abys

The Abyssinian is one of the oldest breeds of cat around on the show bench today. It was first recognised as a breed in 1882. Their true origin is still obscure however and there are various theories as to where they originated. However, there is a mummy in a museum in Holland which predates the first recognised show specimens by many years and which originates from Asia. Other theories suggest that they came from the then called Abyssinia and were brought to England in 1868. That they were first bred and shown in England is indisputable but today they are bred all over the world. The Somali is the 'first cousin' of the Abyssinian and was first bred in the USA in the 1950's. It appears that they kept appearing in some breeders' litters and were sold as pets as they were too fluffy until someone realised the potential of having a medium haired cat that looked like an Abyssinian. So the Somali was on it's way..

Abyssinians and Somalis are very affectionate, lively and extremely loyal pets. They tend to 'bond' with their owners. They are excellent hunters and enjoy freedom. At shows they often play up to the visitors and enjoy being noticed even in their own homes where they tend to show off. They are easy to train to walk on leads and enjoy retrieving. There is an Abyssinian that even enjoys a swim in the sea and sits on a boogie board surfing with her owner! Today Abyssinian and Somali cats come in many colours but the four main colours are the ruddy (also called usual and brown) the sorrel (also called the red or cinnamon) the blue and the fawn. These latter two colours are not often seen. The ruddy is the most popular colour and demand for this cat is high. Today the good ruddy Aby or Somali has vibrant colour. Each hair is ticked with black or dark brown in between bands of rufus colour. Thus each hair has four bands of colour giving a 'ticked' appearance of salt and pepper. The body must be free of all barring and the white which is allowed on the upper chin and throat area is minimal. The body type of the Abyssinian or Somali is medium in all respects and is not over accentuated. The sorrel is a copper coloured cat and is a very striking and popular colour. As it is a recessive colour it is not as easy to obtain as the dominant ruddy. The Somali is longer in coat than the Abyssinian and is endowed with a beautiful flowing tail. The appearance of a good 'ruff' (around the neck) is also a requirement. The Somali is the ideal pet for the person who wants a 'fluffy' cat but does not want to be bothered with the grooming involved with a true Persian, as they require little or no grooming at all. It is called the 'happy medium cat'. In South Africa, there is a group known as the Abyssinian & Somali Association which was formed by Aby & Somali lovers, both breeders and the neutered pet owner, to assist with the breeding, showing and to spread the Aby & Somali word. This group raises funds and makes sure that new genes are always brought into S.A. to keep the gene pool healthy. Should you require any information or assistance please telephone/fax (27+21) 7901525 or email bayfield@iafrica.com The Abyssinian & Somali is one of the most popular breeds of cat around today and is well worth owning. It is an experience not to be missed and once the 'bug' has bitten you - well you are hooked for life!

GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES

A small to medium cat, the Singapura is moderately stocky and muscular with big expressive eyes and large deep-cupped ears. The breed's dominant ticked tabby gene — the same gene that creates the distinctive Abyssinian coat — produces alternating bands or color on each hair. The coat color is modified by the Burmese gene, resulting in a warm brown (sepia) color that alternates with a warm "old ivory" ground color to give the coat a refined, delicate coloration. Both genes are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia.

The muzzle, chin, chest and stomach are the color of unbleached muslin. Unlike the Abyssinian, the Singapura's standard calls for some barring on the inner front legs. The tail is decorated with a black tip and the forehead with the tabby "M." The top of the head should also be ticked. The coat is close-lying, short and silky to the touch.

This cat's eyes are large and almond-shaped, giving an alert, curious expression, and are neither protruding nor recessed. Acceptable eye colors are hazel, green or yellow. The head is nicely rounded with a medium-short, broad muzzle, and there's a slight stop well below eye level. Ears are slightly pointed and wide at the base. Adult male Singapuras weigh in at around 6 pounds; females tip the scales at about 4 pounds.