Somali Cat

Somali cats live 12 to 16 years. Pyruvate kinase deficiency is the most significant hereditary condition and breeders must test for it. Progressive retinal atrophy also occurs in the breed. Dental disease and gingivitis develop more often than in many breeds so regular dental care matters. Annual vet visits with dental evaluation and genetic monitoring protect long term health.

Your Somali has a medium length, ticked coat with a full brush tail and britches on the hind legs. Brush two to three times a week to manage shedding and prevent tangles around the collar and tail. Their coat has minimal undercoat so mats are less common than in most longhaired breeds. Bathe every few months. Trim nails every two weeks and clean ears monthly.

Somalis are active, athletic, and curious. They are the long coated version of the Abyssinian and share the same energetic, busy personality. Provide tall cat trees, wand toys, puzzle feeders, and plenty of space to run and explore. Two vigorous play sessions daily is the minimum. A bored Somali finds its own mischief quickly.

Somalis are intelligent, mischievous, and love interactive games. They respond enthusiastically to treat rewards and learn tricks, fetch, and leash walking. They enjoy opening cabinets and solving puzzles on their own. Channel their intelligence into structured play and training. Socialize kittens early with different people and situations.

Feed a quality high protein diet twice daily that matches the Somali active, lean metabolism. Two measured meals daily work better than free feeding. Choose foods with real meat as the first ingredient. Always provide fresh water. Monitor weight monthly and adjust portions based on activity level.

The Somali is a longhaired version of the Abyssinian, produced by a recessive longhair gene that appeared in Abyssinian litters for decades before breeders developed it intentionally. Canadian breeder Mary Mailing and American breeder Evelyn Mague developed the breed in the 1960s and 1970s. Mague named the breed Somali because Somalia neighbors Ethiopia, formerly known as Abyssinia. The CFA recognized the Somali in 1979. Today the breed remains a popular choice for people who love the Abyssinian personality in a longer coated package.