Somali

The Somali is the long-haired form of the Abyssinian — a ticked-coated cat with a bushy tail and a foxy look, lively and inquisitive by nature.

History

It emerged from long-haired kittens that appeared in Abyssinian litters, carrying a recessive coat length, and was developed into a breed of its own. It shares the Abyssinian's warm ticked coat, here carried in a semi-long form.

Temperament

The breed is known for being active, curious and playful — a busy, intelligent cat that investigates everything and stays engaged for years. It is people-oriented and enjoys company and games.

Care

The semi-long coat has little undercoat, so it mats less than many longhairs and needs only regular brushing. Like the Abyssinian, it wants stimulation and dislikes being idle.

Health

It shares the Abyssinian's known tendencies — an inherited anaemia, progressive retinal atrophy and a susceptibility to gum disease — for which breeders test where they can. These are patterns for the breed rather than a verdict on one cat; the measured facts and trait ratings are in the panels.