Somali Cat Breed

These cats are named after the country of Somalia which borders Ethiopia (formerly Abyssinia), in Africa, and the name was chosen to reflect the breed's close relationship with the Abyssinian. The name Somali is somewhat misleading, because the breed has little to do with the country of Somalia. The first Somalis were born in the United States and this is where the most has been done to achieve recognition for the breed. Long-haired kittens had occurred in Abyssinian litters for a number of years, but it was only i 1967 that the first steps were taken to develop these cats into a new breed. Somalis display ticking along each hair similar to that of the Abyssinian.

The Somali differs from Abyssinian only in its long coat—the result of a mixed gene pool in early breeding programs. At first breeders insisted that the longhaired kittens that appeared from time to time in Abyssinian litters were not true Abyssinians. Initially the little semi-longhairs were simply found good homes, but at a later stage breeders and cat fanciers started to take an interest in these attractive by-products of the Abyssinians. They decided to carry on breeding the semi-longhair Abyssinians with the aim of creating a new breed. Now both varieties are well established genetically, and the Somali, though still less popular, is a recognized breed in its own right.

The Somali's character is very similar to the Abyssinian's. Like the Abyssinian, the Somali is a companionable cat that needs a lot of human contact and attention. Somalis prefer attention from members of the family, but if you are out, they will make do with the company of another cat, or even a dog. You should be aware, however, that females in particular are not always tolerant of other animals&mdashit all depends on the amount of space you have in the house or in the outside run. Somalis are sociable, and, in general they are reasonably good with children.

Fur Colors and Patterns

SORREL SILVER, SORREL, RUDDY, BLUE, CREAM SILVER, LAVENDER, BLUE SILVER, RUDDY SILVER, CHOCOLATE SILVER, BLUE-CREAM.

Somali Breeders

If you would like to be listed here as an Somali Breeder or a member of an Somali rescue organization, please send us and email