Somali cat owner's guide

Somali cat origins

Somali cats originated in the United States (US). They are the long-haired descendants of Abyssinian cats, a breed linked to ancient Abyssinia—modern-day Ethiopia. First appearing in the 1960s, Somali cats quickly gained popularity and were soon recognised as a distinct breed.

Somali hunting instincts and temperament

The Somali is known for its active and playful temperament. They’re highly social, love attention, and are happy spending long periods of time in their owner’s company. Many Somalis enjoy going on outdoor adventures, whether that’s playtime in the garden or, in some cases, being taken out on a harness for walks.

Somali cats are natural hunters – both indoors and outdoors. If they’re kept indoors, they need plenty of space to play. Check out our tips for indoor cats.

If you plan on buying a Somali cat, be prepared to give it the attention, companionship and active lifestyle it requires.

Somali cats - training and engagement

Somalis are an intelligent cat breed. They can learn to open doors, cupboards, and drawers. With a little training, they can also learn to come when called. Cat behaviourist Anna Jönsson Bergstedt gives her tips on training Somali cats:

• Training tricks
  Intelligent cats may need extra guidance with training to prevent them from getting up to mischief. Therefore, it’s important to practice fun tricks together using methods like clicker training.
  Using treats and toys is good for rewards-based training – this is especially helpful when training cats as they won’t work as hard to impress you as dogs will!
• Encouraging play with food
  All cats have to eat, regardless of their breed. As the Somali has a large appetite for activity, encouraging them to ‘hunt’ food is a great way to keep them active.
  ‘Scatter feeding’ is a great way to keep them active – you can spread food or treats out around the home, and hide them for the cat to find. You can also use activity bowls or food puzzles. However, you may need to do this in place of a regular food bowl, otherwise your Somali cat won’t see the need to exert itself.
• Toys
  Many Somalis seem to enjoy retrieving toys. So, you might find that your Somali likes fetching games. If you try this, ensure you use an appropriate size toy, so your Somali can pick it up and bring it back to you. This may also be a good opportunity to teach them the ‘fetch’ command.
• Take them out for a walk
  Since Somali cats are pretty curious, it follows that they enjoy accompanying their owners on walks. Be sure to introduce them to their harness and leash gradually before taking them outdoors. Avoid ‘cat backpacks’ for cats to be transported in. They’re rarely appropriately sized and are not sufficiently ventilated or protected.

Somali cats – appearance and size

The Somali is a medium-sized cat breed with a slim, muscular build. They have a wedge-shaped head with large, almond-shaped eyes that can be one of many colours. Their most distinctive feature is their semi-long, silky coat with its characteristic ‘ticked’ colour, meaning each hair has several bands of colour.

Their tail is bushy and resembles a fox's tail, earning them their ‘Fox Cat’ namesake.

Somali cats have medium length, soft, silky fur that is easy to care for – and nice to pet. Their fur is extra thick around their neck, forming a kind of collar. They also have extra fur on their hind legs, which can look a bit like trousers! Their fur develops slowly as they grow.

Caring for Somali cats

The Somali cat requires relatively little grooming due to its silky coat. Although regular brushing helps keep the coat in good condition and reduces the risk of tangles and hairballs. It is also important to keep their teeth clean and to regularly check their ears and claws.

Somali kittens

Somali kittens are very active and very curious. They grow quickly and often reach their full size at around one year of age.

If you buy a Somali kitten

When buying a Somali kitten, make sure it is vet checked, vaccinated and wormed. You should also receive instructions on future vaccinations and deworming, as well as care advice.

Learn more about caring for your kitten, including how to settle them into their new home.

Somali cat FAQs

Last reviewed by Amanda Andersson in June 2024.