the abyssinian cat long hair

  • Mochi
  • September 22, 2023
  • 157 Views

The Abyssinian cat is traditionally a short-haired breed, known for its uniquely ticked coat. However, there is a long-haired variant that's closely related to the Abyssinian, known as the Somali cat.

Here are some key points about the Somali cat:

Origin
The Somali is essentially the long-haired version of the Abyssinian. The long hair trait likely came from recessive genes within Abyssinian lines. Somalis and Abyssinians share a lot in common, both in terms of appearance (beyond coat length) and personality.

Coat
The Somali's coat is soft, dense, and medium to long in length. Like the Abyssinian, the Somali's fur has a ticked pattern, which gives it a warm, glowing appearance. The coat is fuller around the neck, creating a ruff, and the tail is bushy.

Colors
Just like the Abyssinian, Somali cats come in various colors, such as ruddy, sorrel, blue, and fawn. Each hair is ticked with multiple colors, which gives their coat a beautiful shimmering effect.

Temperament
Somali cats share the playful, curious, and affectionate nature of the Abyssinian. They are active, intelligent, and social cats that form strong bonds with their families.

Care
Due to their longer fur, Somali cats require more grooming than their short-haired Abyssinian counterparts. It's advisable to brush a Somali cat several times a week to prevent matting and reduce shedding.

Popularity
While not as widely recognized as the Abyssinian, the Somali has gained its own following due to its beautiful appearance and delightful personality.

If you're interested in a cat that has the look and personality of an Abyssinian but with a longer coat, the Somali cat might be a perfect choice.