Abyssinian Cat Breed

With a brightly colored coat, a lean muscular body, and high levels of intelligence, the Abyssinian cat is sure to keep you on your toes throughout its lifetime. The breed of cat you are considering is very inquisitive and performative, so you will find yourself laughing often, and even closing a lot of cabinet doors, when you are caring for this cat. Abyssinians aren’t the kind of cats you’d want if you are looking for a low-key and docile companion.

As a result of the Abyssinian’s size, climbing and making mischief can be made a lot easier (as well as much more sneaky), as he is not overly large. They enjoy entertaining their family members throughout the day, resulting in their reputation as the class clowns of their school as a result of their need for stimulation throughout the day.

It is likely that you had considered adopting an Abyssinian kitten if you were looking for a lively, intelligent, elegant, and affectionate kitten. Is it possible for you to deal with this high-spirited cat? Is the Abyssinian cat right for you? Read on to find out what you need to know.

It is not uncommon for Abyssinians to have brightly coloured coats with a distinctive ticked pattern, to be medium in size and to have a regal appearance. They are lithe, hard, and muscular, and express eager activity as well as lively interest in their surroundings. Both temperamentally and physically, they are usually well balanced individuals.

This is one of the most striking breeds of dog in the world, with a coat that has a ticked pattern on it that highlights their athletic yet slim build. There is no doubt that these graceful beauties are one of the oldest breeds of domesticated cats, and they exhibit a curious and playful nature as well as a love of climbing.

There’s no doubt that the Abyssinian is a visually striking, loyal addition to your family with her slender, athletic look and distinctive ticked coat.

ORIGIN	Abyssinia (Ethiopia)
HEIGHT	8–10 inches
WEIGHT	8–12 pounds
LIFE SPAN	9–13 years
GOOD WITH	families, dogs, cats
TEMPERAMENT	sociable
INTELLIGENCE	high
SHEDDING AMOUNT	seasonal
PLAYFULNESS	high
ACTIVITY LEVEL	active
VOCALNESS	when necessary
COAT LENGTH	short
COLORS	chocolate / brown / sable, fawn, red / orange
PATTERNS	tabby
OTHER NAMES	Abys, Bunny cat
OTHER TRAITS	easy to groom, friendly toward humans, friendly toward other pets, easy to train, strong loyalty tendencies
PRICE	$200-$1000

Pros & Cons

Pros

Looks like a mini cougar
Very active and playful
Adventurous
Learns tricks
Long life expectancy
Easy grooming

Cons

Cuddles less often than other breeds
Needs a lot of attention
Needs a lot of exercise
Not suitable for small apartments

Personality

I don’t recommend that people get an Abyssinia cat if they are looking for a cat that likes to be picked up and cuddled. It is true that Abyssinians tend to struggle for their freedom when they feel restrained because they are courageous, curious, and high-spirited.

The Abyssinians aren’t aloof or standoffish animals; they’re generally affectionate, devoted, and loving companions who are affectionate, devoted, and loving to their owners. Despite the fact that they are not typically lap cats, they may prefer to sit next to you rather than lying on you. Even though they are there to keep an eye on what you are doing, they will follow you around from room to room to see what you are doing.

Despite the fact that Abyssinians will cheerfully entertain themselves, the most gratifying experience for them is when they are very involved members of their household. There is a special level of involvement during dinnertime when they are particularly engaged. During their regular antics, Abyssinians regularly perform a variety of tricks for your-and their-hilarity, earning them the reputation of the clowns of the cat kingdom. It is not uncommon for them to sit beside you purring madly before sprinting off to chase imaginary butterflies and make flying leaps at the tallest bookcases, whether it is perching on shoulders, crawling under covers, or sitting beside you.

