Abyssinian

The Abyssinian cat, sometimes known as “Aby,” is a medium-sized cat with a long body, well-developed muscles, and a short-to-medium-length coat. Abyssinians, unlike many domesticated cat breeds, are extremely energetic, playful cats who enjoy climbing tall pieces of furniture, playing with toys, and engaging in interactive games with their cat parents. Abys are good with children and other pets and can be a great addition to an active family. It is, however, recommended that you supply your Aby with a companion cat because they are very social and can become bored if left alone for too long.

Abyssinian cats are extremely adaptable and may thrive in both small and large homes. As previously said, Abys enjoy climbing, so consider adding a cat tree to your home decor—especially if you live in a tiny space and need to optimize vertical height rather than floorspace.

Abyssinian breed overview

WEIGHT: 8 to 12 pounds

LENGTH: 12 to 16 inches

COAT: A silky, short-to-medium length coat

COAT COLOR: Ruddy, red, blue, cinnamon, or fawn

EYE COLOR: Green or gold

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 9 to 15 years

Abyssinian cat characteristics

Affection Level	Medium to High
Friendliness	Medium to High
Kid-Friendly	Medium to High
Pet-Friendly	Medium to High
Exercise Needs	Medium
Playfulness	High
Energy Level	High
Intelligence	High
Tendency to Vocalize	Low
Amount of Shedding	Low

Personality of the Abyssinian

People looking for a cat that enjoys being picked up and petted should avoid getting an Abyssinian. As bold, inquisitive, and lively as Abyssinians can be, they prefer to fight for their freedom when they feel stifled.

No, that does not mean they are cold or unpleasant; on the contrary, Abyssinians tend to be caring companions who are devoted to you. Despite the fact that lap cats aren’t common, they may prefer to sit close to you rather than on you. They will, however, keep an eye on you as you move from room to room.

In spite of their ability to amuse oneself, Abyssinians thrive when included in household activities. Mealtime is when they get the most involved. As a result of their frequent pranks, Abyssinians are referred to as the “clown cats” of the feline world. These feline friends may perch on your shoulders, climb under the blankets, or sit excitedly next to you before running off to chase imagined butterflies and leap over tall bookcases.

Their swift paws and inquisitive minds let them to get into even the most secretive of places. They speak in a more muted tone. They do, however, purr enthusiastically, especially when food is being consumed. If you’re going to be away for a long period of time, consider providing your Abyssinians with a cat pal to keep them occupied. If you work all day and have a hectic social life at night, an Abyssinian may not be the right cat for you.

History of the Abyssinian

The Abyssinian is undeniably one of the oldest breeds known, yet no one knows when or where they originated. Some believe the Abyssinians were named after their forefathers who came from Abyssinia (now Ethiopia). Others believe the breed originated on the Indian Ocean’s coast and in portions of Southeast Asia; current genetic tests suggest that today’s Abyssinian descended from a species of cat common in those places.

The most well-known legend holds that today’s Abyssinians are descended from the sacred cats adored as bodily manifestations of the gods in ancient Egyptian temples and palaces 4,000 to 6,000 years ago. Although Abyssinians resemble the cats represented in Egyptian murals and sculptures, so does the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica), the species known to have been mummified by the ancient Egyptians and from which feline experts believe all domestic cats descended. Abyssinians are well-known for their vivacious personalities.

At the end of the Abyssinian War in 1868, a cat named Zula was carried from Abyssinia to England, but whether Zula was an Abyssinian is debatable. Zula’s illustration depicts a cat with very small ears and a skull shape that is not typical of an Abyssinian. Because there is no written documentation connecting Zula to today’s breed, some believe the original lines died out and the Abyssinian was formed by the British from existing British Bunny cats with Abyssinian-like ticking.

Without a doubt, the British promoted and perfected the breed until World War II devastated it, forcing the British to restart from scratch. In the early 1900s, two Abyssinians arrived in America from England. The Abyssinians that started today’s North American breed, on the other hand, were imported from Britain in the 1930s. Since then, the species has grown in favor because to its beauty and acrobatic abilities. The Abyssinian is becoming one of the most popular shorthair breeds.

Abyssinian Care

Despite its high energy and activity level, the Abyssinian may be an easy-to-care-for cat. Due to their delicate, short coats, Abys don’t need everyday maintenance. At the very least, you should comb your pet’s hair every week to remove dandruff and other foreign matter. However, bathing your Aby when she’s shedding will help reduce the quantity of hair and allergens she sheds..

Abyssinian cats, like all cats, need to get their teeth and gums cleaned on a regular basis. To avoid periodontal disease, brushing your cat’s teeth everyday is ideal, but even once a week can be beneficial.

Be on the lookout for any indicators of disease or dirt in Abyssinians’ pointed ear. You can clean dirt and waxy residue with a soft cotton cloth. In order to protect the delicate components of the inner ear, cotton swabs should be used with caution. If your cat’s ear (or ears) are red, inflamed, or smell weird, contact your veterinarian. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, you may have an ear infection.

As previously said, Abyssinians are highly energetic and playful cats. Make sure your home is littered with cat toys, and schedule time each day to play with your cat. If you want your cat to be able to see the world go by from a higher perch, you may want to invest in a cat tree or wall-mounted shelves.

Common Health Problems of the Abyssinian cat

The Abyssinian is a generally healthy cat, but it’s vital to be aware of the breed’s more common health issues. Knowing the signs and symptoms of various health disorders will help you get your cat the attention he requires right away.

There’s no assurance that your Aby will or will not acquire specific health issues, but keep an eye out for signs of:

• Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth. Periodontal disease can be avoided by practicing good dental hygiene.
• Patellar luxation is a kneecap dislocation. This is a hereditary disorder that can be cured surgically.
• Progressive retinal atrophy is a blinding degenerative eye disease.

If you’re worried about your cat’s health, talk to your veterinarian about what you can do to make sure she lives a long, happy, and healthy life.

Diet and Nutrition

Depending on your cat’s age, sex, and activity level, it will have different food requirements. If you’re unsure of how much to feed your Abyssinian, check with your veterinarian or the feeding instructions provided by the brand of cat food you typically feed. Obesity is a serious health problem that can be brought on by excessive feeding.

Conclusion

The Abyssinian is a friendly, high-energy cat that gets along well with both children and other animals, including other pets and other cats. If you lead an exceptionally busy life and are frequently absent from your home, you could want to give your Aby the company of another cat or look into a different breed altogether.

The following cat breeds are similar to the Abyssinian:

• Bengal
• Burmese
• American Shorthair