Abyssinian Cat Breed Facts and Information
Abyssinians: Ancient Cats of Mystery
by Shawna L. Krautheim & Debbie Moore
The origins of the Abyssinian cat have long been
the subject of great controversy and debate. Resembling
the sculptures and paintings of cats found in ancient Egyptian
artifacts, some speculate that the modern Abyssinian is either
the same breed or a direct descendant of the felines that the
ancient Egyptians prized and worshipped. Modern-day
Abyssinian cat owners are usually quick to tell you that the
Abyssinian cat possesses that regal bearing that such a position
might require. In all the world, there is no other quite
like this ruddy-coated mystery cat.
Abyssinian Cat and Kitten Central is pleased to offer this insightful
Abyssinian Cat Facts, Pictures and Information
article to assist you in learning about the Abyssinian cat breed
and deciding if a Abyssinian cat or kitten is the right choice
for your family. Enjoy!
Abyssinian Cat Breed Facts:
Origin: Southeast Asia
or Egypt
Weight: 8-10 pounds
Average Litter Size:
3
Grooming Needs: Low
Life Expectancy: 9-15 years
Good With Kids: Yes
Good With Other Animals: Yes
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No one is truly sure where it was, exactly, that this mysterious cat
first originated. Strongly resembling the cats depicted in the
artwork and hieroglyphs of the ancient Egyptian people, it is often
thought that the Abyssinian is the very same animal or, at the very
least, a direct descendant of the ancient Egyptian felines.
Even the modern-day Abyssinian still retains the appearance of a
feline known as “felis lybica,” which was the wild African ancestor
of all modern domestic cats.
Others argue that the Abyssinian cat came into existence when imported
cats were crossed into the bloodlines of various brown and silver
tabby cats, who were then interbred with the English “Bunny” ticked
cats. Reportedly, however, the breed earned its name simply
because the first cats of this variety ever shown, were supposedly
imported from the country of Abyssinia (now Ethiopia). The January
27, 1872 issue of “Harper’s Weekly” reported on the 1871 Crystal
Palace cat show in which 3rd place honors were awarded to the
Abyssinian cat, who had supposedly been “captured in the late
Abyssinian War.”
Even the British book, “Cats, Their Points, and Characteristics,” by
Gordon Stables (published in 1874), made mention of the Abyssinian cat, showing a colored lithograph of one of these unique animals and
listed it as having been “brought from Abyssinia at the conclusion
of the war…” With the ending of the war being May of 1868, it
suggests that the Abyssinian cat made his way into England at this time,
though there are still further arguments. Perhaps the
most convincing proof of origin would be the results of recent studies
performed by geneticists, who suggest that the origin of the Abyssinian cat
might be along the coast of the Indian Ocean and into sections of
Southeast Asia. Coinciding with these claims is that the earliest
identifiable Abyssinian cat, to date, is a taxidermy specimen on display
at the Leiden Zoological Museum in Holland. Purchased between 1834
to 1836, this reddish-colored cat was labeled simply as “Patrie, domestica
India.” While the Abyssinian, as we know it today, may have been
cultivated and refined in England, some say that it may have been
purchased in Calcutta, a major port in the Indian Ocean, and then brought
into England along with other trade goods. This was how many
breeds of dogs were introduced into Europe, so the idea is not unheard of.
The first Abyssinian cats were imported to America, from England,
and made their way to the new world during the early 1900s. It
wasn’t until the late 1930s, however, that quality breeding stock would
make the trip overseas and help to form the modern-day
Abyssinian cat breed
foundation. Any Abyssinian lover will be sure to tell you, though,
that it was well worth the wait.
Abyssinian Cat Breed Facts
| Abyssinian Cat Breed History |
Abyssinian Cat Appearance |
Abyssinian Cat Temperament
Grooming Your Abyssinian Cat |
Abyssinian Cat Health Information |
Is an Abyssinian Cat or Kitten The Right Choice For You?
The Abyssinian cat is a very unique individual -
lithely built with a very hard and muscular body, he is known
not only for his distinctive ticked coat, but also for his regal
bearing and consistent body type. A medium-sized cat, they
are firmly built without appearing coarse or cobby, yet do not
possess the fragile look of the oriental breeds. For many,
he is the perfect mixture of the different body types, resulting
in a perfectly proportioned and balanced feline.