Their agile paws and inquisitive minds make them natural athletes who can work their way into any closed room or cupboard. In terms of their vocal abilities, they have a tendency to be quiet. It is not uncommon for them to purr enthusiastically around dinnertime, however, especially during the holiday season. If you will be away all day, you might want to consider providing your Abyssinians with a cat companion to keep them entertained and to keep them from getting bored. Otherwise, they may act out and become aggressive towards you. A cat that is suitable for someone who works all day and has an active social life at night, such as an Abyssinian, may not be the right choice.

Appearance

With its nuanced, complex ticking, which is genetically derived from the tabby pattern, the Abyssinian coat is her most striking characteristic, which is her most notable feature. At the body of this large, densely furred cat, the color of the fur begins lighter, then alternates between lighter and darker shades as it travels to the tip of its tail. Originally, this breed had a warm, reddish-brown base color that was ticked with black, but it is not uncommon for it to be fawn in color as well.

The Breed Standard

Body

There is a strong muscular musculature on the abyssinian cats, and their bodies are long, lean and slender. The overall impression is one of athleticism and balance. It is estimated that the average male Abyssinian weighs between 7 and 10 pounds, whereas the average female Abyssinian weighs between 6 and 8 pounds.

Head

There is a distinctive wedge shape to the Abyssinian cat’s head, with slight roundings to its brows, cheeks, and profile that makes it stand out from other cats. As well as shading on the cheekbones, you may see shadows on the whisker pads as well as dots on the cheekbones. As far as the muzzle is concerned, it should be balanced; neither square nor pointed. It is possible to see jowls on intact adult males.

Ears

As a result of their desert heritage, Abyssinian cats have large ears, far larger than those of other breeds, probably due to their large ears. The ears should be rounded and cup-shaped, wide-set, and have distinct points on the tips of the ears.

Coat

Shorthaired Abyssinian cats are a breed that exhibits a distinct tabby ticked coat that has a fine, silky texture and the coat has a sensuous luster. There is a lightening of color at the ends of the hair where they are closest to the body of the cat, and the hair can exhibit up to four bands of ticking on each side. There is a subtle patterning that can often be seen in the tips of the hairs of Abyssinian cats, in all shades of gray and black.

Color

It is accepted that there are four coat colors for Abyssinian cats: red, blue, fawn, and ruddy or cinnamon in color. Depending on the color of the skin, a very small amount of contrast can be seen on the chin, upper throat and nostril area of all four colors. There are distinct colors for the nose leather and the paw pads that correspond to the coat colors.

Eyes

Cats of the Abyssinian breed may have gold or green eyes, with dark lines extending from the center of the eyes and brows. This breed of dogs has large, expressive, almond-shaped eyes that make them appear exotic due to their size, expressiveness, and almond shape. An area of finer and lighter color should be surrounded by a fine, dark line outside the eyes.

Legs & Paws

It is said that the legs and paws of the Abyssinian cat are slender and fine boned. In order to make the cat appear to be standing on tiptoes, the paws of the cat should have an oval shape and be slightly smaller than the rest of the body.

Tail

An Abyssinian cat has a long, slightly curled tail that tapers to a point at the end, and it is thickest at the base. There are no spots on the tail at all.

Living With

With compensatory exercise, abyssinians are generally able to maintain their weight within a reasonable range despite the fact that they are active cats. If you want them to be able to jump and climb easily, you should provide them with some high perches and cat trees.

The Abyssinians are social cats who enjoy the company of other animals. Another cat or pet can provide this company when a human companion is not at home by being around when he is not at home so that they are not alone.

Health

The relative healthiness of the Abyssinian breed is one of the reasons that make it such a popular breed in the dog world. However, there are still a few things pet owners need to keep an eye on when it comes to their pets, namely:

Progressive retinal atrophy: This is a term that refers to a group of genetic diseases that lead to loss or reduced vision as a result.
Patellar luxation: This is a condition in which the kneecap dislocates, which may result in mild lameness or severe lameness. It is possible that this condition will need to be corrected through surgery.
Renal Amyloidosis: It is a genetic condition in which deposits of a protein called amyloid build up in the organs such as the kidneys, leading to the failure of the kidneys as a result of its accumulation.
Osteoarthritis: This condition is one of the most prevalent in cats, especially with the aging process, and it causes painful joint pain. There are several signs that can indicate osteoarthritis in a cat, such as the cat being unable to jump, run, or climb stairs; feeling tired and irritable; and not using the litter box any longer.
Kidney disease: Another common condition in aging cats, kidney disease may manifest in a number of ways, including frequent urination, thirst, dull or thinning hair, lack of energy, skin ulcers, and vomiting, among others.

