Abyssian

Profile

OriginSouth-east Asia
Looksmedium sized cat
Weight3 – 5 kg
Coatshort haired
Patternclassic tabby, blotched tabby, mackerel tabby, spotted tabby, ticked tabby
Colourruddy, sorrel, blue, beige-fawn, black silver, blue silver, sorrel silver, fawn silver
EyesVariations between amber, green and hazel. Luminous and expressive. Clear and intense. Framed in the colour of the ticking
Characterintelligent, curious, lively
Special traitBundle of energy with a strong personality
Activity

What is the special trait of this breed?

The Abyssinian cat, often simply called Abyssinian or, more affectionately, “Aby” to a lot of cat lovers is the direct descendant of the ancient Egyptian cat.

Admittedly, there is a likeness in appearance to the Pharaohs’ cats. However, the first cat of this breed made its way from Abyssinia (Ethiopia) to Great Britain in 1868. This cat named “Zula” is considered to be the founder of the breed. 

Abyssinian cats are strong in personality and character; they are especially active, intelligent and very human-oriented. The sensitive animals need a lot of attention. 

With much curiosity they inspect their surroundings and want to take part in anything and everything: All items are subject to a thorough inspection!

Abyssinians are extremely social and energetic; if they have to spend their life by themselves, they tend to get lonely and depressed. 

The perfect pet for cat lovers with a full house! Even a large family with other pets is welcome – the motto for the Abyssinian cat is: the more the merrier! 

However, its space should never be constrained too much and there must always be enough free space to roam about.

What are the traits unique to the Abyssinian?

The slender figure, the wedge-shaped, narrow head and the big almond-shaped eyes give the breed its Oriental appearance.  They are rather solemn and serene with a soft voice and they are not as “talkative” as other breeds. However, you will find that the Abyssinian has its own subtle and charming way of communicating with its human. 

The coat is short, very fine and flat. The typical deer colour is called “ruddy” or “usual” – one of the most common coat colours for the breed and very attractive – a warm reddish brown with black ticking.

The paw pads have a black colouring; also the back is decorated with a thin dark line. The inner legs are as orange-coloured as the belly. 

A curiosity within the world of cats: The Abyssinian kittens are born with a dark coat that grows fairer over time!

After a few months, the coat has achieved its definitive colour. Each Abyssinian harbours a gene for long hair; this means that the kittens can have varying coat lengths (long/half long) within one and the same litter!

Interesting facts on keeping and care

Abyssinians are true bundles of energy. They need a lot of exercise, preferably together with other cats! But they are also good company for dogs and other pets – more often than not ending in life-long friendships. Abyssinians also get along very well with children, given they are old enough to lovingly care for them and think up plenty of interesting new games for their highly intelligent friends.

In any case, Abyssinians need robust scratching and climbing posts as well as plenty of toys that challenge their intelligence. 

Otherwise they might get bored easily. 

Exercise in e.g. an outdoor enclosure with climbing trees means joy for the Abyssinian!

The short coat does not need excessive grooming. It is enough to frequently use a fine comb and then a brush with natural bristles.

During times of seasonal hair replacement you should daily remove excess hair as to make sure it is not swallowed in large quantities. Inspect the ears now and then and if necessary, gently clean them with a special lotion. 

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