United States
Natural Breed
Medium
8-10 in
6-10 lbs
12-16 years
Meet the Somali
Somalis are energetic and love to climb, explore, and be part of family activities. They are affectionate cats that form strong bonds and enjoy attention.
Where It All Began
Somalis were developed in the 1960s in the United States when long-haired kittens were born in Abyssinian litters. Breeders refined the breed to highlight their beautiful ticked coats and playful personalities.
Personality
🏃 An Active Lifestyle
This breed needs daily, vigorous exercise — long walks, runs, or active play — to stay happy and well-behaved.
- ✓ 60+ minutes of exercise daily
- ✓ Fenced yard or open space preferred
- ✓ Mental enrichment / training games
✂ Grooming Needs
Somalis have a ticked, semi-long coat that needs regular care to stay healthy and mat-free.
- ✓ Brush 2-3 times per week
- ✓ Regular nail trims
- ✓ Clean ears as needed
- ✓ Trim nails every 2-3 weeks
- ✓ Dental care recommended
❤ Keeping Healthy
Generally healthy, but regular vet care can help prevent common issues.
- • Regular vet checkups
- • Dental care is important
- • Watch for dental disease
$ Cost of Ownership
Owning a Somali is moderate compared to many pedigree breeds.
Purchase Price: $900 - $2,500
Monthly Cost: $40 - $100
First Year Cost: $900 - $2,200
Lifetime Cost: $10,000 - $15,000
👍 Pros
- Playful and entertaining
- Very intelligent and curious
- Affectionate with family
- Beautiful ticked coat
- Strong bond with people
👎 Cons
- Needs lots of attention
- High energy
- May be vocal
- Not ideal if left alone long
- Requires regular grooming
💡 Did You Know?
Somalis are considered "velcro cats" because they love to be close to their people and follow them around.
Compare Somali
See how the Somali stacks up against other breeds to find your perfect match.