Attributes

When you consider how much competition exists for American breeds, it is no surprise that it is not easy to earn the recognition as one of the most popular breeds in the country. There is something about these cats that makes families around the world want to adopt them to make sure they have their own? The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of these cats is their obvious beauty and friendliness. Moreover, you will never be bored when you have an Aby in your house, since they provide you with endless entertainment throughout the day. In addition to that, with an Abyssinian around, each day becomes that much easier and more enjoyable for you.

Abyssinian Cat Physical Characteristics

A typical Abyssinian cat weighs between 6 and 10 pounds, and stands between 12 and 16 inches tall on average. There is a great deal of muscle in the body of these medium-sized cats, despite their slender appearances. As an overall healthy breed, they can live anywhere from 9 to 15 years on average. However, some breeds have even been reported to live well beyond 15 years of age.

It is not uncommon for people to do a double take when they first see an Abyssinian. Their strikingly beautiful coat consists of bands of light and dark colors alternating on each hair, giving them their strikingly beautiful coat. Since Abyssinians share this ticked coat pattern with wild cats such as mountain lions (or cougars), it should come as no surprise that many people believe that on first glance, an Abyssinian is a small, wild cat with a ticked coat.

It is true that all Abys are characterized by ticked patterns, but the colors of their coats will differ from one another. A number of common colors for Abyssinian cats include ruddy browns, reds, blues, and fawns, as well as silver, chocolate, lilacs, and various shades of gray.

According to their coat color, the color of their large, almond-shaped eyes tends to either be brown or yellow. In general, you can expect your Abyssinian to have green or gold eyes, but sometimes the color can be somewhere in between those two colors. There is also a dark marking above their eyebrows which can be seen from time to time, and they have large ears.

Abyssinian Cat Personality Traits

This spunky breed of cat has become known as the “Aby-silly-an” or the “clowns of the cat kingdom,” thanks to their zest for life and constant excitement. It’s no wonder that Abys love high places, so it’s not surprising that you’ll find your Aby sitting on your refrigerator or a bookshelf – if you’ve got an Aby around the house, a tall cat tower is definitely a good investment.

During the time when they’re not busy jumping on everything, Abyssinians really enjoy spending time with their families and their friends, as well as playing with mentally stimulating games. Due to their intelligence, these cats enjoy learning new tricks, and many have even been taught how to walk on a leash because of their intelligence. It is no wonder that many Abyssian parents describe these cats as being similar to dogs. There is almost nothing better than having a small, extremely agile dog such as an Aby around the house, as they have a desire to please their parents and to spend as much time with them as possible.

In spite of the fact that Abys are such sociable creatures, they usually don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time due to their social nature. You should provide your cat with some extra toys or even games, so that they won’t become bored while you’re away, or you should hide some treats around the house so that they won’t be bored… a bored cat can act out in destructive ways if left alone for just a few hours.

In fact, there are some cat parents who find that it is beneficial to have another animal in the house so their cat can receive the extra attention and entertainment he or she needs, but make sure you choose this other animal wisely before getting one. A big part of the Abyssinians’ nature is to want to be at the center of attention, to be in the middle ring, to be the center of attention, and this is something they will never give up easily. A dog or an Aby is a good companion for an Aby, according to some Aby parents who have recommended it as the best companion for an Aby.

Regardless of which pet you choose, there is always the importance of introducing your pet to another animal in a controlled, comfortable environment as early as possible. There should never be any rush when it comes to the process.

