Somali
soh-MAH-lee
Active, Playful, Curious, Social. The long-haired version of the Abyssinian with a bushy tail and ticked coat.
An adult Somali weighs 8-12 lbs (male) or 6-10 lbs (female), needs 200-350 calories daily, and lives 12-16 yrs. The breed's primary health watch is pyruvate kinase deficiency. All numbers below come from breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Somali needs 200-350 calories per day. An average male (10 lbs) needs around 2000 kcal; a female (8 lbs) roughly 200 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Somali. For kittens, seniors, or specific conditions, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
As the long-haired variant of the Abyssinian, the Somali shares its parent breed's health profile. The breed is generally robust and healthy, with a few inherited conditions from the Abyssinian line. Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years.
Exercise and activity
Somalis are one of the most active cat breeds. They run, jump, climb, and investigate everything in their environment with tireless curiosity. Tall cat trees, interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and play sessions are essential. Many Somalis can be leash trained for outdoor exploration. They are happiest in active households where something is always happening. A bored Somali will create its own entertainment, often at the expense of your belongings.
Care and traits
Somalis have a medium-length, ticked (agouti) coat with a distinctively bushy tail, often called the 'fox cat.' Origin: descended from long-haired kittens that occasionally appeared in Abyssinian litters, first bred deliberately in the 1960s-70s.
Despite their semi-long coat, Somalis require only moderate grooming. Brushing once or twice weekly prevents tangles and reduces hairballs. Their ticked coat sheds less than most long-haired breeds. Somalis are highly social and do not do well as only pets or in homes where people are gone all day. A second cat, especially another active breed, provides companionship and play partnership.
Tools for Somali owners
Frequently asked questions
Adult Somalis typically need 200 to 350 calories daily. Their high activity level burns calories efficiently, so feed toward the upper end if your Somali is particularly active. These cats rarely have weight problems when given adequate play and climbing opportunities. Adjust food intake based on body condition rather than a fixed formula.
Males: 8-12 lbs (3.6-5.4 kg). Females: 6-10 lbs (2.7-4.5 kg). Somalis should appear lean, muscular, and athletic. Their semi-long coat can add visual bulk, so hands-on body condition assessment is more reliable than visual impression alone. Feel for ribs along the sides and check for a visible waist from above.
Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKDef) is the most significant breed-specific condition, an inherited enzyme deficiency that affects red blood cells. DNA testing identifies carriers, and responsible breeders screen for it. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) can cause gradual vision loss. Dental disease is common and requires regular professional dental care. Renal amyloidosis appears rarely in some lines.
Somalis can be wonderful first cats for active people who understand that this breed demands engagement. They are not lap cats that sit quietly. They climb curtains, open cabinets, steal small objects, and demand interactive play. If you want a cat that acts more like a dog in terms of energy and social needs, the Somali delivers. If you want a calm, independent cat, look elsewhere.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on TICA/CFA standards and veterinary sources. Individual cats vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your cat. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026