Somali at a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 2.5–4.5 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one cat. Not assessed yet: Living with dogs.
Is the Somali right for you?
Like every breed, the Somali is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You would enjoy an active, playful cat and have time to play every day.
- You would enjoy a chatty cat that talks to you.
- You would like a coat that is fairly easy to look after.
Consider another breed if…
- You cannot offer any safe outdoor space.
- You have young children at home.
- This would be your first cat.
- You would find a lot of cat hair hard to live with.
How would the Somali fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Somali
The Somali is a lithe, medium-sized cat of foreign type with large ears, large almond-shaped eyes framed by dark "eyeliner" markings, and a ticked coat in which each hair carries several bands of colour. The broad, curving head gives it what the GCCF calls a characteristic "smile". It is typically highly intelligent, playful and affectionate, with a wild look and a strong interest in everything around it.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual cat.
- Size
Medium
A mid-sized cat.
- Coat length
Semi-long
A semi-long coat.
- Activity level
Very active
Very active; needs plenty of play and things to climb.
- Grooming
Weekly
The coat usually needs brushing about once a week.
- Shedding
High
Tends to shed a lot, so expect hair around the home.
- Vocal
Very talkative
Often very talkative, with a voice that carries.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other cats
Varies
Varies with the individual cat.
- Good with dogs
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Suits first-time owners
Experienced owners
Best with an experienced cat owner.
- Time alone
A few hours
Usually copes with a few hours alone.
- Indoors and outdoors
Some outdoor space
Benefits from some safe outdoor space, such as a cat-proofed garden.
The Somali is the semi-longhaired version of the Abyssinian. The longhair gene appears to have entered the Abyssinian in the UK in the early 20th century, and cats carrying it were exported to Europe and North America. Serious breeding of Somalis began in the United States, where breeder Evelyn Mague worked with Canadian breeder Don Richings to develop the breed; she also gave it its name, after Somalia, which borders Ethiopia (once called Abyssinia). The breed gained championship status with the CFA in 1979.
Somalis were first imported to the UK in 1980 and gained GCCF championship status in 1998. The GCCF also recognises a short-haired Somali, which has the same colours but a smooth, close-lying coat without a ruff or bushy tail.
Somali temperament
Somalis are usually loyal, affectionate and very interactive. They like to chirrup at their owners, help with whatever task is under way and explore every corner of the home. They are rarely lap cats, though they may visit a lap or creep under the covers to be near their people once playtime is over.
Purina UK describes the breed as loud, insistent and very demanding of time and affection: this is not a cat that will accept being ignored. The GCCF notes they are happiest in company and are engaging companions for people of all ages.
Size and appearance
Somalis are medium-sized, firm, lithe and well muscled, with long legs, oval paws with tufts between the toes and a long, tapering tail. Adults usually weigh about 2.5 to 4.5 kg.
The semi-longhaired coat is soft, fine and dense, lying shorter on the shoulders and longer around the neck, legs and tail, with a ruff, breeches and a full brush of a tail. The GCCF lists 28 colours, including the rich golden-brown Usual, copper Sorrel, Chocolate, Blue, Lilac, Fawn, Red, Cream, Tortie and Silver varieties. Eyes are amber, hazel or green, and ticking can be slow to develop in kittens.
How active is the Somali?
This is a highly active cat that loves climbing and jumping. A happy Somali usually has several cat trees, climbing frames and shelves designed for cats. Purina UK recommends toys that let it hunt, chase and bite, food-dispensing toys and a variety of "things on strings". Somalis may fetch and can be clicker trained, but largely on their own terms. Purina UK notes that they enjoy pushing things off high shelves on purpose, while the GCCF says they seldom knock things over by accident.
Somali grooming
The GCCF rates grooming as weekly. The semi-longhaired coat needs gentle grooming to keep it free from tangles but is not as long as a Persian's, so it is easy to keep in good order, especially if a routine is started in kittenhood. Short-haired Somalis benefit from hand stroking and a polish with a silk cloth. Purina UK rates shedding as fairly high.
Indoors and outdoors
Somalis enjoy outdoor exercise, but care is needed so they do not wander off. A secure garden or a well-equipped cat run is ideal; Purina UK advises against letting them out unsupervised or in an insecure area, as they may invite themselves into neighbours' homes. If secure outdoor space is not possible, the GCCF says they will adapt to indoor life with plenty of toys, scratching posts and things to watch.
Purina UK says a Somali can regularly be left for a few hours, but suits owners who are at home most of the time. It also warns that a busy, loud household with many visitors can be stressful for the breed, which may lead to behaviour problems such as inappropriate urination or self-harming.
Living with a Somali
Purina UK suggests the Somali may not suit homes with very small children, or loud, busy children with lots of guests, and is best with people already used to very active, demanding cats. The GCCF describes Somalis as engaging companions for people of all ages.
Whatever the breed, young children should be supervised around cats and shown how to stroke them gently and let them walk away.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other cats
Varies with the individual cat.
Indoors and outdoors
Benefits from some safe outdoor space.
Being left alone
Usually copes with a few hours alone.
First-time owners
Best with an experienced cat owner.
Other cats and pets
Somalis are very social, but the GCCF notes they are not always content in large groups of cats where they have to share attention.
Somali health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own cat’s health.
Both sources describe the Somali as generally healthy, and the GCCF calls it strong and athletic. A few inherited conditions are known in the breed, so it is worth asking breeders about testing. Regular vaccination and parasite control are recommended for all cats.
Pyruvate kinase deficiency
An inherited disease that causes anaemia. A reliable DNA test is available. The GCCF says the disease has been eradicated from cats owned by members of the Somali Cat Club, and advises asking breeders whether their cats have been tested and are clear.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
An inherited disorder in which part of the eye degenerates, which can lead to blindness. A DNA test is available. The GCCF notes it has been identified in some countries but there are no recorded cases in Somalis in the UK.
Dental tartar and gingivitis
As in many breeds, tartar can build up on the teeth and cause gum inflammation, so the GCCF advises keeping an eye on the teeth.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Somali home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Kittens should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, cats must be microchipped and registered by 20 weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a kitten was raised.
How much does a Somali cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Somali home, and looking after one well. Kitten prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, litter, scratching posts and toys, and a cattery or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the cat’s life, typically 12–14 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Somali
If you have decided the Somali suits your life, take the same care choosing where your cat comes from. Meet the kitten in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Somali
Somalis do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the cat. An adult cat arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the cat’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a cat once, well.
Somalis looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
There are no Somali adverts at the moment.
Find Somali adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
Similar breeds you may want to consider
Balinese
Affectionate, inquisitive, playful, curious, outgoing, intelligent, extrovert and demanding.
View breed guide
Somali FAQs
Is the Somali good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual cats vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the cat you are considering.
Can the Somali be an indoor cat?
Benefits from some safe outdoor space. Indoor cats need daily play, places to climb and scratch, and a window to watch from.
How active is the Somali?
Very active and usually keen to play. Short play sessions every day help any cat stay fit and settled.
Does the Somali shed?
Tends to shed a lot.
How much grooming does the Somali need?
Typically: about once a week.
Can the Somali be left alone?
Usually copes with a few hours alone. Every cat needs company, play and someone to check on it each day.
Is the Somali a talkative cat?
Often very talkative. Individual cats vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the cat you are considering.
Does the Somali get on with other cats?
Varies with the individual cat. Introduce cats slowly, with separate food, water, litter trays and resting places.
How long does the Somali live?
Typically 12–14 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Somali get?
Adults typically weigh 2.5–4.5 kg.