Abyssinian Cats

An Abyssinian cat, sometimes called an Aby, resembles the cats that are depicted in ancient Egyptian art. The Abyssinian cat breed is often considered one of the oldest cat breeds, but there is some debate over its origin. The name of this cat breed does not necessarily reflect its place of origin.

The cat breed got its name because the first cats shown in England were said to be imported from Ethiopia, which was called Abyssinia. One of the cats imported from Abyssinia placed third in the Crystal Palace cat show in 1871. The media reported that the third place prize was awarded to an Abyssinian cat. Some people believe that the Abyssinian cat actually originated by crossing cats with the British bunny ticked cat. More recent genetic tests point to Southeast Asia as the likely origin of the Abyssinian cat breed.

The body of an Abyssinian cat is medium-sized, muscular, and slender. The breed standard for Abyssinian cats describes the cat as lithe and graceful. The ears are large and appear almost perked as if listening. The eyes of Abyssinian cats are almond-shaped. Abyssinian cats can have gold or green eyes.

The coat of the Abyssinian cat is soft, dense and of medium length. The coloring of Abyssinian cats is ticked. The ticked coloring means that the hairs have bands of darker coloring. Abyssinian cats can be blue, fawn, red, or ruddy. They require little grooming. The occasional brushing with a soft bristle brush can remove loose hair and reduce shedding.

Abyssinian cats are intelligent and people-oriented. They are affectionate and seem to like to be involved with the activities of its owner. Abyssinian cats are playful and typically retain this trait throughout their lives. They are an active and lively cat breed and not likely to be content to sit on its owner’s lap for very long.

The Abyssinian cat is not talkative like a Siamese cat. Abyssinians may occasionally use their voices, but are typically very quiet. The life expectancy of an Abyssinian cat is about fifteen years. The Abyssinian cat is a hardy and generally healthy breed. They may be susceptible to retinal atrophy, patellar luxation, renal amyloidosis, and digestive problems.