Somali
Active, curious, and bold, Somalis are intrigued by the challenge of a closed cupboard door and are so intelligent that they may learn how to unlatch it. The overall impression of the Somali is that of a well proportioned medium to large cat, firm muscular development, lithe, showing an alert, lively interest in all surroundings, with an even disposition and easy to handle.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Weight | 6–10 lb [1] |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | 11–16+ years [1] |
| Coat | Longhair [2] |
| Look | The overall impression of the Somali is that of a well proportioned medium to large cat, firm muscular development, lithe, showing an alert, lively interest in all surroundings, with an even disposition and easy to handle. [2] |
| Personality | Active, curious, and bold, Somalis are intrigued by the challenge of a closed cupboard door and are so intelligent that they may learn how to unlatch it. [2] |
| Recognized by | CFA (Cat Fanciers' Association) [2] |
Activity and exercise
Active, curious, and bold, Somalis are intrigued by the challenge of a closed cupboard door and are so intelligent that they may learn how to unlatch it. If provided with plenty of toys, they are capable of amusing themselves for hours, but are happiest when engaged in some sort of interactive play with another pet or a human. [2]
Grooming
Medium in size, these cats are well-proportioned, solid, and muscular with silky, medium-length coats that glow with color. Each hair has multiple bands of color, which creates a shimmering, wild look that is truly breathtaking in a fully coated, properly groomed cat. [2]
Health issues to budget for
PetMD's vet-reviewed breed guide lists these conditions to know about: Pyruvate Kinase (PK) Deficiency, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Routine vet visit, any cat (owner bills) | $190–$525 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a cat, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,149 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, cat (US 2025) | $435/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for cats in general or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- Visualize the vibrant color and high-energy spirit of an Abyssinian, adorned with a full ruff, a soft silky coat, and a dramatic, bushy tail. [2]
- There’s no documentation on precisely how the recessive longhair gene entered the Abyssinian gene pool, but some estimates indicate that barely a dozen Abys survived after World War II. [2]
- In the mid-1960s, Evelyn Mague produced “George,” one of the first documented longhair Abyssinians, and christened the developing breed the “Somali,” after Somalia, the country that borders on Abyssinia (now Ethiopia). [2]
Good fit for
- Our sources don't publish fit ratings for this breed. Meet the breed, talk to breeders or rescues, and read the profile above.
Common questions
How long do Somali cats live?
PetMD's vet-reviewed guide gives a lifespan of 11–16 years.
How big does a Somali get?
PetMD lists a weight of 6–10 lb.