The Abyssinian cat is definitely not for those who are looking for a lazy lap cat from a breed that has its own agenda for the majority of the time of the day. Playing, exploring, and being the center of attention are the things that these active cats enjoy most. Most likely, they are also going to follow you around the house just so they can spend time with you just so they can spend time with you. With that said, these cats are perfect for homes with multiple adults or children as well as those with multiple family members.

Living Needs

In fact, the Abyssinian is a cat that loves to get around and explore, so it’s almost certain that she will attempt to climb up onto high shelves and find vantage points where she can see everything around her. In order to give your Abyssinian adequate opportunity to climb, it is recommended that you provide him with multi-level cat trees, cat shelves, or scratching posts. Your pet will enjoy spending hours watching (and chattering at!) the neighborhood birds throughout the day if you have a large window and a perch that she can sit on.

In addition to toys (and lots of them! ), Abyssinians are also known to like to collect things. It is common for these playful and smart kitties to get tired of the same old, same old if their activities are the same. “Our dogs cannot have enough toys to keep them entertained all the time. They need a variety of toys that are rotated regularly so that they are provided with new types of toys, such as toys with feathers, toys that flutter, toys that bounce, toys filled with catnip, mechanical toys, and toys on strings,” Gerken says. Furthermore, they are also capable of occupying themselves for long periods of time with something as simple as a bottle cap or a rolled-up piece of paper that they can play with for extended periods of time.

As a result of their naturally social disposition, Abys do very well in households where there are other pets as well. Gerken, however, says that cats, in general, are not fond of being picked up, cuddled, held, or restrained at all.” If you have small children at home, make sure they understand how to interact properly with cats (no squeezing or grabbing their tails!).

Abyssinian Care

There is no doubt that the Abyssinian cat needs a lot of exercise and has a lot of energy, but they are typically one of the lowest maintenance cats. In fact, because Abys have short coats and shed minimally, it is not necessary to groom them frequently since they are short-haired. Dander, debris, and loose hair can be easily removed from a pet by combing it regularly and bathing it occasionally.

Developing a regular oral health routine is essential for all cats, regardless of their age. The ideal is to brush your cat on a daily basis, but even brushing once a week can help prevent your cat from developing periodontitis.

Your Aby’s ears should be checked on a weekly basis for dirt, debris, and any signs of infection. You can clean dirt or waxy buildup with a soft, cotton cloth in order to remove the dirt or wax. There is a risk of damaging the delicate structures of the inner ear if you use cotton swabs.

As an active, playful cat, Abyssinians are avid collectors of cat toys as well as interactive playtime with their owners. In addition to this, you’ll want to consider investing in a cat tree or wall mounted shelves so that your cat will have high places to climb and perch on.

Characteristics of the Abyssinian

There is something inherently friendly and outgoing about the Abyssinian, which is why it loves to play and hates being alone on its own. Despite its medium size and social nature, this cat doesn’t hesitate to play with toys or navigate stairs (or scratching posts) on its own. It has an adaptable temperament and playful nature, making it the perfect cat for engaging in just about any activity you can imagine. In the end, though, an Aby won’t mind if its housemates are of any species as it will soon seek attention from them. Even though the Abyssinian has an elegant, refined appearance, it has a kitten-like quality that will extend to adulthood, even when it has reached full-grown size around a year of age.

Keeping Them Happy

As you may already know, Abyssinians are very fond of humans and love to participate in whatever their humans are doing during their free time. It is important to know that regardless of their independence, they don’t mind being left alone as much as other cats do. There are also some breeds that are better at handling stressful situations than others. As a result, it is still a good idea to keep two cats, as they will have some company to keep them entertained. There is also no problem with them getting along with dogs.

There is something special about Abyssinians when it comes to heights. In order to keep them entertained, they need a cat activity tree, especially one that goes all the way up to the ceiling. Additionally, they are very intelligent and are capable of learning tricks, such as fetching, very quickly. It is especially enjoyable for them to play challenging games and puzzles.

