Somali

The Somali is the long-haired Abyssinian. Longhaired kittens appeared in Abyssinian litters for decades, usually quietly given away as pets, until breeders in the 1960s saw their beauty and set out to develop them. Evelyn Mague in New Jersey was a pioneer, and she gave the new breed a name that nodded to the African country beside Ethiopia, once Abyssinia.

The signature is the ticked coat. Each hair is banded with several colors, giving the Somali a warm, glowing shimmer, and the longer fur adds depth, with a ruff, britches and a big bushy tail that looks like a fox’s brush. The usual colors are ruddy, red, blue and fawn.

The face is dramatic. Large ears, almond eyes that look as if they were drawn with dark liner, and a soft, sweet expression give the Somali its wild look. The body is medium, lithe and muscular, and the cat moves with an easy, athletic grace.

Somalis are active and playful. They climb, leap and investigate, and they enjoy a game of fetch or a puzzle toy. Like Abyssinians they are people-oriented but not lap cats, and they like to be where the action is. Many love water, and many will help with the dishes.

The coat is easier than it looks. The Somali has a fine, soft, single-layer-like feel that does not mat much, and a weekly brushing is usually enough. Provide tall perches, interactive toys and, if possible, a feline friend. A bored Somali will find its own entertainment.

Health notes include PK deficiency, an eye condition called PRA and dental disease, so ask breeders about screening. A well-bred Somali often lives into its mid-teens. Keep it lean, active and entertained, and it will repay you with a lifetime of antics.