What is the difference between a American Shorthair and a Somali?

The American Shorthair is 8–12 lbs sized while the Somali is 6–10 lbs sized. They differ in size (8–12 lbs vs 6–10 lbs), lifespan (15–20 years vs 11–16 years), and care requirements.

Which breed is better with kids, American Shorthair or Somali?

American Shorthair is generally good with kids. Somali is generally good with kids.

Which breed lives longer, American Shorthair or Somali?

The American Shorthair has a lifespan of 15–20 years while the Somali has a lifespan of 11–16 years.

American Shorthair vs Somali — Breed Comparison

About the American Shorthair

The American Shorthair descends from European cats brought to North America on ships like the Mayflower, where they earned their keep as skilled mousers. This medium-to-large breed weighs 8–15 pounds and boasts a powerful, well-proportioned build with a broad chest. Their dense, short coat comes in over 80 recognized colors and patterns, with the classic silver tabby being the most iconic.

Temperament & Personality

American Shorthairs are easygoing, adaptable cats that strike a perfect balance between playful and laid-back. They are patient and gentle with children, coexist peacefully with other pets, and are content to entertain themselves when the family is busy. Their calm, even temperament and low-maintenance nature have made them one of America's most popular breeds for decades.

Pros

Exceptionally healthy breed with a lifespan of 15–20 years
Low-maintenance coat that rarely mats or tangles
Independent enough to handle owners' work schedules without anxiety
Natural mouser — helps keep the home pest-free

Cons

Prone to obesity if diet and exercise are not carefully managed
Can be reserved with strangers and may take time to warm up
Not as interactive or trainable as more active breeds
Seasonal shedding can be heavy despite the short coat

Ready to welcome an American Shorthair into your home? Browse available cats for adoption on Puplister.

About the Somali

The Somali is the longhaired version of the Abyssinian, first recognized as a separate breed in the 1960s after longhaired kittens kept appearing in Abyssinian litters due to a recessive gene. This medium-sized cat weighs 6–10 pounds and is often called the "fox cat" for its bushy tail, ticked coat, and alert, foxy expression. Their semi-long, soft fur features striking agouti ticking — each hair banded with multiple colors — in ruddy, red (sorrel), blue, and fawn.

Temperament & Personality

Somalis are endlessly curious, active cats that approach life as one big adventure. They are playful and mischievous — known for opening cabinets, stealing small objects, and inventing their own games. Social and affectionate, they get along well with children and other pets but demand plenty of interaction and do not thrive when left alone for long hours.

Pros

Stunningly beautiful ticked coat with a luxurious fox-like tail
Highly intelligent and entertaining — endless curiosity keeps life interesting
Affectionate and social — bonds well with the entire family
Semi-long coat is surprisingly easy to maintain — less prone to matting than most longhairs

Cons

Extremely active and needs constant stimulation — bored Somalis get into everything
Prone to pyruvate kinase deficiency, progressive retinal atrophy, and renal amyloidosis
Not a lap cat — prefers to be near you rather than on you
Can be mischievous and destructive if under-stimulated

Ready for a foxy, adventure-loving feline? Explore Somali cats available for adoption on Puplister and bring home the thrill of the wild.

American Shorthair vs Somali