Somali — Color Genetics & EMS Calculator

The Somali is the semi-longhaired derivative of the Abyssinian, sharing an identical genetic color and pattern framework governed by the ticked tabby allele (Ti^A) and the same restricted B-locus composition (B and bl/cinnamon accepted; chocolate b excluded), differing solely in coat-length genotype (l/l at the Length locus). Valid FIFe EMS codes for Somali parallel those of the Abyssinian — ruddy (n 25), sorrel (b1 25), blue (a 25), and fawn (p 25) — all expressed exclusively with ticked tabby pattern. Feline genetics programs for SOM must manage the l/l longhair genotype alongside the same Ti^A ticked-pattern and color-locus constraints as ABY, with EMS color calculator tools applied identically to both breeds.

Somali colour genetics: frequently asked questions

Which recessive colours do Somali cats commonly carry?
Identical to ABY: dilution (d) and cinnamon (bl) are present and accepted. Chocolate (b) is excluded. All Somalis are l/l (homozygous longhair) and A/- (agouti). The longhair gene (l) is recessive — ABY × SOM matings produce shorthaired ABY carriers of l.
What colour restrictions apply to the Somali breed standard?
Identical restrictions to ABY: only ticked tabby (25) is accepted. Chocolate (b), colourpoint (cs), bicolor (S), and non-agouti (a/a) are excluded. Tortie Somalis are not accepted. Classic, mackerel, and spotted patterns are disqualifying faults.
Which coat patterns are typical for the Somali?
All pattern genetics are identical to ABY. The semi-longhaired coat of the Somali may visually soften ticking band definition compared to the shorthaired Abyssinian, but EMS phenotypic coding criteria are applied identically. Tail plume and ear tufts are breed morphology features, not EMS-relevant genetic markers.

Popular EMS Colors

SOM n 25Ruddy/Usual (Black Ticked Tabby)
SOM b1 25Sorrel (Cinnamon Ticked Tabby)
SOM a 25Blue Ticked Tabby
SOM p 25Fawn (Dilute Sorrel Ticked Tabby)

Calculate Colors for Somali

Free online cat color genetics calculator. Select the breed and appearance of the sire and dam to predict kitten coat colors, patterns and probabilities based on feline color genetics.

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Enter the appearance of both parents to calculate color predictions.

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