Cat breed comparison
Abyssinian vs Somali
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Abyssinian | Somali |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | United Kingdom (ancestors from South-East Asia) | United States and Canada (from Abyssinian lines) |
| Weight | 7 to 10 lbs | 6 to 12 lbs |
| Life span | 14 to 15 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Lap cat | Yes | No |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
| Affection | ||
| Energy | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with dogs | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Vocal | ||
| Needs company | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Health issues |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Abyssinian
Despite the name, DNA studies point to roots in South-East Asia and the Indian Ocean coast. The breed was developed in Britain from a cat said to have come back from Abyssinia (Ethiopia) in the 1860s.
Its ticked coat gives each hair several bands of colour, and it is one of the most active, curious breeds.
Health to watch
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency
- Progressive retinal atrophy (rdAc)
- Renal amyloidosis
- Gingivitis
The Somali
The long-haired Abyssinian, developed in the US, Canada and Australia in the 1960s and 1970s. Its name is a nod to Somalia, Ethiopia's neighbour.
It has a full, fox-like tail.
Health to watch
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency
- Renal amyloidosis
- Gingivitis
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Grooming needs
The Somali needs more grooming than the Abyssinian.
Shedding
The Somali sheds more than the Abyssinian.
Which to choose
Abyssinian or Somali?
Choose the Abyssinian if…
- You want a cat that needs less grooming
- You want a cat that sheds less
Choose the Somali if…
They’re very alike; choose on looks, size and the individual pet.
Full Somali guideQuestions.
Which is easier to train, the Abyssinian or the Somali?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Abyssinian or the Somali?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Abyssinian sheds less than the Somali. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Abyssinian and Somali have?
The Abyssinian is prone to pyruvate kinase deficiency, progressive retinal atrophy (rdAc), renal amyloidosis. The Somali is prone to pyruvate kinase deficiency, renal amyloidosis, gingivitis. Both share a risk of pyruvate kinase deficiency and renal amyloidosis. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