Abyssinian Fun Facts

As one of the earliest cat stars, they are considered to be one of the best. It was an Abyssinian cat, which won third place in the world’s second major cat show, held in London’s Crystal Palace in 1871, that made an appearance in the world’s second major cat show. It is believed that they are one of the first English cat breeds to be mentioned in a book entitled “Cats, Their Points and Characteristics” written by W. Gordon Stables. There was a cat named Jake who appeared in Walt Disney’s 1978 film “The Cat From Outer Space” that starred an Abyssinian named Jake.
A DNA sequence of a cat has been decoded for the first time. A genome sequence of the feline species was finally completed in 2007. An Abyssinian cat named Cinnamon played the key role in this groundbreaking scientific endeavor. It was one of the most important discoveries in feline genetics that has ever been made.
The first pedigreed cat in Australia was a result of their work. In the 1970s, Dr. Truda Straede developed a hybrid between an Abyssinian, a Burmese, and a domestic shorthair cat from Australia. With the intention of creating a cat with all her favorite feline characteristics, she created the gorgeous “Australian Mist” cat to achieve her goal.
This breed of cat is considered to be the smartest of all the cat breeds. An intriguing list of the top 10 smartest cat breeds has been created by CatTime, with Abyssinians coming out on top of the list.

History

Although it is hard to determine how long the history of the Abyssinian has been around, one thing is certain-these cats have existed for a very, very long time. Abys face a unique situation, when it comes to their entire history, as opposed to cats such as Greys whose entire history lies within a basket of mystery. As to where they came from, there are many myths and legends surrounding their origin.

The myth that the Abyssinian cat is from Abyssinia, now known as Ethiopia, is one of the most prevalent myths that surround this animal. It is also believed that British soldiers during the Abyssinian War, along with this story, were able to find and bring back kittens of this breed to Europe, as a result of their search. After taking a closer look at a variety of ancient Egyptian statues and drawings, another theory has been proposed based on the findings of the research. A great deal of evidence suggests that Abys lived amongst the pharaohs and people of Egypt, since they are depicted on many Egyptian artifacts and paintings.

Nevertheless, there is yet another theory that may be the true history of the Abyssinian people that many now believe to be correct. Several years ago, a taxidermied cat was introduced to the public in an attempt to prove that Abyssinians originated along the coast of the Indian Ocean and in parts of Southeast Asia. It is believed that this cat, which was purchased in the early 1800s, was originally labeled “Patrie, domestica India,” which suggest it was actually a Domestica cat from Asia, rather than an African cat, and that it came from the Orient. It has been suggested that the ancestors of Abys might very well have originated from the eastern-Asian region, which seems to support the claims of recent genetic studies.

Abyssinians in the U.S.

It is undeniable that the Abyssinian race has been around for over a century. In spite of the fact that they were introduced to the United States after the Second World War, they took a very long time to gain popularity-which was probably for the best. In the aftermath of the two world wars, the number of Abys drastically decreased as a large portion of the population was concentrated in Britain.

This breed of cat could have disappeared permanently long before the 21st century if it hadn’t been for the breeding of Abyssinians in the United States. Fortunately, because of their popularity increasing in America over the last few years, their numbers were able to maintain themselves, and today they are ranked among the top five most popular cats across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Abyssinian cat cost?

A typical Abyssinian cat costs between $200 and $1000, depending on the breed.

How big do Abyssinian cats get?

The average size of an Abyssinian cat is between 15 and 20 pounds. Depending on the cat’s breed and size, an Abyssinian cat might weigh between 8 and 12 pounds, or more, and stand between 8 and 10 inches tall when they are fully grown.

How long do Abyssinian cats live?

It is estimated that Abyssinians live between 9 and 13 years on average.

Do Abyssinian cats shed?

There are two different types of Abyssinians: longhaired and shorthaired. The reason for that is that they shed less than long-haired cat breeds because they have shorter hair.

Abyssinian Cat Breed – All Information, Facts, Care and Price