The Somali is the long-haired version of the Abyssinian cat. The ticked coat is not only longer but also softer, silkier, and with more color-bands per hair. Apart from its coat, the breed is essentially the same as the Abyssinian. This breed is often described as "wild-looking cat." The Somali began as unwanted accidents in the 1950s, with long-haired kittens turning up unexpectedly in shor-haired Abyssinian litters.
The Somali coat is soft, richly colored and slightly shaggy; its tail is long, bushy, and fox-like. A thick ring of fur excircles its neck.
The overall impression of the ideal Somali is a medium cat, regal in appearance. The Somali is a foreign shorthair type. The males are larger than females, the females being finer boned and usually more active than the males.
Somali Personality The Somali is intelligent, even-tempered and playful. Initially, it may be reserved about showing affection toward its owners. This cat grows restless if closely confined indoors, but thrives in gardens and yards.
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