Cat: Somali

Origins: The Somali is actually a long-haired Abyssinian, and apart from the long coat, it is identical to the Abyssinian in every way. Abyssinians, as the name suggests, originate from Abyssinia (the old name for Ethiopia). They are an old breed, possibly descended from ancient Egyptian cats.

Size: Medium. Full-grown male cats can weigh between 10lbs – 12lbs (4.5 – 5.4kg); females are usually lighter.

Physical Appearance: An elegant cat. Has a soft, lustrous coat of medium length, in a ticked pattern (meaning that their hairs each have bands of darker color, but not amounting to stripes). The head is a rounded wedge-shape, with no sharp angles like you might find on a Siamese, for example. Ears are large, broad-based and tufted. Legs, neck and full, bushy tail are long and in proportion to the body. Eyes are large and expressive, and may be green, amber or hazel in color.

Characteristics: Loving, intelligent, outgoing, loves company and will pine if left alone. Enjoys domestic life, but doesn’t like a cramped environment with too many other cats around. Quiet and soft-voiced.

Colors: Many colors, all with ticked pattern.

Special Facts: Many Somali owners have noticed that their cats like to play with, rearrange and groom their human companions’ hair!