The Abyssinian coat possesses a beautiful sheen and is silky and
soft in texture. Of medium length, it is long enough to
carry the required 2-3 bands of ticking that make up the
Abyssinian’s unique color, without delving into the realms of
the long-haired cats. The breed is recognized in four
stunning shades: the ruddy, the red, the blue, and the fawn.
All varieties are expected to possess proper ticking and
richness in color, and the Abyssinian may have eyes of either a
brilliant emerald green or rich molten gold.
The Abyssinian is very much a “people cat,” and
delights in being close to people and observing everything that
they do. This is not to say that they are a lap cat,
however - quite the contrary, the Abyssinian wants to be a part
of everything that their owners do and is sure that, by winding
around your legs and poking his head in wherever he can, that he
is most definitely helping you get the task done. How ever
could you have managed without an Abyssinian to point out the
important things and make note of the little flaws.
Playful well into their adult years, the Abyssinian cat can
often be viewed as a bit of a mischievous prankster and
troublemaker. He is the cat that believes there are no
such words as “can’t” and “don’t.” Sure to find a way up
to the highest perches within your home, as well as squeezing
his way into the tiniest of crawl spaces, he is on constant
patrol, parade, and ever at play. Be sure to put your
breakables away when an Abyssinian is on the prowl.
Abyssinian Cat Breed Facts
| Abyssinian Cat Breed History |
Abyssinian Cat Appearance |
Abyssinian Cat Temperament
Grooming Your Abyssinian Cat |
Abyssinian Cat Health Information |
Is an Abyssinian Cat or Kitten The Right Choice For You?
The Abyssinian is generally a rather
low-maintenance breed of cat. For the most part, a gentle
hand rubbing is generally about all your feline friend will ever
need, although some do enjoy being stroked with a soft bristled
brush or grooming cloth. This will help to remove some of
the dead hair and dander from your cat’s coat, as well as
distributing the natural oils of his skin along his coat, but it
is still more for his enjoyment than anything else.
Consider his weekly brushing as quality together time that can
be spent while you relax together in the recliner and watch a
little television.
Some breeders recommend giving your Abyssinian a bath during the
shedding season. This can be done using any quality cat
shampoo and warm, but not hot, water. Paying attention not
to get soap or water into your cat’s ears or eyes, he should be
soaped up, thoroughly rinsed, and then given a gentle toweling
off. After that, your Abyssinian can be left to drip-dry,
but keep the “drowned rat” comments and snickering to a minimum,
so as not to hurt his feelings or insult his pride.
Bathing your Abyssinian should be started at a young age and, to
protect yourself and your kitty, should always follow a nail
clipping.
The Abyssinian cat, or Aby, is generally a very robust and healthy breed
of cat. Like many purebreds, however, they are still prone
to a few genetic problems. Some of the health concerns of
the Abyssinian cat include:
-
Patellar luxation
-
Retinal atrophy
-
Renal amyloidosis
Additionally, many Abyssinian cats tend to be
susceptible to gingivitis and there are some who suffer from
sensitive stomachs, who require special diets to reduce vomiting.
The Abyssinian is a very regal and intelligent
cat who enjoys a very active cat. If you are looking for a
contented lap cat, the Aby may not be the breed for you but, if
you want a cat who will follow you around the house and involve
himself in everything you do, these wonderful cats do make
incredible pets. Additionally, the Abyssinian does get
along with other animals though, be forewarned, he will probably
attempt to get them involved in mischief (and then finger them
for the crime if at all possible). Abyssinian cats
generally do well with children as well, making them a very
good, if somewhat busy, all-round family cats.
Ready to add an exquisite Abyssinian cat or kitten to your family? Visit our
Abyssinian Cat Breeders Showcase where you can find contact information for
responsible Abyssinian catteries and view photos, detailed information and litter announcements for
Abyssinian kittens for sale.
Click here!
Abyssinian Cat Breed Facts
| Abyssinian Cat Breed History |
Abyssinian Cat Appearance |
Abyssinian Cat Temperament
Grooming Your Abyssinian Cat |
Abyssinian Cat Health Information |
Is an Abyssinian Cat or Kitten The Right Choice For You?
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