Abyssinian
The Abyssinian cat, nicknamed "Aby," is a medium-sized cat with a lean, muscular body and a short coat. Unlike many domesticated cat breeds, it is extremely active and playful; it loves to climb tall pieces of furniture, tackle toys, and play interactive games with its owners.
Length
12-28 in.
Weight
4-11 lbs
Life Expectancy
9-15 yrs.
History of the Abyssinian
Showing cats was all the rage in the late Victorian era. One of the unusual breeds exhibited at the Crystal Palace Cat Show in 1871 was an Abyssinian — “captured in the late Abyssinian War” — who took third place. The report on the cat show, published in the January 27, 1872, issue of Harper’s Weekly, was the first known mention in print of the breed. Unfortunately, no records exist regarding the cats’ origins, although myths and speculation abound, including claims that it was the cat of the pharaohs, and that it was created in Britain by crossing silver and brown tabbies with cats that had “ticked” coats.
Read more: Abyssinian cat
Characteristics of the Abyssinian
The Abyssinian cat is one of the oldest cat breeds in the world. They look like little pumas and their special feature is their “ticked” coat (also called “agouti”).
Playfulness
Affection Level
Friendliness Pets
Grooming Requirements
Vocality
Abyssinian Care
The short, fine coat of the Abyssinian is easily cared for with weekly combing to remove dead hair and distribute skin oils. A bath when the cat is shedding will help to remove excess hair more quickly.
Brush the teeth to prevent periodontal disease. Daily dental hygiene is best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing. Trim the nails every couple of weeks. Wipe the corners of the eyes with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Use a separate area of the cloth for each eye so you don’t run the risk of spreading any infection. Check the ears weekly. If they look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball or soft damp cloth moistened with a 50-50 mixture of cider vinegar and warm water. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can damage the interior of the ear.
Nutrition
Your cat's dietary needs will depend largely on its age, sex, and activity levels. Consult the feeding guide from your favorite cat food brand, or talk to your veterinarian about how much to feed your Abyssinian. Remember: Overfeeding can lead to dangerous health conditions associated with obesity.
Problems
The Abyssinian is a generally healthy cat, but a few conditions are common in the breed. Be on the lookout for symptoms of:
- Periodontal disease: an infection of the tissues that hold the teeth in place
- Patellar luxation: hereditary tendency to experience dislocation of a kneecap
- Progressive retinal atrophy: a degenerative eye disease that can lead to blindness
If you're concerned about your cat's health, talk to your veterinarian about the steps you can take to ensure she lives a long, happy, healthy life.
Pros
- Friendly to children and other pets
- Low maintenance grooming
- Playful with high energy levels
Cons
- Needs exercise (playtime), which may be difficult for busy families
- Prefers to have a companion cat
- Sheds seasonally
Did You Know?
These cats are not extremely vocal; they occasionally make noises that sound more like chirps than meows.
While Abyssinians are very friendly and social cats, they don't love being held—unless they ask for it.
No cat breed is truly hypoallergenic, but Abyssians work well for some people with mild allergies.
