, Long-haired Abyssinian

Busy, bright and fearless, a Somali wants to open every cupboard and see what is going on.

SizeMedium
Weight3.6 to 5.4 kg (8 to 12 lb)1
Lifespan12 to 14 years1
CoatMedium-length, soft, fine double coat with ticking
OriginNorth America (United States and Canada), from long-haired kittens born in Abyssinian litters.213
Recognised breedShort profile
bold, curious and clever
affectionate, loyal companion
striking fox-like looks
21

Personality what they are like

Busy, bright and fearless, a Somali wants to open every cupboard and see what is going on. It shows love with head bumps and kneading, follows its people from room to room, and tunes in to their mood.21

Coat and looks how to spot one

medium-length, soft, fine double coat with ticking

A medium, well-muscled cat with a gently rounded wedge head, big flared ears and expressive almond eyes from green to copper. The fine, soft coat is medium length, a little shorter over the shoulders, with a full ruff and a bushy fox-like tail. Each hair is banded with several shades, giving a warm, shimmering colour.213

Coloursruddy (usual)cinnamon (sorrel/red)bluefawnsilver and further variants in some registries; GCCF lists 28 colour variations213

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Somali. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery 2 days
  • Deshedding springBrush more while sheddingevery day
  • Nail trimevery 3 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • Litter scoopevery day
  • Litter changeevery week
  • PlayDaily playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. Can entertain itself for hours but loves interactive play with people or other pets.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Moderate. The coat resists tangles, but a weekly comb removes dead hair and keeps the ruff and tail tidy. Baths are rarely needed outside showing.21

Company who they like around

Very people-focused and enjoys company, whether human or another playful pet.21

The story where it all began

Long-haired kittens turned up now and then in Abyssinian litters, and in the 1960s American breeder Evelyn Mague began working with them and gave them the name Somali, after the country next to Abyssinia. Breeders in the US and Canada developed the line, and CFA granted championship status in 1979, with Europe following in 1982.213

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Its bushy tail and ticked coat earned it the nickname 'fox cat'.3

  2. 2

    Some Somalis are so fascinated by water that they learn to turn on taps to watch it drip.2

  3. 3

    The name comes from Somalia, the neighbour of Abyssinia (Ethiopia), echoing the Abyssinian's name.1

  4. 4

    Each hair can carry many bands of colour, which gives the coat its glow.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after Somalia, the country that borders Abyssinia (now Ethiopia), as a counterpart to the short-haired Abyssinian cat.4

Name ideas for your new friend

RustyScoutAmberCinnamonPiperCheddarRoxyFinneganNalaGingerPoppyRanger

A day in the life told by a Somali

I started my day by nudging open the kitchen cupboard, just to check. Then I followed my human to the bathroom, head-butting her ankle. She filled a treat ball and I batted it around the hall. Later I found a sunbeam on the rug and flopped down, kneading the air. When my friend came home, I greeted them with a chirp and a head bump, then raced to the window to watch a bird. After supper I curled on my human's chest, purring as we watched TV together. No cupboard left unopened.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

CFA
Registration 1976; championship status 19792
GCCF
Championship status 1998 (in the UK since 1980)1
FIFe
Accepted in Europe in 1982; shares a standard with the Abyssinian3
TICA
Recognised; broad international acceptance by 19913

Popularity 25th of 54 breeds in FIFe kitten registrations (230 kittens, 0.2% of the total)3

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Cat-Friendly Pancakes

A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
  • 1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)

How

  1. Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
  2. Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
  4. Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
  5. Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
  6. Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.

How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Tuna Biscuits for Cats

These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
  • Extra water as needed

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
  4. Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
  5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
  8. Allow to cool completely before storing.

How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Somali, and at what times?

Feeding schedules vary by age, activity and food type, so it's best to ask your vet or a good breeder for a routine that suits your Somali. They can help you decide on portion sizes and meal times.

What should a Somali eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality cat food that meets your Somali's needs. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA. Always check with your vet for the best diet.5

Does a Somali need baths?

Baths are rarely needed for a Somali, only if they get very dirty or sticky. Their coat stays clean with regular brushing, so a bath is usually just for show cats.21

How often does a Somali need brushing?

A weekly comb is enough to keep their coat tangle-free and tidy. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every two days, and daily deshedding during shedding season for extra care.21 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Somali's claws, and how often?

Trim your Somali's claws every two to three weeks, being careful not to cut the quick. Pet Wiki's plan suggests every 21 days, and you can ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does a Somali need?

Your Somali has high activity needs and loves interactive play every day. They can entertain themselves but truly enjoy playing with you or another pet, so daily play sessions are a must.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Somali's teeth and ears?

Brush your Somali's teeth daily if possible, or at least every two days as Pet Wiki suggests. Check their ears weekly for dirt or redness, and ask your vet for the best cleaning routine. Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Somali live?

A Somali typically lives between 12 and 14 years, bringing many happy years of companionship. With good care, they can enjoy a long, healthy life.1

Is a Somali good with children and other pets?

Yes, Somalis are busy, bright and people-focused, often forming close bonds with their family. They enjoy the company of children and other playful pets, making them a wonderful addition to a lively home.21

Can a Somali be left alone?

Somalis are very social and prefer company, so they may not like being left alone for long periods. With plenty of toys and enrichment, they can manage, but a pet friend or regular interaction is ideal.21

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. GCCF: Somali gccfcats.orgused for recognition, weight, lifespan, colours, temperament, grooming
  2. CFA: Somali cfa.orgused for history, recognition, body, coat, colours, temperament, grooming, activity, fun facts
  3. Wikipedia: Somali cat en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, recognition, colours, popularity
  4. cfa.org cfa.org
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.