A Somali Introduction

The Somali is a breathtaking cat that bears an uncanny resemblance to a little fox, with its large ears, masked face, full ruff and bushy tail. This Semi-longhaired, medium-sized cat has steadily grown in number and popularity.

The Somali story began with Evelyn Mague, an American breeder of Abyssinians who by chance discovered that some Abyssinians carried the Longhair gene. Other breeders saw the beauty of these longer-haired kittens and joined Evelyn in a breeding programme. Evelyn was responsible for naming the Somali, which has often been called an 'Abyssinian in an overcoat'. At the time, Somalia (present-day Ethiopia) was the neighbour of Abyssinia and, not wanting to ignore the new breed's origins, Evelyn chose the name 'Somali'.

Somalis are well-proportioned, medium to large muscular cats. Their body is medium long and graceful, with a medium-length soft and silky coat that requires little grooming. The coat is usually one to three inches long, with shorter fur across the shoulders. They have a long bushy tail very like that of a fox's brush and their feet have tufts between the toes.

Somalis are intelligent personality-plus cats. They are very affectionate and will live happily with other cats and animals. They are happy around children and adore their owners. Possessed with a zest for life, they love to play and thrive on human companionship. Somalis will give their humans outward shows of affection, rushing up to greet their owners making a chirruping noise to express their delight. Somali cat owners enjoy the company of this stunning affectionate and loyal cat.

The Somali has an agouti, or ticked, coat with four to twenty bands of colour on each hair. Today there are 28 different colours of Somalis. Sorrel is a rich copper colour which truly resembles a fox. Other recognised colours are ruddy, red, blue, silver and fawn. Their large, almond shaped eyes range in colour from intense green, hazel to amber.