Somali Cat VS Abyssinian Cat: Which Cat Breed is Right for You?

According to the TICA Official Somali Breed Standard, the Somali is "the stunning long-haired descendant of the Abyssinian," named for Somalia, which borders Ethiopia, formerly Abyssinia, specifically to represent their direct genetic connection.

The Somali and Abyssinian share the same breed origin, the same ticked coat pattern, the same bone structure, and nearly identical temperament. What separates them is a single recessive gene – the longhair gene that began appearing unexpectedly in purebred Abyssinian litters in the mid-20th century. For decades, those kittens were quietly rehomed as pets. In 1972, American breeder Evelyn Mague formalized what those litters had been producing all along, founded the Somali Cat Club of America, and gave the long-haired Abyssinian its own name and registry standing.

Understanding the Abyssinian and Somali as essentially the same cat in two coat expressions is the most useful starting point for anyone trying to choose between them, because the real differences are practical rather than fundamental.

Somali Cat vs Abyssinian Cat: Coat and Appearance

This is the obvious difference and the most consequential one for daily ownership.

The Abyssinian coat

The Abyssinian has a short, dense, close-lying ticked coat with no undercoat. Each hair carries the breed's signature agouti banding – alternating light and dark pigment bands growing darker toward the tip – producing the characteristic warm shimmer. The coat requires minimal grooming: a weekly brush with a stainless steel comb is sufficient for most of the year, with slightly more attention during seasonal shedding peaks.

The Somali coat

The Somali carries the same ticked agouti pattern on a medium-to-long, silky coat with a full ruff around the neck, tufted ears, and a dramatic, bushy fox-like tail. Despite having long hair, Somalis are easy to groom. The coat is silky rather than woolly and does not mat as readily as that of a Persian or Maine Coon. Daily brushing is recommended, however, particularly around the ruff and tail where tangles are most likely to develop.

The practical comparison:

Both coat types display the same six TICA-recognized colors: ruddy, chocolate, cinnamon, blue, lilac, and fawn, plus silver variants of each.

Abyssinian Cat vs Somali: Temperament and Personality

This is where the two breeds converge almost completely. Owners who have lived with both describe the temperament as effectively identical, and this is supported by the breeds sharing the same genetic foundation.

Both the Abyssinian and Somali are:

• Highly active, athletic, and curious: they explore every corner of their environment continuously

• Intensely people-oriented without being lap cats in the passive sense: they want to be near and involved, not simply held still

• Intelligent and trainable, capable of learning commands and easily bored without stimulation

• Social enough that long stretches alone cause distress: both breeds do better with a companion or in households where people are regularly present

• Vocal but not loud: they chirp and communicate selectively rather than constantly

If there is a temperament nuance between them: some owners and breeders describe Somalis as marginally calmer or slightly more amenable to extended handling, possibly a result of decades of selective breeding among cats that were initially retained as pets rather than show animals. This is anecdotal rather than documented, and individual variation between cats outweighs any breed-level difference.

Somali and Abyssinian Health: Are the Risks the Same?

Yes, almost entirely. Because Somalis descend directly from Abyssinian lines, they share the same hereditary health conditions and the same testing requirements.

Health conditions affecting both breeds:

• Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKDef): inherited blood disorder; DNA test available and required from responsible breeders

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): two forms, both with available DNA tests; late-onset form causes blindness by age 3-5

• Renal amyloidosis: kidney disease more prevalent in both breeds than average; no DNA test available, requires regular monitoring

• Patellar luxation: physical screening of breeding cats recommended

There is no meaningful difference in health risk profile between the two breeds. The same questions apply to any breeder of either:

1. Have both parents been DNA tested for PKDef and both PRA forms?

2. Are annual eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist conducted?

3. Is a written health guarantee included?

Abyssinian vs Somali: Which Breed Actually Fits Your Life?

The honest answer comes down to two questions: how much grooming time do you have, and which coat appeals to you visually?

Choose an Abyssinian if:

• You want a wash-and-wear cat with minimal coat maintenance

• You prefer a sleek, athletic silhouette over a flowing one

• Lower shedding is a meaningful consideration for your home or mild allergies

Choose a Somali if:

• You find the fox-like, flowing coat genuinely beautiful and are prepared to brush daily

• You want a slightly more visually dramatic cat without a personality change

• You can commit to the additional grooming as part of your routine

Neither breed suits households with very limited time for interaction, small environments with no vertical space, or owners expecting a calm, independent cat. Both are an excellent fit for active, engaged owners who want a feline companion that participates in daily life rather than observes it from a distance.

Browse available Abyssinian kittens at PurebredKitties. Every placement is breeder-vetted with full health documentation and adoption specialist support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between a Somali cat and an Abyssinian cat?

The primary difference is coat length. The Somali has a medium-long, silky ticked coat with a full ruff and fox-like tail; the Abyssinian has a short, close-lying ticked coat. Both breeds share the same ancestry, body structure, color range, temperament, and health profile.

Are Somali and Abyssinian cats the same breed?

They share the same breed origin and are genetically very close. The Somali emerged from a recessive longhair gene present in Abyssinian bloodlines. They are registered as separate breeds by CFA, TICA, and other major registries, but are often shown and bred together by catteries that work with both.

Is a Somali or Abyssinian better for families?

Both are equally well-suited to active family households with older children and other pets. Neither breed is ideal for households that are frequently empty or that want a passive, low-interaction companion. The choice between them is primarily about coat preference and grooming commitment.

Do Somali cats require a lot of grooming compared to Abyssinians?

More, but not dramatically so. The Somali's silky coat does not mat as readily as a Persian's and daily brushing is recommended rather than strictly required. The Abyssinian needs only a weekly brush. For households sensitive to grooming time commitment, the Abyssinian is the more practical choice.

Do Somali and Abyssinian cats have the same health problems?

Yes. Both breeds share the same hereditary health conditions: pyruvate kinase deficiency, progressive retinal atrophy, renal amyloidosis, and patellar luxation, because the Somali descends directly from Abyssinian lines. DNA testing for PKDef and both PRA forms is essential for both breeds.

Which is rarer – a Somali or an Abyssinian?

Both are relatively rare breeds. The Abyssinian ranks higher in CFA registration statistics, making it slightly more available from registered breeders. Somali breeders are fewer in number, which can mean longer waiting lists for specific colors or combinations.