Somali cat

The Somali is the long-haired form of the Abyssinian: the same ticked coat and lively character, with a full ruff, breeches and a bushy tail that give it a fox-like look.

Origin

Long-haired kittens turned up occasionally in Abyssinian litters for decades and were quietly given away as pets. The gene is thought to have entered the breed through outcrosses made when Abyssinian numbers were low. In the 1960s breeders in North America and Australia began to breed the long-haired cats deliberately. The name was chosen because Somalia borders Ethiopia, the former Abyssinia; the cats have no connection with either country. The breed was recognised in the United States in 1979 and reached Britain in the early 1980s.

Appearance

The Somali is medium-sized, lithe and muscular, with a gently wedge-shaped head, large ears and almond-shaped eyes of amber, hazel or green ringed with dark colour. The coat is soft, fine and of medium length, shorter over the shoulders and longest on the chest, hind legs and tail. Each hair carries many alternating bands of colour, more than in the Abyssinian, and the full ticking takes up to eighteen months to develop. Colours are the same: usual, sorrel, blue and fawn, with silver versions.

Temperament

Somalis are energetic, inquisitive and playful, and want company for much of the day. They are affectionate without being lap cats and need space to climb and run.

Care and health

The coat does not mat easily and is combed once or twice a week. The inherited conditions are those of the Abyssinian: pyruvate kinase deficiency and a form of progressive retinal atrophy, both of which can be identified by DNA test.

Recognition

The Somali is recognised by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy and the international registries. Around 80 kittens a year are registered in Britain.