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?

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

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).

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.

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?

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.

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?: 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?: **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?: 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?: 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.