Somali

Somali cats are the longhaired relatives of Abyssinians, carrying the same ticked tabby impression with a softer coat, ruff, and full tail. The breed is often described through colors such as ruddy, red, blue, and fawn, where each hair has bands of color rather than bold stripes. A good Somali looks lithe and alert, with the longer coat adding texture without hiding the cat's athletic outline.

Daily life with a Somali is active and social. These cats usually enjoy high perches, games, and participation in household routines, so they suit people who want an engaged companion. Grooming is moderate: combing helps keep the ruff, britches, and tail free of tangles, especially during seasonal changes. Breeders commonly pay attention to the same inherited concerns discussed in Abyssinian-related lines, so health history and clear pedigrees should accompany the attractive coat.

Colors: Bicolor, Black, Blue, Blue Point, Brown, Calico, Chocolate, Chocolate Point, Cinnamon, Classic Tabby, Cream, Cream Point, Dilute Calico, Dilute Tortoiseshell, Fawn, Flame Point, Golden, Harlequin, Lilac, Lilac Point, Lynx Point, Mackerel Tabby, Mink, Pointed, Red, Ruddy, Seal Point, Sepia, Shaded, Shell, Silver, Smoke, Spotted Tabby, Tabby, Ticked Tabby, Torbie, Tortoiseshell, Van, White