Abyssinian's description

The Abyssinian is one of the oldest natural breeds.  It is thought to have originated in Egypt or abyssinai (Ethiopia), and bears a striking resemblance to the cats worshipped, painted and sculpted by the Ancient Egyptians.

The Abyssinian is a ticked cat of medium size with firm muscular development.  the head is a modified wedge with large erect ears, ideally with tuffs at the tips.  the wide, almond-shaped eyes are a rich shade of gold, green, hazel or copper.

The coat is soft but dense and resilient to the touch and long enough to accommodate 4 or 6 alternating light and dark coured bands.  The tabby "M" on the forehead and the brush stroke markings around the eyes provide the Aby with a feral almost wild look, but the Aby contains no wild blood.  It is gentle and amenable to handling

The Canadian Cat Association recognizes Abyssinians in 4 colours.

1. Ruddy : with its rich orange brown base coat and dark brown or black ticking.
2. Sorrel : with its warm sorrel-red to rich cinnamon base coat and chocolate brown ticking.
3. Blue : with its warm blue grey base coat and slate blue ticking.
4. Fawn : with its warm pinkish buff base coat and deeper pinkish buff ticking.

Spirited and inquisitive, the Aby seems to be in constant motion, a personality trait sometimes at odds with small apartment living.  they are gentle and affectionate to humans and make ideal companions - no doubt a major reason for their popularity as pets.

From the Canadian Cat Association CCA

Somali description

The SOMALI is a breathtaking cat to behold. It bears an uncanny resemblance to a little fox, with its large ears, masked face, full ruff and bushy tail. The Somali's wild, feral look is what immediately draws fascinated attention.

SOMALIS are intelligent cats, and while active, they have soft voices and are usually quiet. They communicate with human family members through soft mews and possess a charming trill. They are extroverts and very social. Possessed with a zest for life, they love to play, solicit nuzzles and pats, and thrive on human companionship. Somalis have bursts of energy several times a day, at which time they will take off through the house, jumping into the air. They toss balls and toys in the air, fetch them back and begin the game anew. Tail and back arched, the Somali will run sideways like a monkey, and even hold objects and food the way a monkey does. Adept at opening cupboards and drawers, Somalis sometimes hide inside their secret areas. Many Somalis can manipulate faucets, and they love to play with water.