The Somali is the long-haired version of the Abyssinian, with the exception of the coat length; they are the same cat. The overall impression of the
ideal Somali is a medium to large cat, regal in appearance. Males are proportionately larger than females. The Somali shows firm muscle tone and is lithe and panther-like in activity showing a lively
interest in all surroundings.
Medium length, lithe and graceful, showing well-developed muscular strength without coarseness. The cat is solid to the feel, and the rib cage is rounded with no evidence of
flat sides. The back is slightly arched giving the appearance of a cat about to spring. The flank shall be reasonably level without tuckup. Conformation strikes a medium between the extremes of cobby and
svelte lengthy type. Proportion and general balance to be desired more than mere size. The legs are muscular without coarseness. The Somali stands well off the ground and the length of the leg should be in
proportion with the length of the body. The feet are oval and compact. When stroked the cat gives the impression of standing on tip toe. Toes; 5 in front and 4 in back. The tail is thick at the base, long
and tapering.
Head
The shape is a modified wedge with rounded contours as viewed from the front. In profile there shall be no flat planes, but a gentle transition between brow, nose and muzzle.
There should be no evidence of a nose break. The head should be of ample length in general balance with the rest of the cat. In profile the skull is to show a gentle curve flowing over the head into an
arched neck. The muzzle shall follow gentle contours in conformity with the head as viewed from the front and in profile. The chin shall be full, neither projecting nor receding, having a rounded appearance.
Adult males may have jowls. The muzzle shall not be sharply pointed and there shall be no evidence of snippiness, foxy appearance or whisker pinch.
Ears
Large, alert and moderately pointed, broad
and cupped at base, arched forward, set as though listening. Hair on ears short and close lying. Although rarely seen today some Somalis may exhibit ear tufts, "thumb print" markings on the back of
the ears or darker colored hocks. .
Eyes
Almond shaped, large and expressive, neither round nor oriental and the slant is slightly toward the ear. Eyes accentuated by darker lid skin, encircled by
a light colored area. Above each eye appears a short vertical darker pencil stroke amidst the lighter area. At the sides of each eye appears a curved darker pencil line as if a continuation of the upper eye
lid. Eye colors are gold, green or hazel.
Coat
The coat of the Somali has an iridescent quality reflecting warmth of color giving the impression of a colorful cat. Coat pattern is genetically a
form of agouti ticking with even dark colored ticking contrasted with lighter bands of color. The evenness of the ticking and the lighter colored bands give a translucent effect
Dense and resilient to the
touch, has a lustrous sheen and is fine in texture. The coat lies fairly close to the body, however, the undercoat should be adequate enough to avoid any evidence of slickness. The coat is longest at the
spine, gradually shortening over the saddle, flank, legs and head. The coat is of medium length, double coated and long enough to accommodate at least four alternating light and dark colored bands.
