The Somali, a playful and elegant cat, often nicknamed the 'fox cat'.
The Wild Spirit of the Somali
The Somali is a magnificent and elegant cat breed, often described as a long-haired version of the Abyssinian. Recognizable by its semi-long ticked coat, its bushy tail reminiscent of a fox's (hence its nickname 'fox cat'), and its athletic appearance. Originating from the appearance of a recessive gene in Abyssinian litters in the 1960s, the Somali has become a distinct breed appreciated for its beauty and intelligence.
It is a very active, curious, and playful cat that retains its kitten energy throughout its life. The Somali is an affectionate and social companion, but it requires a lot of stimulation and attention to thrive fully.
Our Feline Specialist's Advice
By the NomDeChat.com team, published on October 14, 2025.
My personal tip: The Somali's semi-long coat, although requiring moderate care, should be brushed at least once a week to prevent tangles and reduce shedding. This is a very energetic and intelligent cat that has a high need for mental and physical stimulation. Offer them interactive toys, puzzles, cat trees, and shelves so they can climb and explore heights. The Somali is sociable and very attached to its family, but it does not tolerate loneliness and can develop separation anxiety. If you are often away, consider a feline companion. They are curious and can be 'pranksters', so secure your home.
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Identifying the Somali: Key Characteristics
The Somali's ticked coat and plumed tail give it a fox-like appearance.
The Somali is a medium to large-sized cat, slender, muscular, and athletic, with a well-proportioned body. Its appearance is often compared to that of a small cougar or mountain lion.
Size: Medium to large-sized cat, with an elegant and muscular body.
Coat: Semi-long, soft, fine, and dense, with little undercoat. Each hair is ticked (agouti), meaning it has several bands of color. It is shorter on the shoulders and longer around the neck, legs, and tail. Colors recognized by the CFA include ruddy (usual), blue, fawn, and sorrel (cinnamon), but other colors like chocolate, lilac, cream, and silver exist.
Head: Modified wedge-shaped, with soft contours.
Eyes: Large, almond-shaped, expressive, gold, amber or green in color, often outlined with dark "eyeliner".
Ears: Large, broad at the base, slightly pointed, well-spaced.
Tail: Very long, bushy, and plumed, resembling a fox's tail ('fox cat').
Key Dimensions and Information (Somali)
Characteristic
Male
Female
Average
Size (at withers)
20 – 28 cm
18 – 25 cm
18 – 28 cm
Weight
3.5 – 5 kg
2.5 – 4.5 kg
2.5 – 5 kg
Life Expectancy
11 – 16 years
11 – 16 years
11 – 16 years
Diet
Strict Carnivore
Strict Carnivore
High-quality kibble and wet food
Litter (kittens)
-
Variable
Typically 2-4
These data highlight that the Somali is a medium-sized cat, reaching full growth around 18 months, or slightly later.
Behavior: Lively, Playful, and Elegant
The Somali is often described as the elegant, semi-longhaired version of the Abyssinian, with whom it shares a lively, intelligent, and incredibly playful temperament. Recognizable by its magnificent silky fur, its plumed tail reminiscent of a fox, and its large expressive eyes, the Somali is a cat of insatiable curiosity and boundless energy. It is a born athlete who loves to climb, jump, and explore its environment.
Very attached to their owners, Somalis are devoted companions who constantly seek interaction and affection. They are often compared to "cat-dogs" for their loyalty and ability to learn tricks or play fetch. Their meow is generally soft and melodious, often a chirp or trill, which they use to communicate their desires. They get along well with respectful children and other animals, adapting to active households.
The Somali has a great need for physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and balanced. It will appreciate tall cat trees, interactive toys, and regular play sessions with its humans. If you are attracted to semi-longhaired cats with a dynamic and affectionate temperament, the Somali is an excellent choice. It shares a certain majesty and deep affection with the Maine Coon, the Norwegian Forest Cat, and the Siberian. For those who love the softness and elegance of semi-longhaired cats, the Birman is also a much-loved companion.
Origin and Adaptability
The history of the Somali is closely linked to that of the Abyssinian. It is universally accepted that the Somali is the long-haired version of the Abyssinian. The appearance of long-haired cats in Abyssinian litters, due to a recessive gene, was initially considered undesirable. However, some breeders, particularly in Australia and North America in the 1960s, recognized the beauty of these cats and began selectively breeding them. A key figure in the breed's development is the British Janet Robertson, who exported Abyssinians to other continents in the 1940s, contributing to the spread of the long-haired gene.
The Somali is an adaptable cat that thrives indoors, provided its environment is enriched with numerous opportunities for play, climbing, and exploration. Due to its very active and social nature, it is not suited for homes where it would often be left alone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Somali
What is unique about the Somali's coat?
The Somali has a semi-long, ticked (agouti) coat, where each hair has several bands of color, creating a shaded effect. Its tail is long and bushy, reminiscent of a fox's tail, earning it the nickname 'fox cat'.
What is the temperament of the Somali?
The Somali is a very intelligent, active, curious, playful, and sociable cat. It is affectionate and loyal to its family, but also very energetic and needs a lot of stimulation. It can be prone to separation anxiety.
How to groom the Somali's coat?
Although the Somali has a semi-long coat, it does not require excessive grooming. Weekly brushing is sufficient to prevent mats and reduce shedding.
Is the Somali prone to specific health problems?
The Somali is generally a healthy breed. However, it can be predisposed to pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK-Def), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and patellar luxation. Regular veterinary check-ups are recommended. The Somali is also considered a breed with small litter sizes.
What is the life expectancy of a Somali?
The average life expectancy of a Somali is generally between 11 and 16 years. With proper care, some individuals can live up to over 19 years.
