Personality

The Somali is one of the most playful, extroverted and interactive of all domestic breeds. Although they usually are not quite as outgoing as their Abyssinian cousins, potential Somali owners should be prepared to create a very stimulating and ever-changing environment for their new companions. If kept exclusively indoors (which most are), the Somali should have access to lots of interesting toys and a variety of different scratching posts and climbing structures. Toys, posts and climbing structures should be changed or moved around regularly, to prevent boredom. Otherwise, the Somali undoubtedly will find other ways to entertain itself, which its owners may not appreciate. Somalis do not take well to being confined indoors unattended for prolonged periods of time. Along with a playful nature, the Somali thrives on affection and attention from its owner. They are highly interested in everything and everyone around them. These cats form close bonds with their human family, and when they do take a rest from playtime they greatly enjoy cuddling and lots of lap time. Somalis are not particularly well-suited to homes with many other companion animals, because they prefer that all the available attention be directed towards them. All in all, this is a charming, cheeky breed with a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed disposition, making them wonderful companions for cat lovers of all ages.

Activity Level

Somalis are agile, alert and extremely active. They enjoy burning off some of their excess energy throughout the day by running with quick bursts of speed, jumping onto and off of furniture, counters, shelves and windowsills, and performing any number of other frenzied athletic feats. Fortunately, because of their agility, they rarely knock household knick-knacks off of the paths of their frolics. Owners can expect to find their Somali on top of the refrigerator or on top of bookcases, where it can get a good view of - and supervise - the goings-on of the household. They especially are enamored of things that move; outdoor bird feeders hung close to a visible window are a particular favorite of this breed. One of their nicknames is “the alliteration cat”, because they are described as being active, awesome, agile, astounding, alert, animated, affectionate, amusing, athletic, astute, amiable and attentive. Some breed authorities believe that these freedom-loving cats should not be confined exclusively indoors. Wherever they live, Somalis will provide hours of entertainment and amusement for those who are lucky enough to share their homes.

Behavioral Traits

The Somali will ask for attention with its expressive eyes and by lightly batting at its owner with soft paws. This breed has a very soft meow and does not vocalize often. When it does speak, it has a charming vocal trill. Somalis have several frenzied bursts of activity daily. They often toss balls or other objects into the air, only to fetch them and begin anew. They will arch up their back and tail and run sideways like a monkey. They are adept at opening cupboards and drawers and are known to tuck themselves away in secret hiding places. Most Somalis love to play with water, and many can even manipulate faucets to obtain a drip to play with. They are prone to kneading their paws and butting their heads into their owners as a sign of affection. According to the breed profile published by The International Cat Association (TICA), the Somali, like its short-haired Abyssinian counterpart, leaves no niche unexplored: “They are above, below, in, under, across, beside, between, into, over, among and through everywhere” and everything, earning them another nickname, “the preposition cat.” Somalis just show an intense level of curiosity and interest in everything around them.