• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Somali Cat Breed Information and Facts

This page is about the Somali cat breed information and what it means to own one as a companion animal. If you are considering getting Somali cat breed, this profile will be helpful in deciding whether or not they are right for you!

Group Mutation
Popularity Rank62
Reviews0
User Ratings
Compare the Somali With Other Cats
Select at least one cat breed to make the comparsion.
 
 
Somali cat profile picture
OriginSomalia flagSomalia
Other Names
What other names are there for the Somali cat?
Fox Cat, Long-Haired Abyssinian
Price
What is the cost of a Somali cat?
$1000 to $1500
If you choose to purchase the Somali cat, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and cat finder places. If you have a Somali cat for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Somali gets to a happy place.
Cost Of Ownership Moderate
Breed Recognition No data available

Somali Size, Appearance and Physical Traits

Size
How big is a Somali cat?
Small
The small-sized cats usually weigh 5-11 pounds and are 7-10 inches long from the nose down.
Weight
What is the weight of the Somali cat?
Male: 10 - 12 pounds, Female: 6 - 10 pounds
Body Type Semi-foreign
Somali have a moderate build, more elongated than cobby cats but not as slender as foreign cats. They have a balanced appearance. Examples include the Abyssinian and Somali.
Ear Shape LargePointedTufted
Coat
What kind of coat does the Somali cat have?
Long Hair
Leg Lenght Medium
Whisker Length Medium
Musculature Slender
Head Shape Triangular
Toe Count 5 front4 back
Eye Shape And Orientation Almond-shaped
Night Vision
Paw Size Medium
Nose Structure Concave
Neck Length Medium
Fur Texture ShortDense
Bone Density Medium
Flexibility
High
Bone Structure SlenderFine
Tail Length Plumed
Sleep Patterns Average

Somali Special Abilities

Attention Span Moderate, playful and affectionate
Guarding Instinct Moderate
Protection Instincts Moderate
Climbing Ability High
Jumping Ability Excellent
Swimming Ability Moderate
Water Affinity
Rescue Capability Moderate

Somali Health

Litter Size 1-3 Kittens
Special Needs ActiveIntelligentRequires stimulation
Breeding Requires careful selection, moderate litter size
Dietary Preferences Balanced diet
Solo Time Tolerance High
Noise Sensitivity Moderate
Genetic Diversity Moderate
Sensitivity To Changes
High sensitivity
Food Motivation Moderate
Feeding Schedule Twice a dayMorning and Evening
Maintenance Level Moderate
Exercise Needs High
Life Expectancy
What is the life expectancy of the Somali cats?
12-16 years
Energy Level
How energetic is the Somali cat?
The Somali cat has a very high energy level.
Hypoallergenic
Are Somali cats hypoallergenic?
No
Somali cats don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing an allergic reaction. Some of the cat breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response.

Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the cat's skin) or saliva, not actually to cat hair.

Common Health Issues
Are Somali cats a healthy breed?
High
Somalis tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Health Problems Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)Periodontal DiseaseHypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Climate Temperate
Cold Tolerance Medium
Heat Tolerance High
Breeding Difficulty Medium

Somali Characteristics and Personality

Common Vocalizations Soft and gentle meows
Interaction With Other Pets Good, playful and friendly
Facial Expression Active and playful
Tail Behavior Active and playful tail movements
Explorer Instincts High
Attention Needs High
Protectiveness Moderate
Territoriality Moderate
Independence High
Response To Commands High
Adaptability To Indoor Life High
Hunting Drive High
Play Style ActiveCuriousPlayful
Escape Tendencies High
Curiosity High
Hunting Skills High ⬆️
Reaction To Strangers Friendly 😊
Stalking Behavior High
Aggression Level Low
Training Difficulty Easy
Agility High
Travel Compatibility Low
Activity
Highly Active
Compatibility With Other Animals HighFriendlyTolerant
Household Noise Tolerance Medium
Playfulness
Active Adventurer. Somali are quite playful and enjoy frequent play sessions. They are curious and active, often engaging in interactive games and activities.
Trainability
Are Somali cats easy to train? How hard is it to train a Somali?
Challenging to Train: Somali cat breeds are more stubborn, independent, and less receptive to training, requiring specialized techniques and more persistence to achieve desired results. Examples of challenging-to-train cat breeds include Sphynx, Devon Rex, and Cornish Rex.
Lap Cat
Are Somali cats lap cats?
No
This cat sits on its owner's lap less than other breeds.
Temperament
What personality do Somali cats have?
Mischievous
Adaptability
Are Ragdoll cats adaptable?
Somali cats adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Affection Level
Are Somali cats more affectionate?
High: Somali cats are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate cats toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy cats for those in need.
Child Friendly
Are Somali cats good with kids?
The Somali cat is a child-friendly breed. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Dog Friendly
Are Somali cats good with dogs?
Dog-friendly: Somali cats generally get on well with dogs.
Intelligence
Are Somali cats intelligent? Are Somali cats smart?
Outstanding: Somali is one of the brightest cat breeds.
Social Needs
Are Somali cats social?
Lots: this cat breed needs lots of social interaction.
Stranger Friendly
Are Somali cats friendly to strangers?
Very: this cat breed gets on very well with strange people.
Vocalization
Do Somali cats vocalize?
Low
Low vocalization cats are a category of cats that typically make less noise than other cats. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including genetic disposition, health, or even personality. While some low vocalization cats may simply be quiet by nature, others may only meow when they are distressed or in need of attention. Low vocalization cats can make excellent pets for those who are looking for a feline companion that is relatively low maintenance in terms of noise.

Somali Grooming

Seasonal Shedding Moderate
Grooming Tools Needed BrushNail ClipperComb
Dental Care Moderate
Cat breeds like the Somali, classified under moderate dental care needs, display a higher likelihood of encountering dental concerns compared to those with low dental care needs. Factors contributing to their increased risk may involve genetic predispositions or particular breed traits. These cats benefit greatly from a regular dental care routine, encompassing teeth brushing, dental cleanings, and veterinary check-ups, to prevent the onset of common dental problems such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth decay.
Grooming
How to groom your Somali cat?
Moderate Maintenance
Grooming your Somali cat is an essential part of caring for their health and well-being. Regular brushing helps remove dirt, and dead hair from the surface to stimulate blood circulation which can lead to a better quality coat with a smoother texture!
Shedding
Do Somali cats shed a lot?
Moderate
This cat breed is of average shedding. Anyone who has ever shared a home with a cat knows that shedding can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to minimize the amount of fur your Somali cat leaves behind. First, regular grooming is essential. Brushing your cat daily will help remove loose hair before it gets on furniture or clothing. Also, make sure Somali cat gets plenty of good quality food and water. A healthy diet will help keep your cat's coat in good condition and reduce shedding.

Somali Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Energy Level: The Somali cat has a very high energy level.
  • Adaptability: Somali cats adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Affection Level: High: Somali cats are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate cats toward their handlers.
  • Child Friendly: The Somali cat is a child-friendly breed.
  • Dog Friendly: Dog-friendly: Somali cats generally get on well with dogs.
  • Intelligence: Outstanding: Somali is one of the brightest cat breeds.

Latest Somali Compares

Rate The Somali Breed

Somali Comments, Reviews and Questions