Somali

The Somali is a medium-sized, longhaired domestic cat breed developed in the United States during the twentieth century.

Long-coated kittens appeared in Abyssinian litters following exports from Britain in the 1940s. American breeder Evelyn Mague named the variety in the late 1960s after Somalia, referencing the neighboring location of historic Abyssinia. CFA granted the Somali championship status in 1979, the same year TICA accepted the cat for championship competition, and FIFe followed with recognition in 1982. Conformation balances muscular agility with medium bone structure, producing a lithe, athletic physique that gives the impression of standing on tiptoe. Weight ranges from 3.5-5.5 kg (8-12 lb) for males, while females weigh between 2.7-4.5 kg (6-10 lb). The head forms a soft, modified wedge with large cupped ears and almond-shaped green or gold eyes outlined by dark pencil markings.

A soft, fine-textured coat carries agouti ticking, with individual hair shafts displaying multiple alternating dark bands against a warmer ground color. Ruddy, cinnamon, blue, and fawn represent the foundational coat colors across registrations. The fox-like bushy tail, ear furnishings, and full britches distinguish the profile. Cats show an energetic, playful disposition and engage actively with people, toys, and high perches. Grooming entails combing the fur two or three times weekly with a stainless steel comb to eliminate tangles and clear loose hair around the collar and thighs.

Hereditary medical issues within the breed center on several specific genetic conditions. Pyruvate kinase deficiency occurs due to an inherited recessive mutation in the PKLR gene, producing hemolytic anemia, weakness, and yellowing of the skin. Progressive retinal atrophy leads to progressive photoreceptor loss through mutations in the rdAc allele, causing gradual vision deterioration and night blindness. Renal amyloidosis causes abnormal protein deposits to accumulate in the kidneys, leading to chronic renal failure. The breed also displays tendencies toward patellar luxation, severe gingivitis, and feline lower urinary tract disease.