Breed profile

Somalí

Semi-longhaired variety of the Abyssinian. Bushy fox-like tail. Active, sociable, curious. Agouti (ticked) coat.

Origin: Estados Unidos (de Abisinios) Size: Mediano Lifespan: 12-16 años Energy

Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA

Ideal for

✓Families with time to give affection
✓Flats
✓Those looking for a sociable cat

Reconsider if

×Households where it is left alone many hours

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Is the Somalí a good match for you?

Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Suitable for flats

Suitable for first-timers

Good with children

With other dogs

With cats

Tolerates being alone

Energy level

Shedding level

Grooming needs

Vocalisation / noise

Ease of handling

Tolerates heat

Tolerates cold

💶 Estimated cost of ownership

45-75 €/month

Premium food 22-32 €, litter 10-15 €, vet and vaccinations pro-rated (including dental cleanings) 14-20 €, antiparasitics 4-6 €, toys and a contingency fund 8-12 €.

History and origin

A semi-longhaired variety derived from the Abyssinian cat, with which it shares a common gene pool. It therefore inherits the same predispositions: progressive retinal atrophy and pyruvate kinase deficiency (haemolytic anaemia).

Temperament and character

Character typical of the breed. Sociable or reserved depending on the individual. Early neutering (4-6 months) is the best preventive measure.

Living together

Children: good with respectful ones. **Other cats:** sociable if raised together from a young age. **Dogs:** possible if calm.

Life stages of the Somalí

Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 12-16 años.

Kitten

0-6 months

Socialisation, vaccination, deworming and enrichment for its high activity level.

Junior

6 months-2 years

Neutering, genetic testing for PK deficiency and PRA, dental health and exercise.

Adult

2-10 years

Ophthalmological check-ups, gum control, haematology (anaemia) and weight.

Senior

11+ years

Renal screening, visual and joint monitoring and a geriatric diet.

Care

Brushing: according to coat (short = weekly · semi-long = 2-3 times · long = daily).

Litter tray: N+1 trays (rule of 70).

Feeding: quality wet + dry food.

Vet: annual check-up + blood work from 7 years of age.

Care in detail

🍽️ Nutrition

Premium, protein-rich food to match its high activity level, with wet food for hydration. A quality diet that looks after gums and kidneys; portion control, although it rarely puts on weight.

✂️ Grooming

Its semi-long coat without a dense undercoat barely mats: brushing 1-2 times a week, a little more during moulting. Frequent dental hygiene given its tendency to gingivitis, and checking of ears and claws.

🎓 Training

Very intelligent, active and curious. Learns tricks, harness walking and to fetch objects with positive reinforcement. Needs mental stimulation and constant company; it bores easily.

🏃 Exercise

Very high energy. A tireless, playful climber; requires several play sessions a day, tall cat trees and interactive toys. Loneliness and boredom lead to destructive behaviour.

Breed-specific health

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) common in many breeds — genetic test recommended. PKD in Persian and derived breeds. Life expectancy 12-16 years.

🩺 Health predispositions of this breed

Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.

🌑Atrofia progresiva de retina 🩸Anemia hemolitica inmunomediada 🦿Luxación de rótula 😿Gingivoestomatitis felina

Common diseases in cats

Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.

🐾Dermatitis atópica 🍄Tiña (dermatofitosis)🦟Alergia a la picadura de pulga (DAPP)🤢Gastroenteritis 🦟Pulgas 🕷️Garrapatas

See all 158 diseases in the health guide

Screening and prevention for the Somalí

Recommended tests and screenings

✓Genetic test for pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK-Def), common in the Abyssinian/Somali
✓Genetic test for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA, rdAc mutation)
✓Echocardiography for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
✓Screening for renal amyloidosis
✓Dental assessment (predisposition to gingivitis) and patellar assessment (patellar luxation)

Prevention

Genetic screening for PK-Def and PRA-rdAc before breeding. Neutering, vaccination and deworming. Rigorous dental hygiene given its tendency to gingivitis, brushing of the semi-long coat and plenty of enrichment for its high energy.

Check-up schedule

Annual check-up with cardiac auscultation and dental control; renal blood work from 7 years of age. Genetic and cardiac screening recommended in breeding animals.

Warning signs

!Weakness, lethargy or pale gums (anaemia from PK-Def)
!Stumbling or difficulty seeing at night (PRA)
!Red gums, bad breath or tooth loss (gingivitis)
!Lameness or patellar slipping (patellar luxation)
!Increased thirst/urination (kidney/amyloidosis)

Somalí gallery

Foto de la raza somali — Foto: Wikimedia Commons

Frequently asked questions about the Somalí

How long does a Somalí live?

▾

The life expectancy of the Somalí is 12-16 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.

How much does a Somalí weigh?

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An adult Somalí weighs between 3-5 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is mediano.

Where does the Somalí breed come from?

▾

The Somalí originates from Estados Unidos (de Abisinios). A semi-longhaired variety derived from the Abyssinian cat, with which it shares a common gene pool. It therefore inherits the same predispositions: progressive retinal atrophy and pyruvate kinase deficiency (haemolytic anaemia).

How much exercise does a Somalí need?

▾

The Somalí has alta energy. **Brushing:** according to coat (short = weekly · semi-long = 2-3 times · long = daily).

Is the Somalí good with children?

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**Children:** good with respectful ones. **Other cats:** sociable if raised together from a young age. **Dogs:** possible if calm.

Who is the Somalí NOT recommended for?

▾

It isn't the right breed for: Households where it is left alone many hours. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.

What health problems does the Somalí have?

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Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) common in many breeds — genetic test recommended. PKD in Persian and derived breeds. Life expectancy 12-16 years.

Is the Somali the same as the Abyssinian?

▾

It is its semi-longhaired variety. It shares the agouti 'ticked' coat, the active and curious character and the same health predispositions, but with a longer coat and a bushy fox-like tail.

Which health tests should I ask the breeder for?

▾

The genetic tests for pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK-Def) and retinal atrophy (PRA-rdAc), both common in the Abyssinian/Somali line, as well as cardiac screening of the parents.

Is it a very active cat?

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Very. It is one of the most energetic breeds: it climbs, jumps and plays tirelessly. It needs daily stimulation, heights and company, and does not cope well with being left alone for many hours.

How much brushing does its semi-long coat need?

▾

Less than you might expect: as it lacks a woolly undercoat, it barely mats. Brushing 1-2 times a week is enough, a little more during moulting.

Does it have dental problems?

▾

It is predisposed to gingivitis, like the Abyssinian. Good dental hygiene at home and periodic veterinary cleanings are important to prevent gum problems.