Somali

The Somali is the long-haired variant of the Abyssinian. Unlike the Abyssinian, this breed is less active and exuberant. The Somali loves space and enjoys playing. Additionally, this cat is very social and gets along well with children and fellow cats.

Character

The Somali is a gentle, friendly, and social cat. It enjoys life and is very active without being overly exuberant. The Somali loves to play and enjoys attention. Unlike its short-haired counterpart, the Abyssinian, it is less possessive. The Somali thrives in spacious environments and loves hunting, making an apartment less suitable for this breed. Because of its strong hunting instinct, the Somali prefers having access to a garden to explore. This breed fits perfectly into a family with children or fellow cats, as it is truly social.

Physical Characteristics

Colour

The Somali’s coat has a ticking pattern, which can vary from light to dark bands. The number of bands in the fur can range from a minimum of two to as many as eight. The tips of these bands must have a darker colour. The recognised colours include: wild colour (black and apricot bands), sorrel (cinnamon and apricot bands), fawn (dark cream and muted brown bands), and blue silver (blue with white bands). In Europe, additional colours are permitted for this breed.

Body, legs, and tail

The Somali has a medium-length body with a slightly arched back. It also has strong muscles and legs, allowing it to move with agility. This cat has oval feet and sometimes appears to be walking on the tips of its toes, giving it the appearance of a true wild feline. The Somali is particularly striking due to its full, bushy tail.

Head, ears, and eyes

The Somali has a slightly domed forehead and a relatively small, pointed muzzle. This breed has a strong chin. Its eyes are set relatively far apart and are darkly outlined. Above the eyes, there is a short vertical stripe. The permitted eye colours for this breed are amber, green, or gold. The Somali has large ears that are set wide apart. Lynx tips are allowed in this breed.

Coat

The Somali’s fur is short on the face but medium-length on the back, torso, and belly. The thick, medium-length coat requires extra care during the shedding season. Instead of weekly brushing, daily grooming is essential during this period.