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.
Common recessive carriers
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.
Breed-specific restrictions
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.
Pattern quirks
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.
SOM n 25Ruddy/Usual (Black Ticked Tabby)SOM b1 25Sorrel (Cinnamon Ticked Tabby)SOM a 25Blue Ticked TabbySOM p 25Fawn (Dilute Sorrel Ticked Tabby)Free online tool to predict kitten coat colors based on Mendelian genetics. Select the breed and appearance of sire and dam to see color probabilities.
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