The Abyssinian and Somali cats are two distinct yet closely related breeds, renowned for their striking ticked coats and captivating personalities. Both breeds share a unique coat pattern known as Agouti ticking, where each individual hair shaft displays multiple bands of alternating color. This creates a shimmering, iridescent effect that gives their fur a warm, vibrant appearance, reminiscent of a bunny’s coat. The Abyssinian, a short-haired breed, boasts a resilient coat that springs back into place when stroked against the grain. In contrast, the Somali is its semi-long-haired counterpart, featuring a luxuriously soft and finely textured coat. While generally soft, the exact texture can vary slightly between different colors due to the unique shapes and distribution of pigment within the hair shaft. These enchanting cats, whether short or long-haired, possess a refined beauty and an engaging temperament that makes them exceptional companions for cat enthusiasts.
Physical Characteristics: A Harmonious Blend of Grace and Wildness
The head shape of both the Abyssinian and Somali is a modified wedge, characterized by soft, rounded contours. When viewed in profile, a graceful rise is evident from the bridge of the nose to the forehead, accentuated by a prominent brow ridge that contributes to their captivating, wild-like facial appearance. Their ears are notably large and gracefully arched forward, giving them an alert and attentive demeanor, as if perpetually tuned into their surroundings. The eyes are large, almond-shaped jewels, exuding expressiveness and colored in rich shades of gold, amber, or green. A defining feature is the dark “eyeliner” ring surrounding the iris, further enhanced by a lighter hue around the outer edge, adding depth and intensity to their gaze. The muzzle is rounded, avoiding any appearance of being overly pointed or pinched, contributing to their overall balanced and attractive facial structure.
In terms of size, both breeds are considered medium-sized cats. Males typically weigh between 8 to 10 pounds, while females are slightly lighter, ranging from 6 to 7 pounds. Their bodies are medium-long, exhibiting a lithe and graceful build. They possess the muscular strength of a highly skilled athlete, evident in their lithe frames. The Abyssinian and Somali are solidly built, with a level topline and a subtle arch to their backs, which becomes more pronounced when the cat is in a sitting position. Their legs are slim, long, and well-muscled, leading to oval-shaped feet that give them the elegant appearance of standing on their tiptoes. This combination of sleek musculature and graceful posture enhances their athletic prowess and overall aesthetic appeal.
Coat Colors and Variations: A Spectrum of Natural Beauty
The Abyssinian and Somali breeds are celebrated for their diverse and captivating colorations. They are meticulously bred in a range of stunning hues, each showcasing the signature Agouti ticking in its unique glory. The standard colors include:
- Ruddy: A warm, reddish-brown base with dark brown or black ticking, offering a rich and earthy appearance.
- Chocolate: A deep, warm brown base with darker brown ticking, providing a luxurious and decadent look.
- Cinnamon: A lighter, reddish-brown base with darker reddish-brown ticking, giving a vibrant and warm appeal.
- Blue: A slate-blue or grey base with steel-blue ticking, offering a sophisticated and elegant tone.
- Lilac: A pale grey or pinkish-grey base with lilac-grey ticking, exuding a soft and delicate charm.
- Fawn: A warm, pale beige base with darker beige ticking, presenting a gentle and subtle beauty.
In addition to these base colors, a striking “silver” variation exists for each. In silver-coated Abyssinians and Somalis, the hair closest to the skin is an icy white. As the hair shaft extends upwards, it is adorned with ticking in the corresponding color of the standard varieties (e.g., silver ruddy, silver blue). This creates a breathtaking contrast and adds an ethereal shimmer to their coats, further highlighting the intricate beauty of the Agouti pattern. These diverse colorings, combined with the unique ticked pattern, make the Abyssinian and Somali breeds stand out as truly special and visually stunning felines.
