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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+5
Cats
# The Somali: temperament, price, health, and breeders
United States
The Somali is an elegant cat, very lively and deeply attached to its family.
Size MediumLife expectancy 12–16 yearsBudget ≈ €65/monthKitten €1,000 – €1,500
[Find a breeder 12](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-somali) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-cat-breeds?races=somali)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Which cat is right for you?](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-cat)
Families and children Very good
Daily exercise needs Very high
Apartment living Good
First-time owners Very good
Other pets Very good
Tolerance of being alone Limited
Vocalization Moderate
Strengths and weaknesses
- Very affectionate: He often forms a close bond with his family and readily seeks human presence.
- Lively and playful: His energy and curiosity make him a very interactive companion on a daily basis.
- Marked intelligence: He quickly understands routines and appreciates activities that stimulate his abilities.
- Does not tolerate boredom well: Without sufficient stimulation, it can become intrusive or develop behaviors of dissatisfaction.
- Need for activity: This is not a very sedentary cat and it requires an enriched environment.
- Vigilance regarding certain lines: Serious screening is important due to several known hereditary sensitivities.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Homes often at home: He appreciates a real family life and copes better with households that interact with him often.
- Active cat lovers: His liveliness and love of play appeal to people looking for a very involved companion.
- Enriched houses or apartments: He thrives when he has access to height, toys, and spaces to explore.
Not recommended for
- People who are often absent: Prolonged solitude does not suit him well because he needs company and stimulation.
- Households looking for a very calm cat: His lively and playful temperament may seem too energetic for certain lifestyles.
- Adopters neglecting enrichment: An environment lacking in activities does not meet his mental and physical needs.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
33 cmSomali
- Height at the withers
- 30–35 cm
- Weight
- 3–5 kg
- Coat
- Semi-long, silky
- Origin
- United States
- Grooming
- Easy to care for
## Photos and videos
See the Somali in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The Somali does not come from Somalia despite its name. This breed was born in North America from the Abyssinian, of which it represents the semi-long-haired variety. When longer-haired kittens appeared in certain Abyssinian litters, they were first set aside before breeders decided to fix this trait and make it a breed in its own right. The recognition of the Somali was built in the 1960s in Canada and the United States, with breeders such as Mary Mailling then Evelyne Mague, who helped to stabilize the breed and give it its name in reference to Somalia, neighboring Ethiopia, the cradle of the Abyssinian.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The Somali is a medium-sized cat, supple, muscular and very harmonious. Its body strongly recalls that of the Abyssinian, with an elegant silhouette, a rounded chest and slender but athletic limbs. Its head is slightly triangular with softened contours, its ears are large and open towards the front, and its almond-shaped eyes are very expressive, in shades ranging from gold to green or hazel. Its semi-long coat is fine, silky and ticked, with a fuller ruff, a marked breeches and a very characteristic plume tail.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
The Somali is an expressive, curious cat and very close to humans. He readily seeks the company of his family and enjoys regular interactions. Very playful, mischievous and intelligent, he likes to understand his environment and take part in household life. He retains a certain independence, but does not tolerate prolonged solitude well and asks for attention on a daily basis.
Affectionate Playful Intelligent Easy to train Sociable
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
On a daily basis, the Somali moves around a lot, climbs, explores and easily turns its environment into a playground. It likes to have space, height and varied stimulation, such as a cat tree, climbing routes and interactive toys. Even if it also likes to come and seek petting and rest near its loved ones, it is not a placid cat. It generally tolerates children, visitors and other animals well when introductions are properly handled.
Training
## Training and socialization
The education of the Somali must be gentle, consistent and stimulating. This cat learns quickly when it is offered clear routines, positive reinforcement and activities that engage its intelligence. It is useful to offer it stable reference points early on, authorized areas for climbing, a well-placed scratching post and daily games in order to channel its energy without frustration. A Somali that is not very stimulated can quickly develop boredom behaviors.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Somali
The price of a Somali varies depending on rarity, type, health tests and socialization. Maintenance (food, litter, veterinarian) represents a regular budget.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/somali/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The Somali is an overall robust cat, but certain hereditary sensitivities and a few points of vigilance justify careful monitoring. Its health depends greatly on the quality of breeding, weight control, oral hygiene, and an environment that respects its need for activity.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/somali/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The Somali needs a complete diet, rich in quality animal proteins and adapted to its activity level. Its active metabolism must not make one forget its tendency to eat with enthusiasm, which requires finding a good balance between energy intake, satiety and maintaining a slim and muscular silhouette.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/somali/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The Somali is often described as a semi-longhaired version of the Abyssinian, but it is indeed a fully recognized breed in its own right. Its ticked coat, its plume-like tail and its lively expression give it the look of a little fox that appeals to many enthusiasts. The breed’s name can be confusing, as it does not refer to its actual place of creation but to a symbolic choice linked to the origins of the Abyssinian.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Somali
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Is the Somali suited to apartment living?
Yes, provided you offer it an enriching environment, daily play, and enough height to climb and burn off energy.
### Is the Somali affectionate?
Yes, it is generally very close to its family, seeks the company of its humans, and enjoys regular interactions.
### Does the Somali shed a lot?
No, shedding often remains moderate, but weekly brushing helps maintain the coat and limit dead hair.
## Find a Somali breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Somali breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
[Somali breeders in Île-de-France3](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-somali/ile-de-france)
### Somali breeders by country
[12 breeders of Somali in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-somali) [9 breeders of Somali in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-somali/germany) [3 breeders of Somali in Belgium](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-somali/belgium)
[All breeders of Somali in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-somali)
## Ready to welcome a Somali?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-somali)
## Discover other breeds
[Abyssinian
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/abyssinian)
[Balinese
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/balinese)
[Mandarin
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/mandarin)
[York Chocolate
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/york-chocolate)
[Highland Lynx
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/highland-lynx)
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